<i>‘A thought-provoking and significant contribution to the thinking on civic engagement and education that successfully integrates empirical knowledge with sophisticated theoretical perspectives. The editors should be congratulated for assembling such a stellar collection of authors. This book is an indispensable source for established scholars as well as students new to the field.’</i>
- Kjell Rubenson, University of British Columbia, Canada,
‘<i>Since the Enlightenment, education’s influence on citizenship has been a constant topic of policy debate, theoretical reflection, and empirical research. As well as taking stock of our current understanding, this stimulating, interdisciplinary collection by outstanding scholars sheds new light on this complex relationship in a changing and often challenging global context.’</i>
- John Field, University of Stirling, UK,
Chapters cover the theoretical and historical background of civic engagement and education, ideological and social movements, civic-oriented education, curriculum, and outcomes. Using empirical comparative data and unique context-specific studies, the Handbook explores ecopedagogy, education in emergencies, and the novel concept of social contract pedagogy. Addressing contemporary challenges to civic engagement in education, it examines polarization and extremism, accelerating planetary and societal changes, environmental crises, the digital divide, and post-Covid civic education. Ultimately, it finds that civic engagement is best supported by education practices that are characterized by humanizing, negotiated, collaborative, and dialogical approaches which encourage students to develop civic knowledge, critical thinking skills, and moral and ethical values.
Interdisciplinary and international in scope, this Handbook will prove vital to students and scholars of sociology and education studies. Its holistic understanding of how civic engagement and education interrelate at local, regional, and global levels will also be useful to policymakers concerned with improving civic and student support, engagement, and participation in education.