Our Democracy : Czech Adolescents Talk About the Meaning of Democracy and Attitudes Toward Immigrants
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2019 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/asap.12175 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/asap.12175 |
| Keywords | democracy; adolescence; focus groups; thematic analysis |
| Attached files | |
| Description | The objective of the present study was to explore in depth how adolescents understand democracy and how they apply their ideas of democracy to attitudes toward immigrants. In order to research these topics, we conducted five focus groups at middle and high schools (9th and 10th grade) with a total number of 32 respondents. Utilizing thematic analysis, we identified the main themes related to definitions of democracy, such as emphasis on individual freedom, and democracy as rule by the people. Young people also discussed possible conflicts between democratic principles (e.g., majority rule vs. minority voice). Inclination toward majoritarian model was mostly present in adolescents’ attitudes toward immigrants, which were characterized mostly by endorsement of assimilation. We discuss these results in the light of the conflicting principles upon which democracy is built, such as equality versus freedom or majority rule versus minority rights. |
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