Survey: Interest In Politics Among African Youths Based On Education
Image by: ROGAN WARD / REUTERS
Youth in Africa with higher levels of education have more interest in politics than those with less education or without any form of schooling.
This was revealed in a report released by research organisation Afrobarometer in Constitution Hill on Friday in South Africa.
Rorisang Lekalake‚ Afrobarometer assistant project manager in southern Africa‚ said that in the 36 countries surveyed education seemed to be a factor in young people’s interest in politics and public affairs.
“We also found that youth with post-secondary education were more likely to say that they discuss politics occasionally or frequently with family or friends‚” said Lekalake.
“About 65% of youth with post-secondary education say that they have an interest in public affairs compared to 50% of those with primary education‚ and 47% with no form of education.
“Those with no formal schooling are the least likely to discuss politics at 56%‚ while 80% of those with post-secondary education say that they discuss politics.”
Post-secondary education in the South African context would mean youth with matric and some form of tertiary education.
The report – titled “Does less engaged mean less empowered?” – is based on nearly 54 000 interviews conducted in 36 African countries in 2014/2015.
Researchers used the definition of youth as people aged 18 to 35‚ but people beyond this age group were also part of the survey. Respondents were asked 300 questions in each participating country.
This was the sixth round of the study and it did not investigate reasons for certain trends.
Source: Times Live, South Africa
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
