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Support for democracy in the Fiji Islands: does schooling matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Neelesh Gounder
  • Mahendra Reddy
  • Biman Chand Prasad

Abstract

Purpose - Education is highly regarded as having a central influence on individuals' understanding and backing of democracy, but whether this occurs in young and small democratic states remain unknown. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether schooling and education have a positive impact on an individual's democratic values in Fiji, whose democratic system has been subject to three coups since independence in 1970. Design/methodology/approach - To achieve the goal of this paper, the ordered probit probability model is used. The ordered probit model serves as a better framework for statistical analysis whenever field survey responses are ordinal as distinct from numerical. Findings - The results from an ordered probit model reveal that the education level does not affect an individual's democratic values. However, it is found that gender, age, and ethnicity do have an influence on individuals' endorsement of democracy. Practical implications - Democracy has more than once proved to be an elusive dream in Fiji. This paper aims to provide the answer whether education can be the facilitating factor in transition towards a more democratic state. Originality/value - This is the first study which comprehensively explores whether schooling and education has a positive impact on an individual's democratic values in Fiji.

Suggested Citation

  • Neelesh Gounder & Mahendra Reddy & Biman Chand Prasad, 2010. "Support for democracy in the Fiji Islands: does schooling matter?," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 37(2), pages 136-149, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijsepp:v:37:y:2010:i:2:p:136-149
    DOI: 10.1108/03068291011007255
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Edward Glaeser & Giacomo Ponzetto & Andrei Shleifer, 2007. "Why does democracy need education?," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 77-99, June.
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    7. Siedler, Thomas, 2007. "Schooling and Citizenship: Evidence from Compulsory Schooling Reforms," IZA Discussion Papers 2573, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    8. Evans, Geoffrey & Rose, Pauline, 2007. "Support for Democracy in Malawi: Does Schooling Matter?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 904-919, May.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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