Why Does Citizenship Matter?
Our stories of citizenship illustrate the complexity of the concept of citizenship. Citizenship describes a way of life in which people pursue shared goals for society, recognize limits to government powers and participate in political processes; where people are entitled to pursue economic well-being and loyalty and solidarity among people is nurtured. A collective sense of citizenship takes account of diversity and protects the legal and human rights of each person especially members of minority groups. As democratic societies evolve, so does their understanding of citizenship.
Citizenship is the legal status of belonging to a state, but equally important citizenship also is about how we live together in our communities and the larger society. Schools are essential to the ongoing development of democratic ways of life. They must educate each generation in the ways of citizenship. Educating citizens is a core purpose of public education, one that is pursued explicitly through curriculum studies and implicitly by providing students opportunities to practice the skills and of democratic participation. The goals of citizenship education at any particular time usually reflect the prevailing societal views about the nature of citizenship. As concerns arise about important societal issues – for example, racism, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, inclusion, political participation, gay rights – we look to schools to educate the young in ways that will strengthen our social fabric. But such expectations are never without contention. In this period of rapid global integration the tension between education goals of benefit to the wider society may conflict with the private goals of individual families.
The intention of this site is to encourage educators and the wider community to explore the questions and issues in educating citizens with the hope of invigorating our commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, aptitudes and attitudes to be active citizens.
