A fundamental component of political culture is social values. Political culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices that shape the behavior of individuals and groups within a society. Social values, in this context, are the beliefs and attitudes that people hold about the proper role of government, the nature of democracy, and the relationship between citizens and the state. These values are shaped by the social and cultural experiences of individuals and are passed down from generation to generation. Examples of social values that may shape political culture include the importance of individual freedom, equality, justice, and the rule of law. The influence of social values on political culture can be seen in the way people vote, the policies they support, and the political movements they join.