Abstract:

The main objective of this research is to examine the elementary education school students‟ democracy perception by means of metaphors. A total of 332 students, 167 girls and 165 boys have participated in this research who were 6th, 7th and 8th grade students of three elementary education schools located in lower, medium and higher socio economic neighborhoods. In analyzing the data collected through Democracy Metaphors Questionnaire (DMQ), descriptive analysis were used as well as content analysis. The result of the research revealed that students developed 75 metaphors for democracy and that they generally perceive democracy as a regime that is synonym of equality, freedom and justice. According to the opinions of the students activities performed concerning democracy are monitor election and explaining what democracy is. As stated by the students, the factors that affect students‟ opinions about democracy the most are; family, teachers and school directors whereas the least affecting factors are TV serials, school activities except lessons and grandparents and other close relatives

Keywords: