Science,Technology and Political Development 1

Abstract

Modernization has a special appeal for youth in its projection of rapid socio-economic changes and the image of a modern societal structure as an obtainable goal. Education is identified as an intrinsic part of the modernization process, through which social mobility and the achievement of political power are envisaged. The young educated elites of the developing countries are generally characterized by a growing sense of “performance-orientation” and an increasing degree of involvement in politics. Preoccupation with ideological concerns is still common among university students. Young people educated in technological fields tend to be more task oriented but often insecure due to the lack of clearly defined social status. General attitudinal patterns suggest a preoccupation with authority and its role in development, a general lack of patience for political mediation, and the subordination of political means to economic goals.