O potrzebie autorytetu (na podstawie wypowiedzi licealistów)

Abstract

The author attempts to answer the question: How do high school students use the word authority in spoken and written utterance? She tries to show how they understand this word and what value they attach to it. She answers the following questions: Do high school students need authority? What kind of people do they regard as role models, as important persons who can have an impact on their own behaviour and actions? The questionnaire survey was carried out among 200 Lublin high school students in May 2010. The survey showed that 69 percent of the respondents declare the need for some authority, while 31 percent do not see any such need. Those who acknowledged that contemporary youth need “guides” stated that an authority motivates one to undertake specific tasks, is an inspiration, can show a direction in life, can provide examples, and can help solve life’s problems and take decisions. Among those who could function as authorities, young people mentioned: family members, persons from the school environment and circles of peers and friends, clergy and saints, writers, musicians, sportsmen, actors, celebrities, and even characters from movies. Thus, the survey at least partly disproves the claims of those scholars who talk about the crisis, or even disappearance, of authority. Authority is still very important for young people, but it can take very diverse forms.