Alienated and disaffected students: Exploring the civic capacity of ‘Outsiders’ in Latin America

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore alienated and disaffected students in Latin America and investigate the development of their civic attitudes. The study has focused on a context that is assuming growing importance globally and about which more needs to be known, especially in terms of its potential for democratic development. The focus is on students from Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Mexico. Three distinct groups of students were identified labeled ‘Outsiders’, ‘Moderates’, and ‘Active Participators’. The ‘Outsiders’ had lowest scores on all civic values. Gender, parents’ political and social interest, students’ expected education level and home literacy were the four most important predictors for membership in the ‘Outsider’ group. Implications and future directions for research on Latin American ‘Outsiders’ are discussed.