BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A DEMOCRATIC CITIZEN – OPINION OF STUDENTS FROM PEDAGOGICAL SPECIALTIES

Abstract

This scientific work examines the basic characteristics of the democratic citizen in the Republic of Bulgaria through the prism of students from pedagogical specialties at Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov".
The research focus is aimed at tracking the opinion of the students on the researched issues.
The tasks to be solved in it are:
• to reveal the theoretical aspects of the concepts: democracy, citizen, civic education
• to examine the opinion of students future educators on the main characteristics and qualities of the democratic citizen in the Republic of Bulgaria
• to analyze the results obtained.
Through a questionnaire survey among 37 students from the specialties "Social Pedagogy" and "Special Pedagogy", their views on the positive and negative qualities that, in their opinion, define the modern citizen in democratic Bulgaria are analyzed. The respondents indicate as leading positive characteristics awareness, critical thinking, civic activity, tolerance and social engagement. Among the main weaknesses are the lack of civic position, political apathy, consumer attitudes and social inequalities.
The study emphasizes the importance of civic education as a key factor in the formation of democratic values and attitudes in young people. In addition, the contribution to the academic preparation of future teachers, which achieves the formation of a value system aimed at democratic participation and social responsibility, stands out.
This is clear evidence that the early introduction of this discipline, both integrated into the various educational areas in kindergarten and as an independent subject in school, contributes to the development of aware, responsible and engaged citizens, capable of actively participating in public life and supporting the sustainable development of democratic culture.