ATTITUDES OF UNDERGRADUATE YOUTHS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC VALUES: IMPLICATION FOR SOCIAL STUDIES

ABSTRACT            
This research work sought to assess the attitude of undergraduate youths toward democratic values and the implication these would have on social studies education in Nigeria.  The youths of Nigeria has been confirmed to form the bulk of the citizens which is the decision making group in the society. 
The lack of a democratic attitude of mind has been identified as the major obstacle that has mar democratic consolidation in Nigeria.  Thus, both elites and youths have been observed to surprisingly shown weak commitment to the basic symbols and values of democracy.  The youths must possess a good grapse of democratic values which will aid, guide and direct their conducts in the discharge of their civic responsibilities.  And that the possession of democratic values is not only essential for youths to participate in democracy but is essential for them to participate well and positively.            
In order to carry out this study, nine research questions were raised to investigate the attitude of youths to some selected democratic values. 
The survey research design, using the descriptive method was employed in the study.  Six hundred subjects were selected from the four universities in Edo State.  The study made use of the frequency and percentage statistical tools to analyze the research questions raised and t-test for the hypotheses raised.            
At the end of analysis the following underlisted findings were arrived at; that:
- Youths hold the values of respect and tolerance in high esteem why discharging their civic duties.
-  Youths hold in high regard the virtues of equality and the rule of law as a necessary tool for effective civil participation.
-  Youths hold in high regard the value of one-man-one vote during civic practices (why exercising their franchise).
-  Youths hold in high esteem the virtues of honesty and patriotism why carrying out their civic duties, etc. And based on the above findings, some useful suggestions and recommendations were offered and were as follows; that: