The aim of the project is the exploration of the relationship between education and the formation of social attitudes. We are asking ourselves what changes students experience during their high-school studies and what is the role of the fact which school they attend and with whom they share the school environment.
Selected topics for the project:
- FAMILY BACKGROUND – When surveying adolescents, it is generally important to ask about their family background, because family plays a key role in forming one’s identity, values, and behavior. The household’s income can have a fundamental impact on the standard of living and access to various resources. Families with higher incomes often have better access to education, healthcare, and leisure activities, which can positively influence both the psychological and emotional development of adolescents. Contrarily, lower incomes can lead to limited options which can cause stress and have a negative impact on mental health. Economic activities and employment of parents are also a key factor. Parents with a steady job can provide a better environment and modeling of work habits for their kids than parents experiencing unemployment or instability at work.
- WELL-BEING – The period of adolescence is characterized by rapid biological, emotional, cognitive, and social development, and it is in this period when each individual develops the abilities necessary for a productive, healthy, and satisfactory life. Recent studies show that the number of adolescents with mental issues and deteriorating well-being is growing. This is a result of several factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, social media, or a choice of high school. Therefore, it is very important to measure the well-being in this specific group correctly and monitor its development so that specific actions and interventions can be taken. Well-being, which includes mental, emotional, and social contentment, becomes a crucial indicator of young people’s quality of life.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEERS – In our survey, we explore several types of relationships among peers, mainly popularity and friendship relations. In professional literature, popularity is associated with positive phenomena such as good social and emotional functioning, school performance, or motivation. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects such as frequent absence and high-risk or disruptive behavior. It is important to understand what factors influence someone to become popular in the class because popular peers also influence the given norms within their group. Similarly, established friendships are an important aspect of the ability to adapt to the school environment. Rejection or lack of friends can have many negative effects such as low self-esteem, depression, or quitting school.
TOLERANCE AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS – Researching the factors associated with attitudes towards otherness and level of tolerance is important for understanding how attitudes towards otherness influence the level of cohesion and sense of belonging in society. High levels of tolerance and mutual understanding create a strong bond between individual groups and strengthen collective identity. Tolerance and understanding between people of different cultures help to create an environment that respects diverse beliefs and identities. Consequently, that has an impact on better well-being, school success, and an overall better quality of life for the whole society. The findings of our survey will help us to better understand the dynamics of relationships between young people and to identify the mechanisms of shaping their attitudes towards otherness.
- ATTITUDES TO SOCIAL ISSUES – During adolescence, attitudes towards social issues and events are formed, and the perspective of young people may differ significantly from those of adults. Asking about young people’s opinions is important for understanding how they deal with these topics and how they perceive them. It is important to consider the opinions of all young people in the survey, not just those who are already active and able to present their views. The emphasis on the representation of young people from various backgrounds and with various experiences allows us to better understand the variety of opinions across different social groups, school types, and regions. Students’ answers give us an insight into future social changes or shifts in public opinion.