Who’s Afraid of Political Education?
The Challenge to Teach Civic Competence and Democratic Participation
Edited by Henry Tam
Published
Dec 1, 2024Page count
238 pagesISBN
978-1447366966Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
May 2, 2023Page count
238 pagesISBN
978-1447366959Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
May 2, 2023Page count
238 pagesISBN
978-1447366973Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
May 2, 2023Page count
238 pagesISBN
978-1447366973Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
Who’s Afraid of Political Education?
In the media:
Educating for political literacy in an age of crisis for Eddie Playfair
On our blog:
Insidious manoeuvres against democracy
Who’s afraid of political education?
Our democratic infrastructure’s falling down
Democracy should enable citizens to play an informed role in determining how power is exercised for their common wellbeing, but this only works if people have the understanding, skills and confidence to engage effectively in public affairs. Otherwise, any voting system can be subverted to serve the interests of propagandists and demagogues.
This book brings together leading experts on learning for democracy to explore why and how the gap in civic competence should be bridged.
Drawing on research findings and case examples from the UK, the US and elsewhere, it will set out why change is necessary, what could be taught differently to ensure effective political engagement, and how a lasting impact in improving citizens’ learning for democratic participation can be made.
“We live in dangerous times in which even limited political freedoms are being threatened. There is a pressing need for robust political education in its broadest and best sense. This volume makes a timely intervention into urgent debates. It is essential reading for all those who see education as key to defending and deepening democracy at a moment in history when the future looks so uncertain.” Howard Stevenson, University of Nottingham
“It is not possible for any of us to make a rational assessment of competing ideology, policy proposals, or critically analyse truth from fiction, if we do not have the tools to do so. To develop an understanding of how democracy works, and institutions function, it is necessary to embrace high quality education for citizenship and democracy. Henry Tam’s Who’s Afraid of Political Education? brings leading researchers and practitioners together to make a powerful case for how education for political engagement is to be achieved. It gathers evidence from around the world and sets out the approaches that should be taken. Politicians, policy advisors, and educators alike should familiarise themselves with this book.” David Blunkett, University of Sheffield and former UK Secretary of State for Education
“The principles and practices of democracy are under attack everywhere and if we are to find our way through the multiple crises of the 21st century, we will need deeper and stronger models of democratic participation and political engagement. In Who’s Afraid of Political Education?, Henry Tam has assembled contributions from a range of insightful authors to present a broad and rich conception of political literacy and its importance. This is a vital guide to education’s ‘politics deficit’ and what can be done about it.” Eddie Playfair, Association of Colleges
" In a time of uncertainty, Tam’s intervention is timely and essential reading for those who believe that education is crucial in sustaining and deepening democracy. Tam presents evidence from around the world and outlines the recommended approaches that politicians, policy advisors, and educators need to familiarize themselves with." Journal of Peace Education
Henry Tam is a writer, educator and former Head for Civil Renewal under the last Labour government. He was previously a lecturer at the University of Cambridge.
1. Introduction: Citizens, We Have a Problem - Henry Tam
Part I: Why Changes Are Needed
2. Political Education in an Unequal Society - Diane Reay
3. Classroom Conflict, ‘Divisive Concepts’ and Educating for Democracy - Barrett Smith and Sarah M. Stitzlein
4. The Contested Scope of Academic Freedom - Dina Kiwan
5. Rethinking Citizenship Education for Political Literacy - Tony Breslin
Part II: What Could Be Done Differently
6. Populism, Classrooms and Shared Authority - Kathleen Sellers and Kathleen Knight Abowitz
7. Different Approaches to Teaching Civic and National Identity - Edda Sant
8. Active Learning of Marginalised Young People - Kalbir Shukra
9. Universities’ Role in Teaching Practical Politics - Titus Alexander
Part III: How to Make a Lasting Impact
10. The Evidence on Educational Methods for Political Engagement - David Kerr and Bryony Hoskins
11. Citizenship Education: Building for the Future - Lee Jerome and Liz Moorse
12. Reversing Democratic Decline through Political Education - Murray Print
13. Towards Civic Learning for All - Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg
14. Conclusion: Lessons for Democratic Health - Henry Tam
