NFE and Political Attitudes and Behavior

Abstract

In the qualitative interviews that I conducted, respondents enthusiastically described the ways in which NFE had transformed them and other villagers. They often described how they had become more efficacious and confident and, therefore, more active in the community as a result of the NFE experience. They also claimed that people’s demeanors had changed as a result of literacy training. According to interviews, the NFE experience renders participants more aware of themselves and of others. Those with NFE gained a sense of independence as well as more of an appreciation for the autonomy of others. Based on my qualitative research and the literature, it seemed possible that those with NFE would be more likely to participate politically than would those without NFE. And although NFE would promote engagement with others in the community, it would also promote the process of individualization, as those with NFE would gain the confidence to form opinions independently of others. Further, they would be generally more likely to embrace more democratic attitudes. Does NFE, in fact, have the effects it is claimed to have? Are those villagers with NFE more likely to be active in the community than villagers without NFE? Are those with NFE more likely to be politically active than those without NFE?