COMPONENTS OF THE FORMATION OF CIVIC AND PATRIOTIC ATTITUDES OF OLDER ADOLESCENTS IN LATVIA

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive theoretical and analytical examination of the issue of forming the civic and patriotic position of older adolescents in Latvia. The relevance of the study is conditioned the need to reconsider approaches to civic and patriotic education that foster conscious civic participation, responsible attitudes toward the state, and an active role in public life.
The purpose of the article is to identify and scientifically substantiate the components of the formation of the civic and patriotic position among older adolescents in Latvia, and to outline the possibilities for adapting this experience to the Ukrainian educational system. To achieve the stated objective, a set of interrelated theoretical methods was employed, including analysis and synthesis, comparative analysis, generalization, systematization of scientific sources, and systemic and structural-logical analysis.
The study establishes that the formation of the civic and patriotic position of older adolescents in Latvia is an important area of state youth and educational policy and has a comprehensive character. It is determined that this process is implemented through the interaction of four key components: educational, upbringing, activity and sports, and informational. The academic component ensures the integration of civic education into curricula, the development of legal culture, knowledge of the state system, principles of democracy, mechanisms of public participation, and critical thinking skills. The upbringing component aims to foster national identity, establish moral and value orientations, and promote respect for history, culture, traditions, and state symbols, as well as awareness of the significance of democratic principles and human rights. The activity-and-sports component promotes the development of self-discipline, teamwork, leadership qualities, stress resilience, and social responsibility through participation in sports, youth, and civic initiatives. The informational component contributes to raising civic awareness, fostering a positive attitude toward active civic participation, and disseminating knowledge about national values and the role of state institutions in ensuring stability and security. The generalization of the research findings allows the Latvian experience to be considered a holistic model for forming an active, responsible, and conscious citizen through the integration of educational, upbringing, activity-based, and informational mechanisms.