Answer: Political attitude refers to an individual's orientation towards political issues, events, and actors. It encompasses an individual's beliefs, values, and opinions about the role of government, public policy, and political ideologies. For example, some people have a strong belief in individual liberty and limited government intervention.

Factors shaping Political Attitudes

• Family and Upbringing: Family values and beliefs can play a significant role in shaping a person's political attitudes. Children often adopt the political views of their parents and close relatives.
• For example, Jawahar Lal Nehru was motivated to join active politics because of his father.
• Education: Exposure to different political ideologies and perspectives through education can shape a person's political attitudes.
• For example, a person who attends a liberal arts college with a diverse student body may be exposed to more progressive ideas and be more likely to adopt liberal political views.
• Society: Societal values, traditions, and norms regarding issues such as gender roles, family structure, religion, and morality can shape individuals' political beliefs.
• For example, in a society that highly values religious conservatism, individuals may be more inclined to hold conservative political attitudes that align with those religious values.
• Economic Status: Economic status can influence one's sense of identity and solidarity with certain groups.
• For example, individuals with higher economic status may identify more strongly with economic elites and business interests, aligning their political attitudes accordingly. They may prioritize policies that benefit their economic class.
• Life experiences: Individuals who have personally faced discrimination or witnessed the marginalization of certain groups may be more likely to advocate for social justice and equality through their political attitudes and beliefs.
• For example, B.R Ambedkar faced discrimination throughout his life which led him to propagate the cause of dalits.

Components of Desirable Attitude in a Democratic nation:

• Critical Thinking: It affects our cognitive abilities which in turn influences our affective component and hence behavioral change occurs.
• For example, Akshay Kumar Dutta cited medical reasons against child marriage.
• Civic Responsibility: Citizens should actively participate in the democratic process by voting, engaging in political discussions, and staying informed about current events.
• Tolerance: Citizens should respect diverse viewpoints and should consider alternative perspectives. This is essential for peace and harmony in a diverse country like India.
• For example, Muslim men performs Ramlila in UP which is also recognized as intangible heritage by UNESCO.
• Empathy: Empathy allows individuals to understand and connect with the experiences, perspectives, and needs of others. It enables them to put themselves in someone else's shoes and see the world from different vantage points.
• For example, Gandhi went to south Africa to fight a legal case, but after the seeing the conditions of indentured labor, he did satyagraha for their welfare.
• Commitment to Rule of Law: Citizens should uphold the rule of law through following laws in letter and spirit.
• For example, citizens should follow traffic rules diligently.

By promoting these desirable attitudes through moral education and development of scientific temper, citizens can work towards building a strong and inclusive democracy that serves the needs and interests of all members of society.