Attitude of students to extremism and its prevention in the higher education system

Abstract

To counter extremism among young individuals, integrating anti-extremist norms and values into the educational curriculum is crucial. Adolescence and the student years mark a pivotal phase in shaping one's personality, significantly influencing their future trajectory, both personally and professionally. The endeavor to instill anti-extremist principles among students holds particular relevance today, as this period signifies active socialization, career advancement, and the reinforcement of a value system acquired not only from the family but also through the educational process.

The Center for Spiritual and Moral Education and Theology of the Russian Academy of Education conducted two sociological surveys between 2022 and 2023 targeting young people, including teenagers and students, to gauge their perspectives on anti-extremist education, extremism prevention in educational settings, and their grasp of traditional Russian values. This article focuses on one of these surveys, specifically examining student youth in 2023.

The findings from the study on student youth indicate that a majority of respondents harbor a negative stance towards extremism and extremist activities. Simultaneously, they exhibit a favorable view of traditional Russian values, demonstrate tolerance towards diverse religions, religious movements, ethnicities, and nationalities, and do not report a surge in religious tensions or ethnic intolerance in their residential regions.