Survey of Botswana Political Participation, 1970: Elite Sample Version 1

This study is part of a larger investigation that focused on political awareness and participation in Botswana. Three separate surveys were conducted, with an elite sample (the present study), a sample of the adult population (SURVEY OF BOTSWANA POLITICAL PARTICIPATION, 1970: MASS SAMPLE [ICPSR 7362]), and a sample of secondary school students (SURVEY OF BOTSWANA POLITICAL PARTICIPATION, 1970: SECONDARY SCHOOL SAMPLE [ICPSR 7351]). The elite sample was selected from participants at governmental, trade, and professional meetings and conventions. Respondents included members of parliament, district council members, teachers, union and cooperative leaders, members of women's associations, civil servants, and university students. The questionnaire elicited views on the structure of local and national decision-making processes and the relationship between traditional (tribal) and modern (elected) loci of power. Variables assessed respondents' perceptions of the power structure, their participation in local politics and other decision-making processes, their political knowledge, and views of community cohesion. Demographic data include sex, age, education, marital status, number of children, parents' education, father's occupation, tribal affiliation, intra-tribal class, media usage, travel experience, and source of livelihood. At least half of the participants at national meetings of the targeted elite groups were included in the sample. In the case of local civil servants, the questionnaire was administered to the chief administrators from all regions and their subordinates from two districts. Students were surveyed on university premises. Datasets: DS1: Survey of Botswana Political Participation, 1970: Elite Sample Members of elite groups in Bostwana.