Manifestation of patriotism among adolescents: A case study of students in Tomsk Oblast

Abstract

Objective. In recent years, moral and values education has become mandatory at all levels of education in Russia. Moral and values education aims to develop a patriotically oriented and socially responsible personality in students, one that shares traditional moral values and is prepared for creative work and the defense of Motherland. Researchers note the complexity of the "patriotism" phenomenon and its contradictoriness as a sociocultural phenomenon that largely determines the individual's interaction with society, their activity, behavior, and readiness to act for the benefit of the country. This imperative raises a pertinent question: how pronounced is patriotism among the younger generation? To address this, a study was conducted on the patriotism of students in grades 7–9. in schools in Tomsk. The research employed the Constructive Patriotism Questionnaire (a version for adolescents) by S. V. Vasilyeva and A. V. Miklyaeva, alongside a self-developed questionnaire with questions designed to elicit adolescents’ attitudes toward such concepts as ‘Homeland’, ‘Small Homeland’, ‘citizen’, and sources of pride for their country. Results. The study’s results indicated that constructive patriotism prevails among adolescents with a mean score of 22.9 for constructive patriotism compared to 17.8 for blind patriotism. Constructive patriotism is based on love for the Homeland, coupled with its critical analysis and a desire to improve it. Analysis revealed that indicators of constructive patriotism become more pronounced with age. The survey of school students demonstrated a positive attitude of respondents toward the concepts ‘Homeland’ and ‘Small Homeland’. They were also found to be proud of their country. Conclusions. The obtained data illuminate the specifics of patriotic expression within the 14–16 age group. As individuals mature, manifestations of constructive patriotism intensify. These findings hold practical significance for organizing psychological and pedagogical support for students and informing moral and values education programs within the academic process.