“Born Frees” are far more tolerant of immigrants and gay people, and are more satisfied with life, but are less likely to vote.
This is according to a study, the SA Social Cohesion Barometer project, which examined factors that contribute to a nation living in solidarity and harmony.
This was an ideal Nelson Mandela stood for, but one that has been elusive and difficult to measure.
In an effort to strengthen and sustain the cohesion of a rainbow nation, President Jacob Zuma said last year that he would convene a national dialogue on unity and social cohesion. But it was postponed in July last year, and a new date is yet to be announced.
Commissioned by the Presidency, the study was conducted by Jarè Struwig and Ben Roberts, co-ordinators of the SA Social Attitudes Survey at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and Yul Derek Davids, also of the HSRC. It focused on three “domains”: the socio-cultural, the economic and the civic.
The “born frees” – the generation born after 1994 – were more socially adaptable and accepting, a “very encouraging sign that signified hope for the future”, the study authors said.
“They are much more socio-culturally cohesive, meaning that they are far more tolerant towards immigrants and gay people, have much more interracial contact, feel less discriminated against and are generally more satisfied with life.”
The youngsters, however, are significantly less “civically cohesive” than older age groups and are less likely to take part in traditional activities associated with active citizenship, such as voting.
The study found that coloured, Indian and white groups were more economically cohesive than black Africans, “confirming the unequal economical divide among the race groups”. – The Argus
See the original post:
Born free, but less likely to vote