Abstract
Argues that, since the 1960s, there have been profound social, economic, technological, structural, cultural, & political changes that signify a major shift in the political cultures of advanced, postindustrial societies. An 8-part framework is developed to identify the key components of postindustrial politics in terms of (1) the increased influence of the mass media, (2) shifting political orientations, (3) declining polarization between Left & Right political ideologies, (4) the increased salience of single-issue politics, (5) the influence of public political discussion, (6) the institutionalization of new social movements, (7) changing citizen political orientations, & (8) the increased political clout of young, well-educated, & nonreligious citizens. Changes in public & private values are also identified, focusing on materialism/nonmaterialism & their political implications. Trends in citizens' social & economic liberalism, issue priorities, & political activism are chronicled, & cross-national comparisons are drawn on the basis of survey & other empirical data from a variety of sources. 8 Tables, 5 Figures, 1 Appendix. K. Hyatt Stewart