ATTITUDES OF UNDERGRADUATE YOUTHS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC VALUES:Â IMPLICATION FOR SOCIAL STUDIES

This research work sought to assess the attitude of undergraduate youths toward democratic values and the implication these would have on social studies education in Nigeria.  The youths of Nigeria has been confirmed to form the bulk of the citizens which is the decision making group in the society.  The lack of a democratic attitude of mind has been identified as the major obstacle that has mar democratic consolidation in Nigeria.  Thus, both elites and youths have been observed to surprisingly shown weak commitment to the basic symbols and values of democracy.  The youths must possess a good grapse of democratic values which will aid, guide and direct their conducts in the discharge of their civic responsibilities.  And that the possession of democratic values is not only essential for youths to participate in democracy but is essential for them to participate well and positively.
In order to carry out this study, nine research questions were raised to investigate the attitude of youths to some selected democratic values.  The survey research design, using the descriptive method was employed in the study.  Six hundred subjects were selected from the four universities in Edo State.  The study made use of the frequency and percentage statistical tools to analyze the research questions raised and t-test for the hypotheses raised.