Political awareness and civic behaviors of youth organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The role of youth organizations in the community has become increasingly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in the Philippines, where they are recognized for their proactive stance in addressing government shortcomings. This study aimed to examine the association between youth organization members’ political awareness and their civic behavior during the pandemic. Specifically, it addressed the research question: How does youth political awareness affect their civic behavior during the time of Covid-19 pandemic? The study employed a descriptive-correlational quantitative approach, utilizing a self-administered survey questionnaire tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Statistical analyses, including Pearson Correlation, One-Way ANOVA, and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference, were applied to data collected from 103 respondents across 26 purposively selected youth organizations in Nueva Ecija. The study was grounded in the Political Awareness Model by Baddeley and James and the Normative Democratic Theory inspired by Dewey. Findings revealed a significant association between political awareness and civic behavior during the pandemic. The nature of the organization emerged as a significant factor in political awareness, particularly on political issues, with politically based organizations reporting the highest levels of awareness. Additionally, the position held within an organization significantly influenced engagement in volunteerism, with officers more actively participating in non-electoral organizations compared to non-officers. The study concludes that youth organizations serve as critical mechanisms for enhancing political awareness and fostering civic participation, highlighting their role in upholding democratic values during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.