Perceptions of elementary students about the role of the State, of Public Institutions, Democracy, Citizenship, Women Rights and Immigrants Rights

Abstract

This research reports some views and attitudes held by the eighth-graders of elementary education in three regions of Chile. These views and attitudes are related to the State, Democracy and the Civil Society. The results showed that at the end of their studies in the secondary cycle of elementary school the students associate the role of the State with more social issues rather than with political ones. In addition, they highly mistrust political parties and they are increasingly aware of their rights and of the importance of recognizing other people's rights. Furthermore, they do not link citizenship to the participation in a political party, but they link it to actions developed in the social field. Moreover, they are inclined to perceive men and women having equal responsibilities.