Education and Democracy in Senegal - by M Kuenzi Hardcover

Book Synopsis

This book examines the role of nonformal education (NFE) in African languages in promoting democracy in Senegal. Using data from a survey of rural Senegalese citizens, this is the first study to empirically test the effects of NFE on political participation and attitudes. The results indicate that NFE stimulates community and political participation and appears to have a stronger effect on participation than formal education. Both NFE and formal education increase the likelihood that people will embrace democratic, tolerant attitudes. Thus, NFE could be a potent force in the promotion of civic orientations in the emerging democracies.

Review Quotes

"We have long known from research in rich countries that education promotes democratic citizenship. This valuable study shows how informal literacy training plays a similar role in a poor country, surpassing even the impacts of formal schooling, especially among women. Strongly recommended for social scientists, educationist and development practitioners alike." - Michael Bratton, University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and African Studies, Michigan State University

About the Author

MICHELE KUENZI Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.