Trust, Efficacy and Political Reality: A Longitudinal Analysis of Indian High School Students

Does the level of support for the political regime fluctuate during childhood and adolescence? Is the "reservoir of good will" toward the regime affected by short-term considerations such as the performance of an incumbent government?' These issues are basic to socialization research for they address the political relevance of preadult attitudes. Following Easton and Dennis,2 most scholars have argued that political socialization contributes to regime stability by inculcating a high level of support at an early age. Of particular importance is the presumption that preadult support for the regime is unconditional and leads an independent existence, unaffected by day-to-day political events, controversies, or disappointments. It is therefore argued that the level of regime support persists more-or-less unchanged into adulthood, thus reducing the likelihood of significant antiregime behavior. In short, the socialization process results in an "attitudinal cushion" upon which the regime can rely during periods of policy failures and disappointments. As Easton and Dennis have noted with regard to children's acquisition of the sense of political efficacy:3