Answer:

Introduction

Moral attitude is an individual’s beliefs and values about what is right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust, and fair and unfair in a moral sense. While, political attitude is an individual’s attitude towards political issues or ideologies defining an individual’s like or dislike for a political person, party, or ideology. Together they encompass the collective beliefs and values influencing an individual’s or society’s decisions and actions.

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Factors shaping moral and political attitudes 

Factors Shaping Moral Attitudes:

• Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Cultural norms and religious teachings significantly shape moral attitudes. Eg: In India, the principle of “Ahimsa” (non-violence) in Hinduism and Buddhism influences moral attitudes towards vegetarianism and pacifism. 
• Family and Upbringing: The values instilled during childhood play a crucial role. For instance, the Indian joint family system often fosters values of sharing, respect for elders, and collective decision-making. 
• Education and Awareness: Educational institutions and awareness programs shape moral attitudes. Eg: inclusion of moral science in Indian schools aims to instill ethical values in students.
• Social and Peer Influence: The attitudes and behaviors of peers and society at large can influence individual moral beliefs. The widespread practice of arranged marriages in India reflects societal attitudes towards marriage and relationships.
• Personal Experiences: Individual experiences can profoundly impact moral attitudes. For example, witnessing poverty and inequality in India can shape attitudes towards social justice and philanthropy.

Factors Shaping Political Attitudes:

• Political Socialization: Family, education, and media exposure to politics shape political attitudes. Eg: In India, political discussions within families and media coverage of politics play a significant role.
• Historical and Political Events: Significant events can shape political attitudes. The Indian independence movement and its leaders like Mahatma Gandhi have profoundly influenced political attitudes towards nationalism and democracy.
• Media and Propaganda: Media, including news, social media, and propaganda, shape political attitudes. Eg: rise of digital media in India has significantly influenced political opinions, especially among the youth.
• Social Movements and Activism: Movements advocating for social, environmental, or political causes can shape political attitudes. The “Chipko Movement” in India, for example, influenced political attitudes towards environmental conservation.

Ways in which they impact formulation of public policies and the governance process in a democratic setup 

Impact of Moral attitudes 

• Influencing Policy Priorities: Moral attitudes of the society and leaders often determine the priorities in policy formulation. Eg: India’s emphasis on poverty alleviation and social welfare schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKY) during the Covid-19 pandemic reflects moral attitudes towards ensuring social justice.
• Shaping Legal Frameworks: Moral attitudes influence the creation of laws and regulations. Eg: prohibition of dowry and child marriage in India, driven by moral attitudes towards gender equality and children’s rights, showcases how moral beliefs are translated into legal frameworks.
• Public Opinion and Policy Response: Public policies are often a response to the moral attitudes of the electorate. Eg: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), initiated in response to public concern over cleanliness and hygiene, demonstrates how moral attitudes of citizens can lead to significant policy initiatives.
• Rights based approach: The philosophy of live and let live, Vasudeva Kutumbakam etc are fundamental to the Indian belief system which is reflected in its policies at national as well as international level. 
• Justice based approach: The idea of Dharma is central to Indian morality which is reflected in its various policies and laws made to create an equitable,democratic and just society.

Impact of Political Attitudes 

• Influencing Policy Priorities: Political attitudes of the ruling party or coalition shape the priorities in policy formulation. Eg: the Indian government’s focus on “Make in India” reflects a political attitude favouring economic nationalism and self-reliance, leading to policies that promote domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment.
• Determining Legislative Agenda: The political attitudes of legislators influence the agenda in legislative bodies. Eg: passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act in India, which aimed to unify the country’s tax system, was influenced by political attitudes towards economic reform and fiscal consolidation.
• Shaping Public Opinion and Participation: Political attitudes can mobilize public opinion and participation in governance. Eg: widespread support for the Right to Information Act in India, which reflects a political attitude valuing transparency and accountability, led to its enactment and has encouraged public participation in governance.
• Influencing Foreign Policies: Political attitudes towards other nations and global issues shape foreign policy. Eg: India’s non-aligned stance during the Cold War and its current policies towards neighbouring countries driven by the neighbourhood first policy (2014), reflects political attitudes towards sovereignty, regional stability, and global cooperation.

Conclusion 

Overall, the interplay of moral and political attitudes profoundly influences public policy formulation and governance in a democracy. These attitudes, rooted in cultural, social, and historical contexts, guide the ethical compass of societies, shaping laws, policies, and international relations, ultimately steering the course towards a more equitable and just society.

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