The group discussed the themes/topics they believe should be addressed at the conference from a socio-political angle that structure our understanding and approaches of CE content (i.e. use specific methodologies, pedagogical approaches, tools, strategies, etc).

The content group was divided into 3 subgroups to delve into the conference’s themes/topics through the following angles:

  • Powerlessness
  • Social inequality
  • Formal versus nonformal/informal education
  1. HUMAN RIGHTS
    1. REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you need knowledge on human rights among citizens in order to eradicate social inequality/poverty, or do you need social equality first in order to secure human rights?
    2. Knowledge about human rights via CE brings change in attitude and change in behavior (citizens can express and demand social security, social rights, etc)
    3. CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC: Could cultural norms be used as an argument to infringe on human rights?
  2. DIGITAL ERA
    1. BLIND SPOT: CE digital literacy programs do not provide tools to address social inequality.
    2. CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC: Can the use of civic education decrease the negative effects of digitalization?
    3. CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC: Should we be worried about the excessive use of digital tools?
    1. COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM
  3. MIGRATION/REFUGEES: Should training for migrants and refugees be more “aggressive” to help newcomers integrate into the local culture.
  4. YOUTH
    1. REFLECTION QUESTION: Is social solidarity a means or an end?
    2. HOT ISSUE/INNOVATIVE IDEA: In order to tackle violent extremism resulting from social inequality, we need to provide an alternative narrative via social entrepreneurship improving inclusivity and social mobility.
    3. REFLECTION QUESTION: Should we rethink religious education as a topic?
  5. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
    1. How can we launch and officialize civic education clubs in order to create and foster a social entrepreneurship mindset?
  6. RELIGION
    1. BLIND SPOT: How can civic education and religious discourse coexist and jointly promote peace?
  7. MEDIA
    1. REFLECTION QUESTION: How can we foster critical thinking amongst citizens in their relationship with the media?
  8. ARTS&CULTURE
    1. REFLECTION QUESTION: How can we make use of the arts and culture in implementing civic education?
  9. MAINSTREAMING GENDER
    1. How to implement gender values in all aspects of education (formal and nonformal) from a young age?
    2. HOT TOPIC: How to change the image of women in educational books/textbooks?