Often, the term “politics” is associated with election nights, controversial congressional hearings, and large-scale protests on the streets. But the most significant political processes occur without attracting any attention and right under our noses. In other words, every day, we are involved in various activities that include power, influence, decision-making, and values and create society through these actions. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to politics in daily activities since it can help us realize what inequalities, justice, and inclusion processes are embedded in seemingly insignificant decisions and routines.
At first glance, this concept is directly related to many issues discussed in a political science and sociology class. Numerous course readings mention micropolitics, which means the use of power in everyday negotiations and decision-making. For example, when reading Michel Foucault’s works, students understand how ubiquitous and pervasive political power is in society. Additionally, when discussing feminism, one can hear the well-known motto of feminists: “the personal is political.” In such cases, the issue of division of powers at home and who cooks, does laundry, takes care of children, etc., is crucial since it affects people’s economic and political positions. At last, classroom conversations always touch upon citizens’ rights and the meaning of civic activity beyond electoral processes.
The simplest example of everyday politics is going shopping. Buying some products or another, people support certain corporations and companies whose labor relations and production process significantly differ. In such a way, choosing goods becomes a vote. Moreover, people decide on the consumption of particular music and entertainment through downloading certain apps and using specific social media. Also, everyday decisions about working remotely can have a considerable influence on labor processes and labor legislation.
My personal example of the connection between everyday political activities and courses relates to the period when I worked part-time in a supermarket. At that time, I studied and combined work and educational duties. However, it became impossible due to strict scheduling policies, which changed frequently, creating difficulties for students and single parents working there. Workers could not make any changes to their schedules, and management had absolute control over them. Suddenly, a few employees began to exchange information about working shifts and cover each other’s work hours. In such a manner, we managed to make our lives easier, although it was a tiny political act.
Everyday politics can also be expressed in conversations about certain topics. Family dinner parties, chats with friends in the street, neighborhood gatherings – all of these places may turn out to be spaces of politics negotiations. During last several years’ elections, I could clearly notice that discussions about ‘those people’ on the other side of the political fence always lead to an inability to understand another person’s position. Instead of judging or ignoring the other point of view, it is possible to make an effort and listen. As it was discussed in many readings in this course, listening is what makes a society healthy: people must learn how to argue without dehumanizing each other.
The power of social media allows politics to emerge in different areas, and some online posts may become the source of change and development of civil society. At the same time, sometimes they contribute to further division in the communities. Personally, sometimes I scroll down my social network feed without stopping, liking all posts supporting my beliefs without even checking whether this information is true or not. This realization makes me try to be more careful and responsible by using social media.
Being able to identify and reflect on everyday politics gives us more opportunities and makes us more powerful. This approach to citizenship enables us to participate in politics without waiting for elections or major changes in the country. For example, it is possible to support fair trade products or actively take part in environmental protection programs in our communities. It is important to note that in order not to be misled, such actions have to be taken together with advocacy for changes in the government sector.
In conclusion, it should be mentioned that awareness of politics embedded in our daily activities is the first step towards becoming a responsible citizen. Moreover, such knowledge helps us to realize that every person is an actor of politics no matter where and how he/she spends his/her life.
