The author analyzed the content of three popular prime-time televi
sion programs and the California state school system's social science
curriculum to determine their possible effect on the development of
political efficacy in children. The findings were checked by conduct
ing focus groups with children. This exploratory research suggests
that participation in a youth service organization is a more potent
agent for the transference of knowledge, values, and skills relating
to political efficacy and civic voluntarism than either television or
formal education.
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