INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
Establishing Civic Virtues in Practice: Their Prevalence in Contemporary  
Zambian Society  
Adam Daka, PhD Candidate, Prof. Gistered Muleya PhD, Prof. Francis Simui, PhD, Gladys Matandiko,  
PhD,  
University of Zambia, Institute of Distance Education (IDE),  
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100016  
Received: 07 November 2025; Accepted: 14 November 2025; Published: 27 November 2025  
ABSTRACT  
Civic virtues include behaviours such as civic engagement, social responsibility, and altruism, which are vital  
for democratic participation (Onyx & Bullen, 2016). The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence  
of civic virtues in Zambian society, particularly in Lusaka’s Kanyama and Mandevu communities, using a  
qualitative approach. The research employed an exploratory case study design and purposive sampling to  
select a study sample of 25 participants until saturation was achieved. The data was analysed thematically,  
based on themes and subthemes that emerged. The results showed that Civic virtues like trust and empathy are  
valued but often undermined by corruption and individualism. While communities offer strong examples of  
cooperation, practising these virtues was challenged by conservative societal norms that marginalise  
progressive values. Strengthening civic life requires structural change and inclusive engagement. Other  
implications are discussed.  
Key terms: civic virtues, democratic participation, altruism, behaviours  
INTRODUCTION  
Civic virtues are the moral and ethical qualities that citizens are expected to embody to uphold and improve  
their community's moral standards and social unity. They include traits such as respect, responsibility, fairness,  
and a dedication to the common good, which together promote democratic involvement and reinforce  
community ties (Bellah, Madsen, Sullivan, Swidler et al. 2008). Bellah et al. (2008) state that civic virtues are  
vital for the functioning of a robust democracy. They contend that for societies to foster social capital and civic  
participation, individuals must develop a sense of responsibility and dedication not only to themselves but also  
to their communities and fellow citizens. The growth of these virtues strengthens social cohesion and  
motivates individuals to actively engage in civic life, thereby cultivating a resilient and involved society.  
In the Zambian context, civic virtue includes various elements that support the well-being and progress of  
society. According to Kafukulu (2018), civic virtues in Zambia involve respect for authority, community  
solidarity, and participation in volunteer activities. Additionally, Simutanyi (2015) emphasises the importance  
of social cohesion, tolerance, and respect for diversity as vital parts of civic virtue in Zambia's multicultural  
society. These civic virtues are influenced by Zambia's cultural, historical, and socio-economic background,  
embodying a range of settled dispositions that reflect the moral qualities needed for positive contributions to  
societal well-being and governance. Essentially, civic virtues can be seen as the character traits that define a  
good citizen, including but not limited to responsibility, respect, empathy, and active involvement in civic life  
(Lovett, 2015). As members of society navigate the complexities of civic life, these virtues not only guide  
individual behaviour but also shape collective social norms and values. Developing civic virtues is crucial for  
encouraging civic engagement, fostering social cohesion, and maintaining healthy democratic institutions.  
Through the perspective of civic virtue, citizens are urged to prioritise the common good, participate in public  
discourse, and engage meaningfully in the democratic process. This understanding of civic virtue forms a key  
foundation for cultivating active and informed citizens who contribute to the vitality and resilience of their  
communities.  
Page 212  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
Studies have demonstrated that integrating civic virtues into Zambian society involves fostering a culture of  
active citizenship, social cohesion, and community solidarity (Simutanyi, 2015). According to Kafukulu  
(2018), this integration includes promoting volunteerism, respect for authority, and environmental stewardship  
(Chinsinga, 2016).  
Civic virtues form the foundation of a cohesive society. They are vital for fostering a democratic environment,  
where citizens actively participate in civic duties that uphold community and national resilience. In Zambia, as  
in many developing countries, the focus on civic education in formal schooling often neglects the broader  
socio-cultural contexts in which these virtues are practised and developed. Research shows that civic virtues go  
beyond the classroom and are nurtured through community participation, family practices, and informal  
learning settings (Putnam, 2000; Verba, Schlozman, & Brady, 1995).  
