THE POLITICAL-SOCIALIZATION OF YOUTH - EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Most research into the political socialization of youth has identified the primary influence of parents and family background. A study is described which explored instead the possible role of educational experience in political socialization, comparing the political attitudes of girls from similar family backgrounds attending different types of school. A sample of 127 girls attending private and state schools completed questionnaires and were individually interviewed. Significant differences in political attitudes are reported between the two samples, and possible explanations for these differences are suggested. A model of the role of the school in political socialization is proposed, and a number of recommendations for future work are made. © 1994 Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.