YOUTH, POLITICS, AND CIVIC READINESS: EVALUATING POLITICAL LITERACY AMONG FIRST-YEAR DIPLOMA STUDENTS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJLGC.1145045Keywords:
Political Literacy, Youth Involvement, Civic Preparedness, Undi18, Higher Education, MalaysiaAbstract
Political literacy is essential for empowering youth to participate meaningfully in a country’s political processes and to understand their roles as active citizens. This study assesses youth political literacy, with particular focus on their political knowledge, understanding, and participation. Specifically, the research examines key dimensions of political literacy. It explores the factors that shape young people’s political awareness and engagement, including educational background, access to information, social media exposure, and the influence of family and peers. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews with youths aged 18 to 19. In identifying the factors that support or constrain youth political engagement, this study sheds light on young people's level of political literacy. The findings further reveal gaps in civic education and offer practical directions for enhancing political awareness and understanding among youth. By looking at what encourages or prevents young people from engaging in politics, this study provides a better understanding of their level of political literacy.
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