StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Level of Illiteracy of Nations with a Positive Environment for Democracy - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "The Level of Illiteracy of Nations with a Positive Environment for Democracy" states that in the data analysis, the level of illiteracy of specific countries was calculated by taking sample regions within the country and concentrating primarily on the regions with the highest population…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92% of users find it useful
The Level of Illiteracy of Nations with a Positive Environment for Democracy
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Level of Illiteracy of Nations with a Positive Environment for Democracy"

Unit Literacy and Democracy in modern society Introduction Throughout the world, civic literacy has invariably been perceived pivotal for a flourishing democracy. Having informed citizens at the helm of a democratic state has long been held a fundamental facet for the wellbeing of a country both in internal as well as external affairs. There is a looming assumption among the more democratic countries that their citizens are better learned, better versed in proper manner of managing their institutions, and to a greater extent, an indomitable pride that their systems and institutions are better run by their respective governments. In this contemporary age of globalization, rapid technological change and variety and an overwhelming broil of politics, nations more than ever need to bring on their debate tables serious issues, draft effective policies and weed out narrow politics that are based entirely on quiet cynicism and self-interest. The link between civic literacy and a sound democracy cannot be overlooked in the faction of our modern society. Developed nations have invested enormously and obligingly expressed intention to fund, keep, sustain, protect and support learning institutions even amid harsh economic times. This, therefore, brings up the research question in this term paper. We seek to explore the empirical statement that “Are countries with higher literacy rates more democratic than those with lower literacy rates?” Literature Review The question of the interrelationship between democracy and illiteracy is modern albeit various political scientists have attempted to delve in the subject. In his book “Democracy and education” John Deway notes that the developing countries had an average of 40% literacy in individuals aged 15-34. Moreover, these countries’ level of democracy is remarkably low. In contrast, he noted that for the similar age bracket, developed nations recorded a staggering mean of 79.5% literacy level and in a similar fashion a consistently higher democratic in the running of their institutions (Dewey 126). His findings were consistent with that of political scientist and researcher Henry Miller. In his academic work “Civic literacy: How informed Citizens make democracy work”, Miller takes a critical analysis at the social-economical welfare of Scandinavian countries and comes up with very interesting findings. Key among the findings is a revelation that the countries boast of 89% literacy and are very democratic in handling their political affairs (Milner 39). It is from these researches that I wish to build on this research work and establish conclusively if the findings above are consistent with my findings. Operationalization and Hypotheses While the definition of democracy maybe overwhelming, on a general scope, in this research paper, I seek to clarify the precision and scope which definition of this word covers. Fundamentally, democracy is inclusive of the freedoms and rights to vote, the liberty of citizens to express themselves freely, the freedom of political heads to contend for votes. Moreover, it includes the right of eligibility to contest for a public office, the right to free and fair elections, the principle right to join and/or form organization, and the right to make policies in government institutions through voting (Milner 76). With this criterion, we have a framework through which we can operationalize and quantify democracy; we can term one state to be more democratic than the other. Further, in this context, literacy encompasses the ability to read, write and make sound and well informed political and social decision (Dewey 67). Finally, to define the hypothesis in this research paper, it is that Countries with higher literacy rates are more democratic than those with lower literacy rates. The null hypothesis is that there is no significant difference in democracy between countries with higher literacy rates and those with lower literacy rates. Research Design and Data This research was carried out with data analyzed from 4 continents with a sample of three countries in every continent. Initially, I took a cohort study of populations aged between 18 and 40. These were a group of people with each cohort sharing identical demographic characteristics. A thorough analysis of data collected from participants was done. Essentially, I carried out a descriptive research and took data through online questionnaires, government research agencies. I also worked closely with other non-governmental organizations in coming out with the figures for this intensive research. The variable under scrutiny here is the anticipated literacy level in different democratic states. The test of this hypothesis was done through use of statistical analysis and grouping of data into the categories as of continents. In the data analysis, the level of illiteracy of specific countries was calculated by taking sample region within the country and concentrating primarily on the regions with the highest population. Moreover, all the data collected was verified against other sources as the government records and a standard deviation of below 3% was maintained in all recorded findings below. Analysis and Findings The data deducted from this analysis showed the following: Out of the 74% of the world illiterate population, 40% were concentrated in Africa. Women represented 66% of the total world’s illiterate populace. Extremely low interest rates were consistent with countries with highly political instability with 59% of them being led by presidents who had gained power through a coup de tat. A staggering 86% of adults in Africa were illiterate In contrast to the years 2011 and 2012, illiteracy levels had significantly fallen in the Asian countries from 76% to 69%. There was a sharp disparity between the adult and youth illiteracy level. Statistics indicated that whilst only 47% of the youths were under the illiteracy bracket, the adult population stood at 77% of them being illiterate. In countries that recorded an average literacy rate of 50% and above, there were consistent civil strife and the general political environment in the respective countries was either unpredictable or was already unstable. 77% of the citizens in their respective countries believed that eradicating illiteracy would inevitably make their countries more democratic. Percentage of Illiteracy Level in 4 Continents Illiteracy levels and democracy Developing Nations Middle Income Nations Developed Nations Level of Illiteracy (%) 74 48 8 Countries that were deemed democratic (%) 12 46 84 Changes in illiteracy levels over the past 2 years. (%) -5 -9 -2 Conclusion From this research, found out and made very remarkable conclusion. It is well beyond reasonable doubt that indeed there is a relationship that exists between the level of illiteracy of nations with positive environment for democracy to be effectively exercised and flourish. This statistical analysis certainly supported the hypothesis test under scrutiny in this research. Undoubtedly, we realize from the data analyzed that there is a negative relationship between the level of illiteracy and democracy I nations. This proves the hypothesis that countries with higher literacy rates are more democratic than those with lower literacy rates. The obvious implication of this finding is that as nations strive to eradicate illiteracy, there is creation of awareness among the citizens regarding their freedoms, rights and obligations as citizens. Moreover, this research is instrumental in promoting democracy in developing worlds. This is because it digs deep to the root causes of tyranny and the rise of despotic and rebel movements in this states. While illiteracy alone does not stand to eradicate he democracy problem in these countries, it is a sure leap in ensuring that democracy is sustained and the long term even in countries where the voters are least concerned with the essence of the voting exercise (Dewey 176). Eradicating illiteracy is a sure fire way of reawakening societies and letting the citizens understand the real issues of the society (Milner 109). Finally, this research is a proof that indeed literacy eradication is vital if developing nations wish to propel themselves in economic development References Dewey, John. Democracy and Education. Belle Fourche: NuVision Publications, 2004. Internet resource. Milner, Henry. Civic Literacy: How Informed Citizens Make Democracy Work. Hanover, Nh: University Press of New England, 2008. Print. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5”, n.d.)
Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/social-science/1640565-political-science
(Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words - 5)
Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words - 5. https://studentshare.org/social-science/1640565-political-science.
“Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words - 5”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/social-science/1640565-political-science.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Level of Illiteracy of Nations with a Positive Environment for Democracy

