Democracy, Citizenship and Empowerment

Democratic values could be a counterweight to prejudice and discrimination. What do these values mean? What consequences do they have for the school's teaching?

There are multiple understandings of democracy. However, shared by all is the notion that everyone should be able to participate in decision processes with equal rights. This entails mutual respect and dialogue.

Prejudice and group hostility hence challenges democracy. At the same time, a democracy where the inhabitants experience real participation, could possibly satisfy a need that easily could have fallen victim to excluding views instead. In this way, democracy can prevent prejudice and outsiderness, which is also emphasized by the core curriculum.

Empowerment is closely connected to democracy. Empowerment is about the trust in people as independent and capable of making their own choices, in mutual solidarity. In school, both democracy and empowerment are elements of school practices for student participation. The students should experience democracy and participation in school. They should learn democratic behavior through involvement. Combining this with learning about democracy gives the students the necessary competence to act and participate as democratic citizens.

Under this topic you will find specific tips and background information about democracy, empowerment and citizenship. Additionally, you will also find activities and teaching plans for teaching both about, through and for democracy.