Educational Statistics

Status of Social Participation and Social Attitudes among Adolescents

Author: Han Hyo-jung (Director, Office of Educational Surveys and Indicators, KEDI)

 

 The essence of democracy lies in the active participation of citizens. In particular, the level of social participation awareness and perception among adolescents – who will play a central role in shaping future society – can be regarded as a key indicator for assessing the sustainability of democracy. Against this backdrop, this column examines the current status of social participation and social awareness among adolescents aged 13 to 18, as reflected in the 2017, 2020, and 2023 Youth Comprehensive Survey results.

 

 First, [Figure 1] presents the results of the survey on adolescents’ civic and social participation. In this item, the degree of participation in three types of social activities was measured using a four-point Likert scale (1=not participating at all to 4 = actively participating). The activities examined were: (1) participating in or expressing opinions on issues related to adolescents, (2) participating in or expressing opinions in the process of formulating youth policies at the national or local government level, and (3) expressing opinions and participating in social issues. In the 2023 survey, the proportion of adolescents who responded that they “participate” (defined as “participate occasionally” or “actively participate”) was highest for “participating in or expressing opinions on issues related to adolescents,” at 23.3%, followed by “expressing opinions or participating in social issues ”(16.6%), and participating in or expressing opinions in national or local youth policy or policy-making processes“ (13.1%). An examination of trends over time reveals that the proportion of adolescents who participated in or expressed opinions on youth-related issues declined sharply from 26.1% in 2017 to 19.2% in 2020, a period characterized by non-face-to-face interactions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this figure rebounded to 23.3% in 2023, it did not fully recover to the 2017 level. Meanwhile, the proportion of adolescents with experience participating in national or local government youth policies showed a continuous downward trend from 2017 to 2023.

 

 

 Next, [Figure 2] illustrates adolescents’ level of interest in social issues, public agendas, and political affairs. Respondents were asked, “To what extent are you interested in social issues or agendas and political affairs?” and responded using an 11-point Likert scale (0=not interested at all to 10=very interested). The average scores by year were 4.86 in 2017, 4.91 in 2020, and 4.97 in 2023, indicating a gradual increase in adolescents’ interest in social issues and showing that their level of interest is approaching a moderate level (=5).

 

 

 [Figure 3] presents the results of an assessment of adolescents’ perceptions of society based on five items. Surveyed adolescents evaluated their level of agreement with the following statements using a four-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 4=strongly agree): (1) Our society cannot be trusted; (2) Our society is free from corruption; (3) Our society recognizes diversity; (4) Our society respects human rights; and (5) Our society is generally fair. In the 2023 survey, the proportion of respondents who agreed (“somewhat agree” or “strongly agree”) was highest for “our society recognizes diversity” (69.0%) and “our society respects human rights” (68.5%).

 In contrast, only 28.9% of adolescents agreed with the statement “our society is free from corruption,” indicating that adolescents hold a relatively negative perception of societal integrity. In addition, agreement with the negatively worded statement “our society cannot be trusted” reached 55.3%, suggesting that the overall level of social trust among adolescents is not high. From a longitudinal perspective, agreement rates for items related to diversity, human rights, and fairness declined in 2020 compared to 2017, but rose again in 2023, surpassing the 2017 levels. This pattern suggests that the positive social perceptions of adolescents, which temporarily weakened during the pandemic period, may be recovering over the longer term.

 

 

 Finally, [Figure 4] presents the results of a survey asking adolescents which of seven social problems they find most concerning. The most frequently cited top concern was “crime and violence” (27.7%), followed by “the future of the planet and the environment” (24.9%). Other issues with relatively high response rates included “worsening inequality” (14.1%), “economic recession and crisis” (14.0%), and “global political instability and war” (10.0%).

 

 

In summary, an examination of the social participation and social awareness of adolescents aged 13-18 based on the Youth Comprehensive Survey indicates that adolescents’ participation in social activities has been gradually recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic, but remains at a relatively low level. Interest in social issues shows a modest upward trend, and perceptions of diversity and human rights are generally positive. However, evaluations of overall social trust and societal integrity remain low. Moreover, adolescents identify crime and violence, environmental issues, and inequality as major social problems, suggesting the need to expand participation opportunities that reflect their perceptions and concerns.

 

                                                                                 

[References]

· Kim Gi-heon; Moon Ho-young; Hwang Se-young; Yoo Min-sang; Kim Gyun-hee; and Lee Yong-hae (2020). 2020 Youth Comprehensive Survey, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

· Kim Ji-gyeong; Song Hyeon-ju; and Kim Gyun-hee (2023). 2023 Youth Comprehensive Survey. Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

· Baek Hye-jeong; Lim Hee-jin; Kim Hyeon-cheol; and Yoo Seong-ryeol (2017). 2017 Youth Comprehensive Survey. Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.