In Zambia, the expectation of active civic participation and the realisation of civic virtues are often hampered  
by socio-economic challenges, political disillusionment, and a lack of comprehensive civic education, along  
with a community-based civic virtue framework. Despite the formal education system’s curriculum including  
elements of civic responsibility, many citizens, particularly youths, show a disconnect between formal civic  
training and actual civic engagement. This gap is apparent in low voter turnout, limited involvement in local  
governance, and a widespread sense of apathy towards community issues (Bishop & Mkwanda, 2020;  
Mwanakatwe, 2016).  
Existing research has mainly concentrated on the part of formal education in fostering civic virtue, often  
overlooking the wider, community-level factors that significantly influence civic identities (Putnam, 2000).  
This oversight creates an urgent need to investigate how citizens engage with and nurture civic virtues outside  
the education system, particularly in communities such as Kanyama and Mandevu. Ignoring these dynamics  
risks perpetuating a cycle of disengagement, which can ultimately weaken democratic values and social  
cohesion.  
Furthermore, Kanyama and Mandevu are urban, high-density areas with well-documented social challenges  
such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, crime, and political clientelism, making them rich sites for  
studying civic behaviour in contexts of marginalisation. It is worth noting that Kanyama and Mandevu  
constituencies face numerous challenges related to civic engagement, social cohesion, and community  
development, which are attributed to a lack of civic virtues among community members (Elections and  
Governance Report, 2021). Civic engagement, in terms of voter turnout, was low in Kanyama and Mandevu in  
2021 at 56% and 59% respectively (ECZ, 2021).  
This study examines communities in Zambia that exemplify good practices in incorporating civic virtues into  
everyday life. Through interviews, focus groups, and community observations, the study identifies the  
foundational civic virtues that enable these communities to promote civic engagement among their members.  
Communitarianism Theory  
In the context of the study, communitarian theory provided insights into how community dynamics and social  
relationships influenced the adoption and practice of civic virtues. By recognising the importance of  
community and shared values, researchers can better understand how to promote social cohesion and integrate  
civic virtues in diverse communities (Bell, 2000).In order to have a depth of insights into the Communitarian  
theory, republicanism was brought to the fore. Various principles, such as Community Engagement, Common  
Good, and Cultural Identity, can inform strategies for promoting collective responsibility, social harmony, and  
inclusive development, which are essential for fostering a sense of community and promoting the common  
good. Communitarian and Civic republicanism have a lot of similarities when it comes to the integration of  
civic virtues in the Zambian society. Community and social responsibility are one of fundamental similarities  
as both theories put emphasis on collective responsibility in order to foster the ideals of a society that is  
anchored on shared societal values. Democratic participation is one other virtue that republicanism dwells on  
so as to complement the communitarian theory, as both emphasise communities to participate in the  
community through the principle of collective responsibility and taking part in democratic governance through  
voting and community work through volunteerism.  
Page 213  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
Applicability of Communitarian Theory to the Study  
Communitarian theory offers a valuable framework for understanding the complex relationships between  
community, social relationships, and civic virtues. By applying this theory, the researcher will gain a deeper  
understanding of how community dynamics and social relationships shape individual behavior and promote  
civic engagement. Communitarian theory emphasises the importance of community and social relationships in  
shaping personal identity, values, and behaviours, which may help the researcher understand how civic virtues  
are adopted and practised in the Kanyama and Mandevu constituencies.  
The applicability of communitarian theory to this study lies in its ability to inform strategies for promoting  
social cohesion and integrating civic virtues in diverse communities. By recognizing the importance of  
community and shared values, researchers will develop effective approaches to promote collective  
responsibility and social harmony. Communitarian theory's focus on social responsibility can also encourage  
individuals to take an active role in promoting civic virtues and contributing to the well-being of their  
communities. Furthermore, by empowering community members to become agents of change, communitarian  
theory will help researchers develop sustainable and community-driven solutions for promoting civic virtues.  
In terms of methodology, communitarian theory's emphasis on community dynamics and social relationships  
suggests the use of qualitative research methods, such as focus groups, interviews, and observations, to gather  
rich and nuanced data. Community-based participatory research approaches, which involve community  
members in the research process and promote collaborative problem-solving, can also be effective in this  
context. By adopting a qualitative and participatory approach, the researchers gained a deeper understanding of  
the complex relationships between community, social relationships, and civic virtues in Kanyama and  
Mandevu constituencies.  
METHODOLOGY  
The study employed a qualitative research approach and an exploratory case study design to investigate the  
current state of civic virtues in Zambian societies, specifically within the Kanyama and Mandevu communities.  
Qualitative studies focus on capturing and describing lived experiences of a group of people. This method aims  
to explore individuals’ experiences, perceptions, and the meanings they assign to a particular phenomenon,  
such as the state of civic virtues (Cresswell, 2018).  
Furthermore, an exploratory case study design facilitates the usual collection of data via in-depth interviews  
and focus group discussions.  
Written descriptions and data will be analysed thematically. This exploratory case study design employs  
purposive sampling. Participants will be chosen based on their experiences with the phenomenon under  
investigation. Sample sizes in descriptive phenomenology are generally small, ranging from 3 to 25  
participants (Creswell, 2018). Therefore, the study sample consisted of 10 participants (subject to reaching  
sample saturation within the communities), which aligns with the scope of an exploratory case study. In this  
context, an exploratory case study research design enabled a comprehensive understanding of the current state  
of civic virtues in Zambian societies.  
The study employed purposive sampling to select participants who are likely to offer valuable insights. The  
researcher identifies various individuals with expertise to create an environment that fosters a comprehensive  
understanding of the current state of civic virtues in Zambian societies. Primary data was collected through  
focus group discussions and oral interviews using an interview guide. These tools facilitated the researcher in  
gathering primary data.  
Data was coded and analysed thematically. The researcher identified and examined the underlying themes and  
patterns within the data, reporting these findings clearly and concisely. This allowed the researcher to draw  
well-informed conclusions based on a deeper understanding of the data's meanings and significance. Themes  
that emerged from this study were used to draw conclusions from each finding.  
Page 214  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
The researcher ensured trustworthiness by addressing four criteria: (i) credibility (a measure of the truth value  
of qualitative research), (ii) transferability (the extent to which findings are useful in other settings), (iii)  
dependability (the degree of consistency), and (iv) conformability (producing findings that objectively reflect  
data collected from participants).  
Participants’ privacy was maintained at all times. In data analysis, the names of the involved communities and  
study participants were not disclosed to safeguard their dignity and reputation. Informed consent was also  
secured from participants in a language they understood, whether in writing, verbally, or by their participation.  
Additionally, ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authorities.  
RESULTS  
Emerging Core Themes and Structural Descriptions  
The analysis of interview transcripts, focus group discussions and institutional documents yielded three  
primary themes, directly corresponding to the core tenets of the establishment of civic virtues in the Zambian  
society as summarized in Table 3.1 below:  
Focus Group Discussion Results Table  
THEME  
STRUCTURAL  
(ESSENCE)  
DESCRIPTION REPRESENTATIVE QUOTE  
Emphasis was placed on the belief that virtues “We understand that Civic virtues is  
exist through values such as respect, about promoting the common good and  
1. Manifestation  
of civic virtues  
responsibility and patriotism  
working towards the development of the  
Country.”  
Various examples of civic virtues were given We've observed that civic virtues were  
as respect for human rights, tolerance, essential for promoting social cohesion  
2. Examples of  
Civic virtues  
inclusivity, accountability and honesty.  
and community unity.  
Emphasis was placed on the challenges in We face challenges in staying motivated  
practising Civic virtues such as corruption, and committed to practising civic virtues,  
inequality and social injustice, lack of and in finding support and resources to  
3. Challenges in  
Practising Civic  
Virtues  
awareness and limited access to information.  
practice civic virtues  
Results From The Interviews  
THEME  
STRUCTURAL  
(ESSENCE)  
DESCRIPTION REPRESENTATIVE QUOTE  
Civic virtues were valued but often "I think civic virtues are declining in our  
compromised by self-interest, corruption and society due to the emphasis on  
1. State of civic  
virtues  
lack of accountability.  
individualism and greed."  
