Political efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to influence the political process. While it may be related to party membership, it is not a primary factor directly determining party affiliation.

Selective perception is a cognitive bias where individuals tend to seek out information that aligns with their existing beliefs and avoid information that contradicts them.

Family tradition refers to the influence of family members' political affiliations on an individual's party membership.

Rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis, including their decision to join political parties.

Political efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to make a difference in the political system.

While the other factors have contributed to the decline of party membership, the decline of social class voting is not a primary factor.

Social identity theory suggests that individuals join political parties to fulfill their need for belonging and to establish a positive social identity.

Social class voting refers to the tendency for individuals to vote for political parties that represent their social and economic interests.

While media consumption can influence political attitudes and behaviors, it is not a primary factor directly determining party identification.

Ideological alignment refers to the tendency for individuals to join political parties that share their ideological beliefs and values.

While the other factors have contributed to the increasing polarization of political parties, the growth of independent candidates is not a primary factor.

Group theory suggests that individuals join political parties to fulfill their need for belonging and to establish a positive social identity.

While media consumption can influence political attitudes and behaviors, it is not a primary factor directly determining party membership.

Ideological alignment refers to the tendency for individuals to join political parties that share their ideological beliefs and values.

While the other factors have contributed to the increasing polarization of political parties, the growth of independent candidates is not a primary factor.