Dilemmas of Education for Democratic Imperatives and Good Citizenship

Abstract

Despite the numerous crises of contemporary democracy, there still exists a widespread conviction that democracy is the best approach to ensure harmonious relationships among individuals and social groups. However, in the time of the growing disappointment over our social relationship and the radical decrease of trust within society, we face the question of how to educate for democracy. It is necessary to present to young people the classic disputes of democracy that are still valid and simultaneously go beyond the traditional thinking about democracy and civic engagement. The understanding of democratic participation and civil activity is currently changing. We experience new, alternative, more individualized, and emotional forms of civic activity among the young. Therefore, we should face the questions concerning contemporary education for good citizenship, for active participation in democracy and in pursuing the goals of democratic societies.

Keywords

• democracy
• good citizenship
• education for democracy
• civic engagement
• cultural change