Which of the following is not a component of political culture?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which option is NOT a component of political culture.

Step 2: Explain the concept Political culture is the set of attitudes, beliefs, values, norms, and sentiments that shape how people in a society view politics and government. It describes the psychological and subjective orientation of citizens toward the political system. Its main components include:

• Beliefs (what people hold to be true about the political system)
• Attitudes (how people feel about government, leaders, and institutions)
• Values (what people consider important, such as liberty or equality)
• Norms (accepted standards of political behaviour)
• Symbols and sentiments (such as the national flag and anthem, and feelings of patriotism)

Step 3: Go through the options

• A. Norms: These are accepted political standards of behaviour. They are a component.
• B. Age: This is a demographic characteristic of a person or population. It is not a belief, value, or orientation toward politics, so it is not a component of political culture.
• C. Beliefs: These are core elements of political culture, so they are a component.
• D. Attitudes: These are also core elements of political culture, so they are a component.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. Age. It is a demographic factor, not part of the subjective orientations that make up political culture. Age may influence a person's political attitudes, but it is not itself a component of political culture.

Exam tip Remember B-A-V-N-S: Beliefs, Attitudes, Values, Norms, Symbols. Political culture is about what people think and feel about politics. Any option that describes a physical or demographic trait, such as age, sex, or height, is usually the odd one out.