CITIZEN BELIEFS, IDEALS AND PRACTICES OF A UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY AND A COUNTRY.

Abstract

The article compares ideals, beliefs and practices of the Ucabista community of Guayana and of Venezuelans in general, of interest to understand the civic culture of both groups. Results of three surveys are reviewed: Ucab Guayana (November 2013), Enjuve (June August 2013) and Villarroel et al (May-September 2007). Among the conclusions, the following stand out: quite similar general behavior in terms of what both groups consider to be the ideal of a good citizen, although Venezuelans outperformed the Ucabista community in some features. There is no correspondence regarding the perception of the citizen role (on the part of both groups) and the provisions of the constitution and the laws such as Participatory and Protagon Democracy. There is a correspondence between the behavior considered ideal and that practiced in both groups, with respect to voting. Regarding other forms of political participation, Venezuelans were mostly reluctant to carry them out, while the Ucabistas showed less reluctance to participate, exceeded by effective and potential participation. Regarding participation in voluntary groups, 20.7% of the ucabistas stated that they had participated actively, compared to 25% of young Venezuelans. Regarding the types of voluntary organizations, they coincide in manifesting, firstly, a greater participation in sports, artistic and recreational organizations, secondly, in spiritual or religious organizations and, thirdly, in those of aid to the the rest. Only 22% of young Venezuelans participate frequently and currently belong to political and social groups or organizations and only 37% of the Ucabista community. 74% of young Venezuelans have some interest in politics, compared to 96% of ucabistas. Democracy was preferable to any form of government for 78% of young Venezuelans, and 94.3% of the Ucabistas valued this form of government positively.

Keywords: Citizenship, Ucabista Community of Guayana, Youth of Venezuela