Education for participatory democracy : a rationale for active citizenship

Abstract

This work is an attempt at expounding a comprehensive theory of education in the specific setting of a participatory democracy. The need for a theory which makes explicit the aims of educational practice in a coherent manner, and which justifies such practice according to democratic principles, is examined in the light of the radical and progressive liberal analysis of education. A short review of classical theories of democracy is followed by a consideration of the concept of active citizenship, the structures necessary for effective political participation, and the implications of participatory politics for educational practice. Among the more important implications is the question of parents' and children's rights in a participatory democracy. Finally some curricular proposals regarding positive discrimination, sexism and political education are put forward.