Year: 2026
Type: editorial
Abstract: Convenor of the ESREA Active Democratic Citizenship and Adult Learning networkGlobal societal challenges have intensified, inequalities have become more pronounced, and new social conflicts have arisen.The consequences of the ecological crisis are becoming increasingly evident, and while the rhetoric of mainstream politics includes aspirations towards a green future, it appears that political efforts are not making any significant strides to addressing the systemic causes of the climate crisis and in sustainability more generally.Racism and xenophobia are on the rise, political regimes in Europe and elsewhere are moving towards authoritarianism, and elections, a basic element of citizenship, are being compromised.These changes and challenges have, as one would expect, loomed large in the conferences and meetings of the ESREA Active Democratic Citizenship and Adult Learning (ADCAL) network in recent years.We have mainly focussed on how, in these circumstances, adult learning and education (ALE) does, or might, support democracy.Meaningful active citizenship depends on the sustained political engagement of individuals, groups, communities, and movements.Opportunities for participation and genuine accountability of powerholders are vital for democracy.Movements which seek to advance participation and ensure accountability, combined with struggles for recognition, redistribution, and sustainability are the wellsprings of a living democracy.Research tells us that intense and widespread participation in active citizenship also generates rich social learning and leads to the creation of new knowledge inside as well as outside of formal education (Eyerman & Jamison, 1991).
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7129003365