University Students' Values, Vocations, and Political Orientations: Paraguay, 1966

This study is part of a larger comparative investigation that included over 15 universities in several Latin American countries, in an effort to assess the adequacy of educational structures for fulfilling the needs of developing nations (see also Brazil: ICPSR 7044, Colombia: ICPSR 7056, Mexico: ICPSR 7059, Panama: ICPSR 7060, Puerto Rico: ICPSR 7063, and Uruguay: ICPSR 7064). There is a close similarity among the questionnaires administered in these countries, many items being identical. The present study was conducted in 1966 in Paraguay. The respondents' educational backgrounds were explored through extensive questions about their secondary school attendance and the level of education attained by their parents and grandparents. The value that students placed on education and on the university in general was examined in variables probing the importance of completing a degree, the main functions of an academic institution, and the respondents' professional prospects and expectations after graduation. Other questions elicited the respondents' views on faculty and student involvement in politics. A major portion of the study assessed the students' perspectives on national and international affairs. Respondents gave their opinions about specific issues affecting their country, such as agrarian reform, the role of the national government, the benefits of foreign capital, and the advantages of joining the Latin American Free Trade Association. Further variables explored the students' views on international issues, such as the Cuban Revolution and aspects of the social, economic, and cultural development of several world powers. Finally, several questions probed the respondents' perspectives on life, social relations and family ties, and moral and religious matters, as well as their tendencies toward progressive political thinking. Demographic variables include age, sex, maritalstatus, number of siblings, religion, and occupation, if applicable.