Caribbean Studies IA Draft PDF

# Introduction ## Theme: political groups ## Problem Statement An investigation of the attitudes and perceptions of pre-university students towards the different political groups in Jamaica. ## Statement of Problem An investigation of the attitude and perception of pre-university students to...

# Introduction ## Theme: political groups ## Problem Statement An investigation of the attitudes and perceptions of pre-university students towards the different political groups in Jamaica. ## Statement of Problem An investigation of the attitude and perception of pre-university students towards the different political groups in Jamaica. The Cambridge dictionary defines politics as “the activities of the government, members of law-making organizations, or people who try to influence the way a country is governed”, many youths in Jamaica, and pre-university youths especially, feel that they are unheard and have limited participation in the decision-making process of the government. In the Caribbean, people's attitudes and perceptions of political groups are complicated issues impacted by social, historical, and economic factors, encompassing both positive and negative views. Some views are Civic Engagement, Corruption, Accountability, and Political violence, which differ based on Generational Differences. This generation's youth generally have unfavorable opinions of politics. Their disillusionment stems from a lack of opportunities, lack of representation, hollow promises, and a sense that money is more important to them than the advancement of their nation. ## Research Questions 1. In what ways has corruption contributed to the diminishing support for political parties among Pre-University students in Jamaica? 2. What factors have led to a higher voter turnout among students in previous elections compared to the current Pre-University demographic? 3. What influences shape the perceptions of Pre-University students regarding the principal political parties in Jamaica, and how do these factors inform their sentiments towards them? ## Research Objectives 1. To investigate the ways in which corruption has eroded the trust of Pre-University students in the governmental system. 2. To explore the factors that have contributed to Pre-University students' disillusionment with political parties, resulting in a diminished motivation to participate in elections. 3. To analyze the perceptions and attitudes of Pre-University students toward the principal political parties in Jamaica. ## Purpose of Research Politics is a significant theme in Jamaican society because of its contributions. Over time, political parties have had a significant impact on changes in the nation's development, economy, and people's lives. Democracy therefore had some influence over how individuals could spend their lives. Pre-University students in often have diverse views on politics and the country's political parties. Many express a sense of disillusionment, feeling that traditional party lines do not address the pressing issues facing young people today, such as unemployment, education, and social inequality. While some students remain loyal to longstanding political parties like the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), others are increasingly uninterested with politics. The researchers aim to explore and assess the impact of political behavior on students' attitudes and perceptions. This research will benefit the researchers in understanding different political groups and could help prepare the researchers for CAPE exams. Political leaders, parties, and organizations may find it useful to gain insights that will enable them to better connect with youths, foster more youth participation in parliament, and meet their needs. ## Educational Value of Research ## Definition of Key Terms * **Corruption**: Political accountability. Political accountability is when a politician makes choices on behalf of the people, and the people have the ability to reward or sanction the politician. * **Political Violence**: Political violence is violence which is perpetrated in order to achieve political goals. It can include violence which is used by a state against other states (war), violence which is used by a state against civilians and non-state actors (forced disappearance, psychological warfare, police brutality, targeted assassinations, torture, ethnic cleansing, or genocide), and violence which is used by violent non-state actors against states and civilians (kidnappings, targeted assassinations, terrorist attacks, torture. * **Civic Engagement**: Civic engagement includes communities working together or individuals working alone in both political and non-political actions to protect public values or make a change in a community. The goal of civic engagement is to address public concerns and promote the quality of the community. * **Accountability**: principle according to which a person or institution is responsible for a set of duties and can be required to give an account of their fulfillment to an authority that is in a position to issue rewards or punishment.