The main examples of civic virtues given by "One of the things that stands out to me is  
participants were trust, cooperation, and the trust that's developed between  
2. Examples of  
Civic virtues  
empathy were prevalent in the communities.  
neighbours. We've had instances where  
someone's lost a pet, and the whole  
neighbourhood comes together to help find  
it. It's amazing to see how we all look out  
for each other."  
Emphasis was placed on the challenges in ‘‘One major obstacle was the conservative  
practising Civic virtues, such conservative and and heteronormative nature of the society,  
3. Challenges in  
Practising Civic  
Virtues  
heteronormative nature of the society.  
which led to feminist values being  
discredited by accusations of being  
"Western" or linked to "taboo" issues like  
non-heterosexuality.’’  
Page 215  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
DISCUSSION  
The findings from the focus group discussions (FGDs) and the interviews conducted reveal a nuanced  
understanding of civic virtues among participants, highlighting both their perceived importance and the  
challenges associated with their practice. Three key themes emerged: the manifestation of civic virtues,  
examples of civic virtues, and the challenges in practising them.  
Manifestation of Civic Virtues  
Participants consistently emphasized that civic virtues are deeply rooted in values such as respect,  
responsibility, and patriotism. These values were seen not merely as abstract ideals but as actionable principles  
that guide behaviour toward the common good. The representative quote, “We understand that Civic virtues  
are about promoting the common good and working towards the development of the Country,” underscores a  
collective orientation toward national progress and social responsibility. This aligns with existing literature that  
frames civic virtues as foundational to democratic engagement and societal well-being (Bellah, Madsen,  
Sullivan, Swidler et al. 2008). Bellah et al. (2008) state that civic virtues are vital for the functioning of a  
robust democracy. According to Simutanyi (2015), Studies have demonstrated that integrating civic virtues  
into Zambian society involves fostering a culture of active citizenship, social cohesion, and community  
solidarity. The result equally aligns with the theory of Communism used in the study, because communitarian  
theory focuses on social responsibility and also encourages individuals to take an active role in promoting civic  
virtues and contributing to the well-being of their communities.  
Examples of Civic Virtues  
The FGDs provided a rich array of examples that illustrate the practical dimensions of civic virtues. These  
included respect for human rights, tolerance, inclusivity, accountability, and honesty. Participants viewed these  
virtues as essential for fostering social cohesion and community unity. The emphasis on inclusivity and  
tolerance reflects a growing awareness of the need for pluralism in civic life, especially in diverse societies.  
Moreover, the mention of accountability and honesty suggests a desire for ethical governance and transparent  
public service, reinforcing the role of civic virtues in strengthening democratic institutions. Other scholars  
agree with these examples of Civic Virtues like Putnam (2000) Verba, Schlozman, & Brady (1995), who  
purported that Civic Virtues are nurtured through community participation, family practices, and informal  
learning settings. The views of Putnam (2000) are very much in line with this study as he outlines civic virtues  
such as trust, civic participation and reciprocity in community activities. On the other hand, Roberty Bellah  
posits views of civic virtues like responsibility and public good which are very much in line with the  
communitarianism theory which has anchored this study. Further, both theories emphasise on the importance  
of community and social bonds. They both emphasise on civic participation and responsibility which is  
exhibited in civic engagement.  
Challenges in Practising Civic Virtues  
Despite the positive outlook on civic virtues, participants acknowledged significant barriers to their consistent  
practice. These included systemic issues such as corruption, inequality, and social injustice, as well as  
individual-level constraints like a lack of awareness and limited access to information. One participant noted,  
“We face challenges in staying motivated and committed to practising civic virtues and in finding support and  
resources to practice civic virtues,” highlighting the emotional and logistical difficulties involved. These  
challenges are not new, as they are supported by sentiments from scholars like Bishop & Mkwanda (2020);  
Mwanakatwe (2016), who highlighted limited involvement in local governance and a widespread sense of  
apathy towards community issues. These challenges suggest that while civic virtues are valued, their  
enactment requires supportive structures, education, and institutional accountability.  
