Suchergebnisse

The relationship between perceived financial interests of citizens & their pol'al involvement (PI) is examined. Data were obtained from a secondary analysis of the U of Mich Survey Res Center's 1956 nat'l election survey. 2 hyp's were tested: (1) The greater the dissatisfaction with personal or fam econ position, the higher the PI. (2) The greater the perception of a connection between pol'al events & personal econ status, the higher the PI. Results showed that 18% of R's were dissatisfied with their financial condition. Contrary to hypothesis (1), financial dissatisfaction is r'ed to PI. When SES is controlled, dissatisfaction with finances is r'ed to pol'al apathy among Ls R's, but not among Hs R's. Reasons for the lower rate of PI among Ls persons in the US include: (1) Perception of other means of improving econ conditions as surer than pol. (2) Alienation of Ls persons, dissatisfied with their econ position, from pol in general. An empirical test of (2), using the Survey Res Center's Sense of Pol'al Efficacy scale as an index of alienation, showed a r between higher SS &.low alienation. A r between financial dissatisfaction & pol'al alienation exists among Ls, but not among Hs R's. It is suggested that 'self interest' may work primarily not through individuals, but rather through the leadership in soc groups to which they belong. AA.