Vztah sociální struktury a politických orientací
The Social Structure and the Political Attitudes: The Problems of Relationship

Summary/Abstract: The author deals with the effects of social structure on political consciousness and electoral behaviour today. He argues that the traditional interpretation of the typical political attitude of different social groups and classes as it was created in the 19th century is not sustainable any more. The 20th century has brought the declining role of the social structure toward political opinion. Although, the structural changes in the society have indeed shaped the political attitudes of different social groups, the influence of the social position towards political opinion has not disappeared completely. Using empirical data from the Czech Republic, Western European states and the United States he shows how social position remains strongly influential on electoral behaviour today. Author proves this idea through three specific contemporary sociological theories, which take into account our current circumstances. These theories by P. Bourdieu, H. Kitschelt and the German Sinus Institute convey to author's arguments by offering a variety of factors which have an influence on the electoral behaviour of the individual. All of them agree that they are still present strong links between social structure and political opinion however, in today's society there are other factors which influence the public opinion. These are: A shift to post-material values, the increasing role of the cultural capital and the shift form left-right axis, to the axis authoritarism libertarianism. ln agreement with these three authors, author argues that the influence of social structure shouldn't be ignored however, it is necessary to take into account all other variables and accept their effects on social structure today.

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