Project – Attitudes of undergraduate youths towards Democratic Values; implication for social studies as a subject

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values in Nigeria have been a subject of interest for many researchers. A study by Ojedokun (2011) found that Nigerian youths have a positive attitude towards democratic values, but there is a significant gap between their attitudes and their actual democratic practices. This suggests that while youths may understand and appreciate the importance of democratic values, they may not necessarily practice them in their daily lives.

This gap between attitudes and practices has significant implications for social studies as a subject in Nigeria. According to Akinola (2013), social studies education plays a crucial role in promoting democratic values among youths. However, the effectiveness of social studies education in achieving this goal is influenced by various factors, including the curriculum, teaching methods, and the socio-political environment.

The curriculum of social studies in Nigeria has been criticized for not adequately addressing democratic values. In a study by Ogunyemi (2015), it was found that the curriculum focuses more on knowledge acquisition rather than the development of democratic attitudes and practices. This suggests that there is a need for curriculum reform to ensure that democratic values are adequately addressed in social studies education.

The teaching methods used in social studies also play a significant role in shaping the attitudes of youths towards democratic values. A study by Adeyemi (2017) found that participatory teaching methods, such as group discussions and debates, are more effective in promoting democratic values than traditional lecture-based methods. This suggests that there is a need for teacher training to equip social studies teachers with the skills to use participatory teaching methods.

The socio-political environment in Nigeria also influences the attitudes of youths towards democratic values. According to a study by Okoye (2019), the high levels of corruption and political instability in Nigeria have led to a sense of disillusionment among youths, which in turn affects their attitudes towards democratic values. This suggests that efforts to promote democratic values among youths must also address the broader socio-political issues in Nigeria.

The attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values in Nigeria and the implications for social studies as a subject are complex and multifaceted. Further research is needed to fully understand these issues and to develop effective strategies for promoting democratic values among youths.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values, with implications for social studies as a subject in Nigeria, is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive understanding. The first issue is the apparent lack of interest and understanding of democratic values among undergraduate youths. This lack of interest and understanding can be attributed to various factors, including the perceived irrelevance of democratic values to their daily lives, the lack of effective teaching methods in imparting these values, and the influence of societal norms and values that may contradict democratic principles.

The second issue is the role of social studies as a subject in Nigerian schools. Despite being a subject that is supposed to impart democratic values among students, it appears that it is not achieving its intended purpose. This could be due to the way the subject is taught, the content of the curriculum, or the lack of emphasis on the importance of democratic values in the teaching and learning process.

The third issue is the impact of these attitudes on the overall democratic process in Nigeria. The lack of understanding and appreciation of democratic values among undergraduate youths could potentially lead to a lack of participation in the democratic process, which could in turn affect the quality of democracy in the country.

The fourth issue is the need for effective strategies to address these problems. This could involve changes in the curriculum, the use of more engaging teaching methods, or the introduction of programs that promote the understanding and appreciation of democratic values among undergraduate youths.

The fifth issue is the need for research to understand the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values. This research could provide valuable insights into the factors that influence these attitudes and the potential strategies that could be used to address them.

Finally, the sixth issue is the need for a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and the youths themselves, to address these problems. This could involve a commitment to promoting democratic values, a willingness to make necessary changes in the education system, and a recognition of the importance of democratic values in the overall development of the country.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards Democratic Values; implication for social studies as a subject.

1. To examine the level of understanding of democratic values among undergraduate youths in Nigeria.
2. To assess the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values in Nigeria.
3. To investigate the role of social studies as a subject in shaping the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values.
4. To identify the factors influencing the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values.

• Research Questions

The research questions are stated below:

1. What is the level of understanding of democratic values among undergraduate youths in Nigeria?
2. What are the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values in Nigeria?
3. What role does social studies as a subject play in shaping the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values?
4. What factors influence the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values in Nigeria?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: The attitudes of undergraduate youths have no significant impact on democratic values in Nigeria

H1: The attitudes of undergraduate youths have significant impact on democratic values in Nigeria

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards Democratic Values is multi-faceted and has profound implications for social studies as a subject. Firstly, understanding these attitudes can provide valuable insights into the political and social inclinations of the younger generation. This is crucial as they are the future leaders and decision-makers of society. Their attitudes towards democratic values such as freedom, equality, and justice can shape the political landscape and societal norms in the future.

Secondly, this study can help educators and policymakers to design more effective social studies curricula. If the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values are positive, it suggests that the current social studies curriculum is effective in instilling these values. Conversely, if the attitudes are negative or indifferent, it indicates a need for curriculum reform. The curriculum could be modified to include more discussions and activities that promote democratic values, thereby fostering a stronger appreciation of these values among students.

Thirdly, the study can serve as a platform for dialogue and debate about democratic values. It can stimulate discussions among students, educators, and policymakers about the importance of these values and how they can be better promoted in society. This can lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry, which is essential for the functioning of a democratic society.

Fourthly, the study can contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of social studies education. It can provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of social studies in promoting democratic values, which can be used to inform future research and practice in this field. This can lead to improvements in the quality of social studies education and ultimately, the cultivation of a more democratic society.

Fifthly, the study can have implications for other subjects as well. If the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards democratic values are found to be influenced by their social studies education, it suggests that other subjects could also play a role in promoting these values. For instance, subjects like history and literature could incorporate discussions about democratic values in their curriculum.

Lastly, the study can have international implications. If similar studies are conducted in different countries, the findings can be compared to gain insights into the global attitudes of youths towards democratic values. This can inform international efforts to promote democratic values and foster global citizenship. In conclusion, the study of undergraduate youths’ attitudes towards democratic values is significant for social studies as a subject and has far-reaching implications for education and society at large.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the attitudes of undergraduate youths towards Democratic Values; implication for social studies as a subject. The study is restricted to undergraduate youths in selected higher institution in Lagos, Nigeria.

1.8  Operational Definition of Terms

1. Attitudes: This refers to the feelings or perspectives that an individual holds towards an event, idea, or another person. It’s a psychological construct that represents an individual’s degree of like or dislike for something. In this context, it refers to how undergraduate youths feel or think about Democratic Values.
2. Undergraduate: This term refers to a university student who is studying for their first degree, usually a Bachelor’s degree. They have not yet received a degree but are in the process of earning one.
3. Youths: This term generally refers to the phase of life between childhood and adulthood. The United Nations, for instance, defines ‘youths’ as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24. However, the term can have varying definitions depending on the context.
4. Democratic Values: These are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional principles that support democracy. They include values like respect for human rights, freedom of speech, equality, justice, and the rule of law.
5. Implication: This term refers to the possible impact, consequence, or outcome that can be inferred from a particular situation or data. In this context, it refers to the potential effects or consequences of undergraduate youths’ attitudes towards Democratic Values on social studies as a subject.
6. Social Studies: This is an academic discipline concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society. It often encompasses various disciplines, including history, geography, political science, and economics, among others.
7. Subject: In the context of education, a subject refers to a particular area of knowledge that is studied in school, college, or university. In this case, the subject being referred to is social studies.

Project – Attitudes of undergraduate youths towards Democratic Values; implication for social studies as a subject