Final answer:
A consensual political culture is one where there is a broad agreement on the objectives and methods of politics, leading to stability and cooperation, while a conflictual political culture is characterized by deep divisions and disagreements that can lead to tension and conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a conflictual and a consensual political culture lies in the level of agreement among participants about the fundamental goals of politics and the means of achieving them. A consensual political culture is one in which there is a general agreement on the major goals and how politics should function, resulting in a more stable and cooperative political environment. In this culture, participants share a common political culture, seek to preserve a stable order and are more likely to engage in bargaining as a means of resolving conflicts.
In contrast, a conflictual political culture is marked by deep divisions and disagreement about the very foundations of politics. Participants in a conflictual culture often disagree on what the goals of the society should be and are less likely to find common ground. This can lead to heightened tensions and is sometimes seen in societies where different groups strive to assert their interests and values over others, which might align with viewpoints from the conflict perspective that emphasise how societal changes can benefit specific groups while disadvantaging others.
Furthermore, political cultures can influence the ideology and opinion of a region or state, as seen through the research of Daniel Elazar and how states can have distinct political cultures, shaping the attitudes and beliefs of their citizens. Separatist movements can be fueled by divergent political cultures, where regions with longstanding political orientations, like the Lowland South being conservative, conflict with others holding different values. Moreover, political participation varies between cultures, with some encouraging widespread involvement, while others see it as a privilege for only certain individuals.