Youth and Patriotism in Zambia: is Voting the Only Way to Show Patriotism?

Abstract

This study sought to establish the level of patriotism among youths in Zambia and to establish whether voting was the only way to show patriotism among the youths. This study employed a qualitative approach to generate data because the views and opinions of the youths in Zambia were sought. A descriptive research design was used. The target population were all youths in Zambia. The sample consisted of 50 youths and 5 senior citizens who were purposively selected. 20 youths and 5 senior citizens were subjected to interviews and 30 youths were subjected to Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), thus 5 FGDs comprising of 6 members were used to gather data. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Key findings were that youth were able to define patriotism though this appeared rhetoric. Voting was not the only way to show patriotism but just one of the ways patriotism may be expressed. Patriotism had to do with the emotional attachment to a nation. The spirit of patriotism should be rooted in the ideas that gave birth to a nation. Based on the findings, this study recommends to the government through the Ministry of Education to strengthen patriotic values in schools and this should begin at kindergarten. Civil Society Organizations in Zambia should come up with awareness programmes targeted at the youths on patriotism.