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Voting as an Influential Behavior

Child and Adolescent Beliefs

Williams College

This study investigates preadult learning about voting and its ability to convey wants and influence the government. Its framework is the Easton-Dennis (1969) socialization model. Past research has concentrated on vote socialization as a "support" input, whereas this work treats voting as a "demand" input. A survey was administered to a widely diversified sample composed of 1692 preadults from grades four through high school. Using both closed- and open-ended questions, it was found that preadults recognize and evaluate voting effectiveness to influence government. Effectiveness evaluations are quite diverse, although a simple majority in all groups believe voting can be effective to a degree. Respondents are also capable of contrasting voting effectiveness with other forms of participation. In comparison with other participations, voting is viewed by all age groups as a relatively less effective demand behavior.

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