Youth Civic Development
As a democratic society, we must be sure that each new generation of citizens identifies with the common good of the nation, and that they become active members of their communities. We know that political knowledge is linked to social tolerance, being active in the community, education level, and the content of the education that we receive in school (for example, high school civics or student government). But what do we know about how children develop citizenship?
Recent trends indicate that there has been a decline in social trust during recent decades – and with it has come a rise in self-interest. In addition, teens generally do not feel that they can create change through the political process. However, not all the news is necessarily bad. While political involvement may be down, volunteerism has become the norm among teens. As a result, researchers are interested in linking volunteerism to larger civic and social issues in order to promote political activities among young people. What they are finding is that the civic and political views that young people hold are rooted in the opportunities that they have to learn and practice civic activities. The more opportunities young people have to learn about and practice citizenship, the more likely they are to become active in politics and in their communities later in life. It is also true that adults play important roles in teaching about tolerance in civic life. Many adults model tolerance and civic behavior in their own actions, and expect the same from youth.
Finally, research shows that the values that parents emphasize (whether self-focused or community-focused) shape the political views of young people. One example is that youth from families that encourage them to discuss controversial issues are more likely to have more civic knowledge and interest than their peers.
These findings are important for understanding what adults can do to
promote civic development among youth. At home, parents can emphasize community
values over self-interests. At the same time, schools and youth programs
can offer opportunities for youth to learn about and get involved in civic
life. Finally, all adults can model tolerance and respect.
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1. Public spaces must include all youth. Adults (teachers, ministers, principals) should insist on tolerance in social settings. 2. Because the values that children are raised with provide the basis for their political views, it is important to emphasize social trust rather than self interests. 3. To promote democracy, youth need to know the good parts - and the bad parts - of history. |
It is also true that involvement in extracurricular activities is related
to later community involvement and political action. However, some youth
do not have access to community clubs or extracurricular activities; activities
like little league, YMCA, and 4-H are typically less common in poorer neighborhoods.
Schools and youth organizations can continue to reach out to disadvantaged
communities to ensure that all youth have the opportunity to be involved
in their communities.
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Giraffe Project - http://www.giraffe.org/
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Source:
Flanagan, Constance A., and Nakesha Faison. 2001. Youth Civic Development:
Implications of Research for Social Policy and Programs. What can Teachers
do?
This issue of the Ups & Downs was contributed by Stephen
T. Russell, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, University of California,
Davis. Ups & Downs is edited by Rosalie J. Bakken, Ph.D.,
Adolescent Development Specialist, University of Nebraska- Lincoln.