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Introduction 1
Review of Literature
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Psychology
Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

On the values and attitudes of economics students in Portugal

Profile image of Jorge CaiadoJorge Caiado

2022, Revista de Sociologia e Política

https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-98732230E021
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19 pages

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Abstract

Introduction: Several studies regarding the values and attitudes of Economics students have noticed a greater leaning towards the free riding phenomena and the market economy. Are these traits always valid? Do they coexist with other sociological relevant aspects? Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2016 with Economics students. In addition to the economic view, it was studied their self-perception at the left-right spectrum and their interest in politics. The results of this survey were compared with previous research on three social groups (young citizens, elder citizens, and other students). The data were statistically analyzed through correlation and factorial analysis tests. Results: The research revealed a tendency towards a right-wing self-perception and an increased concern about politics by these Portuguese students. However, these traits were attenuated, because those Economics students converge with other group's values, specially the "young citizens" and the "old citizens". Generally, groups with greater leaning towards free riding are also more inclined to pro-market ideas, right-wing, and interested in politics. Results indicate the existence of other substantially different behavioral components, being one of them correspondent to the variables used to measure "free riding" and an opposite component which we can label "open-mindedness". Discussion: As a whole, the results suggest a considerable influence of Economics in the mental framework of these students. Evidence seems to signal a diffuse cultural influence, corresponding to a simplified and impoverished version of the academic field.

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  46. Palavras-chave: estudantes; ideologia esquerda e direita; interesse pela política; regulação do mercado; survey RESUMO Introdução: Vários estudos sobre os valores e atitudes dos estudantes de Economia têm notado sua maior inclinação para o parasitismo (free riding) e para a regulação pelo mercado. Estes traços são sempre válidos? Eles coexistem com outros aspectos socio- logicamente relevantes? Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um survey em Lisboa (Portugal) em 2016 com estudantes de Economia. Foram pesquisadas, além da visão econômica, a autopercepção desses indivíduos no espectro esquerda-direita e o interesse pela política. Os resultados desse inquérito foram comparados com pesquisas anteriores sobre outros três grupos sociais (cidadãos jovens, cidadãos idosos e outros estudantes). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por testes de correlação e análise fatorial. Resultados: A pesquisa revelou uma tendência para uma autopercepção de direita e um interesse acrescido pela política por parte desses estudantes portugueses. Entretanto, essas características foram atenuadas, pois os estudantes de economia convergem com os valores dos outros grupos, em especial os "jovens adultos" e os "adultos idosos". Genericamente, grupos mais inclinados ao parasitismo são também mais pró-mercado e de direita e mais interessados na política. Os resultados indicam a existência de outros componentes atitudinais consideravelmente diferentes, um deles correspondendo às variáveis utilizadas com o propósito de mensurar o "free riding" e um componente oposto que podemos chamar genericamente de "open-mindedness". Discussão: No conjunto, os resultados sugerem uma influência considerável da Economia no enquadramento mental desses estudantes. As evidências parecem sinalizar uma influência cultural difusa, correspondente a uma versão simplificada e conceitualmente empo- brecida da disciplina.

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