The
political socialization of secondary school students in Szeged
Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Education and Psychology,
Hungary
Abstract:
Our study examined the political socialization of
approximately 640 17-year-old secondary school students with different social
backgrounds by means of questionnaires. We intended to find out from what
sources (newspaper, television, etc.) as well as from whom (teachers, parents,
friends) they obtain political information. In addition (to this), besides the
degree they consider themselves politically well informed, we investigated
whether they actually are knowledgeable.
Based upon the results, we may assure that in the perspective of political
socialization the school as scene is pushed into the background significantly
compared to friends, and rather parents influence. Despite the fact that in
this age the connection with contemporaries is the main ground of socialization
for the young, in this respect, however, the parents are regarded as the most
important referential points, they are the most essential sources of
information. Their interest as well as general knowledge about politics is
considered low.
Key words: political socialization, political information