Place as a microcosm: Community-based citizenship education approaches among schools and rural low-density communities
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Within the framework of current educational policies on citizenship education, which promote the appraisal of the local dimension of educational activities as a direct context for the development of situated citizenship practices (AR, 2018), this article examines community-based approaches to citizenship education in rural schools and communities located in the border regions of mainland Portugal. From a theoretical perspective, the study adopts a maximalist conception of citizenship education, emphasising its experiential nature and community orientation, and draws on place-based education approaches. These perspectives place local realities, collective action, and the involvement of community actors at the centre of citizenship formation. Methodologically, we use data from a mixed-methods study conducted in 29 schools, including documentary analysis of schools’ educational projects, activity programmes and citizenship education strategies, semi-structured interviews with teachers coordinating citizenship education, and a questionnaire survey distributed to secondary education students. The results reveal a variety of initiatives and areas of community engagement led by schools, aimed at promoting well-being and valuing local cultures and realities. At the same time, the study identifies the different roles played by community actors – including schools, stakeholders, and young people – in fostering community well-being and social cohesion.
Source: Educar
Institution: Universidade do Porto
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Awards: G1167214205, Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas, G1297482482, G1516346500, G1578237752, G1763632427, G1898668565, G2733542715, G274581676, Jovens, Culturas de Escola e Apropriação Territorial da Educação Para a Cidadania em Regiões de Fronteira., G3891694003, G4724859719, G491858407, Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas, G5224927334, G5454278309, G5677667711, G6738657889, G6978982276, Crescer em regiões de fronteira em Portugal: jovens, percursos educativos e agendas
OpenAlex ID: W7130509829