Socialization of Party Activists: National Convention Delegates, 1972-81

When unconventional political activists captured the 1972 Democratic national convention, many feared that these activists who rejected traditional party norms would destroy that party. However, analysis of the Center for Political Studies' (CPS) 1972-81 panel survey of national convention delegates shows that by 1981 the less conventional 1972 Democratic delegates had adopted more traditional attitudes about the role of the party organization, and they were more willing to compromise. Their socialization was largely the result of increased affiliative ties with their political party over the nine-year period. While their socialization had obvious potential benefits for their party's ability to aggregate demands and sustain unity, socialization also helped sustain involvement of certain types of activists: those who initially saw few reasons for political involvement and those highly committed to policy goals. Traditional party norms helped sustain these activists' interest in an organization that requires compromise. However, socialization is not necessary for sustained involvement. The implications of these findings for political parties are discussed.