Economic Development amid the Non (or Semi) Democratic political institutions in Southeast Asia

This movement is part of a global movement that is actively campaigning for democracy and human rights in Burma.... Backgrounder on Struggle for democracy in Burma/Myanmar.... This indicates that despite the presence of opposition, total democracy was far from reach in Burma because these democrats were not likely to win the elections and referendums.... The noble aims of these uprisings are the protection of human rights and attainment of democracy in the nation....
14 Pages (3500 words) Term Paper

Urban Growth and Democracy in LDCs

the level of illiteracy is still high in the least developed countries.... With the knowledge of their rights, freedoms and privileges, an environment is created for democracy.... Urban growth and democracy in LDCs ... unning head: Urban growth and democracy in LDCs Urban Growth and democracy in LDCs Insert Insert Grade Insert March 9, Urban Growth and democracy in LDCs Introduction democracy is a form of government that is characterized by the people's rule as compared to other forms of governance like autocracy....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Paolo Freire's as a Great Educator

It was difficult for Brazil to be transformed from oligarchy to democracy because of the illiteracy of the masses.... Thomas Jefferson once claimed that literacy progress depends on the democracy in education.... As a result, the critical construction of a democracy was undermined (Collins, p.... This fact cannot be denied at all and he realized that Brazil required certain changes in the process of education improvement: "for such a society in transition, a mode of education providing profound political reforms, not just new techniques and economic structures, was necessary to assure the basis and establishment of democracy" (Collins, p....
7 Pages (1750 words) Essay

The Roles of a Government

This essay "The Roles of a Government" focuses on a body within any organization that has the power to effect and uphold the rule of law and other rules and regulations.... A government refers to the central authority that governs over a jurisdiction.... There are various levels of government.... ...
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Social Policies in Brazil and Ukraine

the level of disparity i.... Undoubtedly their reforms did affect the country in a positive way however the problem has still remained significant despite their laborious efforts.... The low level of education leads to income inequality in a nation by decreasing social flexibility.... Corruption and democracy in Brazil: the struggle for accountability.... Racism in a racial democracy the maintenance of white supremacy in Brazil....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Democracy and Human Rights in Asia

he relaxation of sanctions is very important as it will increase the level of business and political relationship of the nation with the other countries.... or analyzing the prospects for establishing democracy in China, we should ascertain whether the environment is conducive for democracy.... Though the environment is not conducive for democracy to thrive under illiteracy and poverty, there is no other credible alternative.... he bait in the democratic system, acceptable to all human beings, is the enhanced level of freedom and civil liberties, apart from the power it gives to an ordinary citizen to choose his government....
8 Pages (2000 words) Assignment

The Connection between Education and Development

Education entails teaching people and transforming the environment for sustenance of literacy.... Schooling, labor force quality and the growth of nations.... Principally in developing countries, the gender dimensions of illiteracy due to lack of education has been raised because majority of low literate or uneducated people tend to be women.... Expansion of education have contributed to expansion of democracy and democratic education practices have become the most effective way of promoting civic knowhow and engagement among people....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Both Australias and South Koreas Diplomacy

In cases where conflicts occur the various nations with varying influences can come together to ensure resolution of the issue and sustenance of world peace (Onis and Kutlay 2017, 181). ... South Korea on the other side is a modern democracy that has a wide diplomatic network; however, without partnerships with a state like Australia, the nation may not be able to attain successful expansion of power in the region (Vio 2015, 137). ... The idea of power is innately a realist notion, nevertheless, the concept of middle powers being able engage diplomatic activism to enhance global political environment is inherently liberal internationalist....
8 Pages (2000 words) Case Study
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us