Civic participation of Russian schoolchildren

Abstract

A significant number of researchers consider civic engagement within the school as a factor in the future involvement of adults in democratic processes. In this regard, the practice of civic participation of schoolchildren is a topical subject of research. The article examines the results of an empirical sociological study devoted to the study of the practice of civic participation of schoolchildren, identifying the frequency of participation in various forms and determining their factors. The purpose of the study is to identify attitudes, practices and preferred forms of civic participation of Russian schoolchildren. The research task also involves comparing the civic engagement of Russian schoolchildren and young people in general. Data collection methods: a questionnaire survey of Russian youth aged 14-30 (2026 people were interviewed, including 403 schoolchildren), an expert interview (30 experts were interviewed). The study has found that schoolchildren highly rate their level of civic engagement and take part in various forms of civic engagement. Only 9.6% of respondents did not take part in any of the considered forms of civic engagement. Most of the civic engagement remains inaccessible for schoolchildren due to their limited financial capabilities and resources, as well as insufficient involvement of young people in the work of public associations and organizations. Despite the high emotional involvement in civic engagement, schoolchildren have insufficient resources and knowledge for civic participation and are poorly informed about the possibility of participating in institutionalized structures of involvement (social movements, groups, etc.).