The Importance of Sharing: Understanding Different Manifestations of Citizenship Learning in Schools

• In Event: 2484 - Section on Sociology of Education Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 22. Schools and Classrooms 2

Abstract

Citizenship competences of adolescents can be developed within different social contexts: that of their peers, family, and school. Schools are often understood as important practice grounds for citizenship. This paper aims to better understand the role of schools as a practice ground for citizenship development. We argue that the characteristics of the school community provide the context to and are part of the schools’ citizenship practices. The framework of the school as a community helps us to grasp the different manifestations of citizenship learning. To better understand the interplay between citizenship learning and characteristics of the school community, we performed an exploratory multiple-case study research. In six secondary schools, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a broad array of actors: principals, team leaders, teachers, mentors, janitors, and students. The data shows the important role of sharing information, experiences and a vision within the school community to create coherence in the citizenship practices of schools and as such in the process of citizenship development of adolescents.

Authors

• Willemijn Rinnooy Kan, University of Amsterdam

• Virginie März, Université catholique de Louvain

• AnneBert Dijkstra