Do attitudes influence behaviour? Discuss the polarization of political attitudes in India.
In short
Attitudes do influence behaviour: political beliefs shaped by family, education and media guide voting and protest, and such behaviour hardens attitudes through confirmation bias. India's polarisation runs along caste, religion and region, amplified by social media echo chambers, as the rise of Andhra Pradesh's Telugu Desam Party shows.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 281 words
Socialization and Media Impact
Media, especially social media, reinforced nationalist sentiments in the 2019 and 2024 elections, mobilizing voters and shaping attitudes. The role of family and education also embeds political values early on.
Caste and Religion as Polarizing Axes
Caste and religion remain central to political polarization, with parties exploiting these identities, as noted by Rajni Kothari and visible in Andhra Pradesh, where electoral strategies often hinge on these divides.
Regionalism and Identity Politics
Regional parties emphasize local identities, deepening divides but also empowering regional voices. This dual effect strengthens sub-nationalism while fragmenting national consensus.
Attitudes Fuel Polarization
Rigid political attitudes create in-group/out-group dynamics, hindering dialogue and compromise, thereby entrenching divisions.
Feedback Loop
Polarized behaviour reinforces attitudes via selective exposure and confirmation bias, deepening divisions and making reconciliation difficult.
Inclusive Political Education
Civic education in Andhra Pradesh can foster respect for diverse views and critical thinking, helping reduce entrenched biases.
Regulate Social Media
Monitoring digital platforms can curb misinformation fueling polarization and create more transparent political discourse.
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Attitude and Emotional intelligence6 questions
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.