What is democracy and who supports it? Findings from a university survey in Kazakhstan. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Primiano, Christopher B.; Kudebayeva, Alma
• Is Part Of: Central Asian survey. Volume 39:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 463
• Page End: 479
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Kazakhstan -- democracy -- political and civil rights -- economic development and social services; Asia, Central -- Periodicals; 958.005
• DOI: 10.1080/02634937.2020.1823318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-4937

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In recent years, many have said that democracy globally is being rolled back and that it is the source of much dissatisfaction. This article presents the findings from a survey of Kazakhstani university students on how they view democracy. The vast majority of participants view democracy as consisting of civil and political rights (i.e., the Western concept of democracy). However, also based on our survey results, our main argument is that, if forced to choose, they consider social services and economic development more important than political and civil rights. Another finding is that Muslims demonstrate stronger support for democracy than non-Muslims.