NCJ Number
212178
Date Published
August 2004
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This study explored the understanding of citizenship held by children in England and Wales.
Abstract
The study was undertaken as a small complimentary study to the National Evaluation of On Track, a pilot project in England and Wales providing interventions for children and families who reside in areas of high deprivation and high crime. This report presents findings related to how children understand citizenship using three dimensions of citizenship: social and moral responsibility, community involvement, and political literacy. Participants were 269 children aged 7 through 15 years who were interviewed via focus groups regarding their feelings and views about the dimensions of citizenship and their notion of civic responsibility, including how children develop identities as citizens. Results of qualitative analysis revealed that the children displayed the same range of views and opinions about citizenship as would be expected of adults. Several key findings emerged from the research, including the fact that many of children expressed the desire for a safe place to play and grow up. Children generally expressed an understanding for the need for rules and usually complied with the rules because they thought it was the right thing to do. Children were quick to note inconsistencies in the enforcement and fairness of rules, particularly in school settings. Most children also displayed an interest in and knowledge of political issues, though many expressed cynicism about national or local politics. Overall, the research highlighted the breadth of knowledge about citizenship among children and also indicated the ability of children to critique the political process. References, appendix, table