The objective of the present study was to explore in depth how adolescents understand democracy and how they apply their ideas of democracy to attitudes toward immigrants. In order to research these topics, we conducted five focus groups at middle and high schools (9th and 10th grade) with a total number of 32 respondents. Utilizing thematic analysis, we identified the main themes related to definitions of democracy, such as emphasis on individual freedom, and democracy as rule by the people. Young people also discussed possible conflicts between democratic principles (e.g., majority rule vs. minority voice). Inclination toward majoritarian model was mostly present in adolescents’ attitudes toward immigrants, which were characterized mostly by endorsement of assimilation. We discuss these results in the light of the conflicting principles upon which democracy is built, such as equality versus freedom or majority rule versus minority rights.

中文翻译：

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我们的民主：捷克青少年谈论民主的含义和对移民的态度

本研究的目的是深入探讨青少年如何理解民主，以及他们如何将民主思想应用于对移民的态度。为了研究这些主题，我们在初中和高中（9年级和10年级）进行了五个焦点小组讨论，共有32名受访者。通过主题分析，我们确定了与民主定义相关的主要主题，例如强调个人自由和人民统治的民主。年轻人还讨论了民主原则之间的可能冲突（例如，多数统治与少数派声音）。对多数派模式的倾向主要表现在青少年对移民的态度中，其主要特征是对同化的认可。