Educação e democracia: a cultura política entre os estudantes universitários

Abstract

In recent decades, the advancement of neoliberal and neoconservative policies throughout the West has challenged democratic norms, reintroducing the necessity to re-examine, among other topics, the role of schools and universities within this turbulent landscape. Given this context, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between education and democracy through a study on the political culture of young university students. Methodologically, this is a descriptive study of a quantitative and qualitative nature that combines bibliographic research with an intersectional survey administered in the second semester of 2024 to 168 students at a federal public university located in Southern Brazil (Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Chapecó campus). Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and content analysis, grounded in the concept of political culture. Among the main results, the research revealed: (i) the coexistence of elements of subject culture and participant culture among the students; (ii) a foundation based on a conception of democracy closer to a political regime than to a system of government; (iii) a contrast between high levels of support for democracy and low rates of political participation among youth; (iv) a limited impact of political parties on final voting decisions; and (v) that young people hold a positive perception regarding the role of schools and universities in democratic education, though this view is tempered by criticisms of the university institution itself. Finally, the study argues that education based on democratic experiences appears to be key to fostering political culture among young people.