Page 216  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
CONCLUSION  
This study reveals a complex and nuanced landscape of civic virtues within contemporary society. While  
participants consistently affirmed the importance of civic virtues such as trust, cooperation, and empathy, their  
practice was often undermined by systemic issues, including corruption, individualism, and lack of  
accountability. The tension between valuing civic ideals and confronting societal realities underscores a  
broader moral ambivalence.  
Moreover, the challenges in practising civic virtues were deeply rooted in cultural and ideological structures.  
The conservative and heteronormative nature of the society not only constrained inclusive civic engagement  
but also marginalized feminist and progressive values, framing them as foreign or taboo. These findings  
suggest that civic virtue is not merely a personal ethic but a contested social construct shaped by power,  
identity, and cultural narratives.  
Fostering civic virtues requires more than individual goodwill; it demands structural transformation, inclusive  
dialogue, and a reimagining of communal responsibility. Future research should explore strategies for  
cultivating civic virtues in pluralistic societies, especially those grappling with ideological rigidity and social  
fragmentation.  
IMPLICATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS  
The findings suggest that civic education should not only promote awareness of civic virtues but also address  
the structural impediments that hinder their practice. Interventions aimed at reducing corruption, promoting  
equity, and enhancing access to civic information could empower individuals to embody these virtues more  
fully. Furthermore, fostering community-based initiatives that reinforce civic values may help sustain  
motivation and collective engagement.  
There are several practical recommendations for this study to integrate civic virtues education into community  
programs and local governance. Citizens or local community members should be involved when the leaders  
are making decisions that affect them. For instance, the local people should get involved in the budgeting  
process so that civic virtues programmes can be incorporated. There should be consistent dialogue meetings  
between local people and those in policy-making and decision-making offices. There should be an enabling  
environment for smooth citizen engagement. There should be a deliberative move to integrate service-learning  
projects that reflect community service and civic engagement  
Source of Funding: This study did not receive any external funding.  
Declaration of Interest  
None of the authors declared any conflicting interest.  
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  
The authors sincerely extend their gratitude to teachers and Head teachers in Kanyama and Mandevu  
constituencies who generously shared their time and experiences, which served as the heart for this study.  
Appreciation also goes to all who continue to uphold and promote the civic virtues in this country.  
REFERENCES  
1. Bellah, R., Madsen, R., Sullivan, W. M., Swidler, A., & Tipton, S. M. (2008). Habits of the Heart:  
Individualism and Commitment in American Life. University of California Press.  
2. Bishop, K., & Mkwanda, E. (2020). Civic Engagement in Zambia: The Role of Youth. Zambian Journal  
of Political Science, 5(2), 45-60.  
Page 217  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025  
3. Chinsinga, B. (2016). Environmental governance in Zambia: A review of the policy and legislative  
framework. Journal of Environmental Policy and Planning, 18(4), 437-453.  
4. Creswell, J., & Poth, C. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five  
Approaches (4e). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publishers.  
5. Kafukulu, E. (2018). Civic engagement and volunteerism in Zambia: A case study of Lusaka-based  
NGOs. Journal of Civil Society, 14(2), 147-162.  
6. Lovett, F. (2015). Civic virtue. The encyclopaedia of political thought, 1-10.  
7. Mwanakatwe, C. (2016). The State of Civic Engagement: A Zambian Perspective. Zambia Social  
Science Review, 4(1), 21-36.  
8. Onyx, J., & Bullen, P. (2016). Measuring Social Capital in Five Communities. The Journal of  
Community Development, 21(2), 133-142.  
9. Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York:  
Simon & Schuster  
10. Putnam, R. D. etal, (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New  
York: Simon & Schuster.  
11. Simutanyi, N. (2015). Social cohesion and nation-building in Zambia. Journal of African Studies, 44(2),  
201-215.  
12. Verba, S., Schlozman, K. L., & Brady, H. (1995). Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American  
Politics. Harvard University Press.  
Page 218  
www.rsisinternational.org