Citizenship, Diversity, Participation and Education in Times of Change

A number of social and political changes have recently challenged political legitimacy, which makes citizens’ political interest and participation even more critical. First globalization opens up communications (new media) and networks, changes national and personal identities, and expands the arenas and means of participation. Second, migration increases pluralism, which in turn fuels debates over rights, social inclusion and exclusion, and the means of citizens’ social and political participation. Third, the current financial turmoil has in many countries led to social and political reclassification, poverty and political unrest. Many citizens take it to the streets to address their immediate problems and democratic deficits. Some states experience ethnic rivalry, or separatism. Religious and political extremism is growing among some citizens. Young people continue to find new forms of participation and show a tendency to favour virtual and more occasional involvement. Generally, political interest and conventional participation is declining somewhat, particularly among young citizens. In the situation described above, there is continuous work and growing interest to develop universal human rights for citizens and education for citizenship in all states, particularly in the name of the Council of Europe and the European Council. UNESCO’s member states have also agreed to develop competence, autonomy, and citizenship among all young people. All of these educational efforts are situated in and influenced by the social and political changes and the changing roles of citizens and non-citizens alike. In this joint session we wish to gather scholars who address questions related to the changing conditions for citizens’ social and political life as well as educational attempts to address these challenges and changing conditions for citizenship.