Investigation of the relationship between political literacy levels and democratic attitudes of prospective social studies teachers

This research was conducted to determine the relationship between social studies teacher candidates' levels of political literacy and their democratic attitudes. The population of the study consisted of social studies teacher candidates studying at education faculties in Turkey, while the sample comprised a total of 510 students from Afyon Kocatepe, İnönü, Dicle, and Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Universities. Conducted using a correlational survey model, the study employed the 'Political Literacy Scale' and the 'Democratic Attitude Scale' to collect data; the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA. Significant differences were examined using the Tukey HSD test. The findings showed that teacher candidates' levels of political literacy were generally medium to high. The highest average was observed in the Political Knowledge dimension, while the lowest average was observed in the Political Awareness dimension. Male students had higher political literacy scores than female students. Higher class level and parental education positively affected political literacy. Democratic attitude levels were generally high; sensitivity had the highest average, while glorification of power had the lowest. There was no significant difference based on gender; however, democratic attitudes increased with increasing class level and parental education level. The results indicate that democratic attitudes strengthen as political literacy increases