“Attitude is a learnt – rather than an in-born”  predisposition to appraise things in a certain way.

People, issues, objects, and events can all be evaluated in this way. These assessments are frequently positive or negative, but they can also be ambiguous at times. An attitude is a positive or negative reaction to a person, place, thing, or event (or the attitude object).

A variety of elements play a role in the establishment of one’s attitude toward various topics. The following are some of these elements:

Culture:

  • Culture has a huge impact on a person’s life. Religion, tradition, conventions, restrictions, rewards, and sanctions are all part of culture.
  • The process by which culture changes people’s attitudes is known as socialisation. Individual views, attitudes, and behaviours that are acceptable in one’s life and society are taught through culture.
  • For example, whereas eating beef is considered taboo in India, there is no such prohibition in Western countries.

Family:

  • A person’s most important and closest social group is his or her family. It is a place where attitude formation takes place.
  • Parents have a greater influence in the family system since they structure and mould a child’s mindset. In particular, extended family and sibling connections play a crucial influence in attitude formation.
  • Apart from family, several social groupings, such as friends, classmates, and colleagues, play a vital role in attitude formation.
  • Consider India’s voting patterns. Some people do not listen to candidate speeches, read newspapers, or participate in debates. They consult with friends, relatives, and others before casting their vote for a candidate. Families, friends, and other social groups have a significant impact on a candidate’s selection.

Institutions:

  • There is never a time when a man is alone. From cradle to tomb, he has been influenced by one or more institutions.
  • For example, educational institutions such as schools and universities serve as knowledge repositories, directing and shaping a person’s views and values, and therefore forming attitudes.

Familiarity:

  • A pleasant attitude is bred by familiarity. Because most people are afraid of the unfamiliar, something familiar may make them feel at ease.
  • Familiarity and classical conditioning influence an individual’s feelings and, as a result, the affective component of attitudes.
  • One of the most important factors for achieving professional success and fully developing one’s personality is to cultivate the correct attitude in life.

“Nothing can stop a man with the correct mental attitude from attaining his goal, and nothing on earth can help a guy with the wrong mental attitude,” Thomas Jefferson observed.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish June 21, 2023