Skip to main content

The Power of Education in Shaping the Future of Democracy

Education has long been recognized as an indispensable component of any functioning democracy. It plays a compelling role in shaping the future of a democratic society by promoting critical thinking, fostering informed citizenship, and providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in the political process.


One of the most important ways in which education contributes to the health of a democracy is by promoting critical thinking. In a democracy, it is essential that citizens are able to think for themselves and evaluate information and arguments critically. This requires a strong foundation in critical thinking skills, which can be developed through education. By teaching students how to analyze evidence, identify bias, and consider multiple perspectives, schools and universities can help to create a citizenry that is better equipped to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable. According to a report by the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking, "The ability to think critically is crucial for responsible citizenship in a democratic society" (Facione, 1990).


Another way in which education is crucial to the future of democracy is by fostering informed citizenship. In order to participate meaningfully in the political process, individuals must have a basic understanding of how their government works and their own rights and responsibilities as citizens. Education helps to provide this understanding by teaching students about the foundations of their political system, the history and principles of their democracy, and the issues that affect their communities. By educating citizens about these topics, schools and universities help to create a more informed and engaged citizenry, which is essential for the functioning of any democratic society. A report by the National Association of Secondary School Principals states that "An informed citizenry is essential to the functioning of a democratic society" (NASSP, 2012).


Education also plays a key role in providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to actively participate in the political process. In a democracy, it is important that all citizens have the opportunity to make their voices heard and to contribute to the decision-making process. Education helps to provide individuals with the tools they need to do this by teaching them how to communicate effectively, how to work with others, and how to advocate for their beliefs. These skills are essential for participating in the democratic process, whether it be through voting, volunteering, or running for office. A report by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) found that "Education is a key factor in predicting whether an individual will vote" (CIRCLE, 2010).


There are several examples from history that demonstrate the power of education in shaping the future of democracy. One such example is the role that education played in the American civil rights movement. During the 1960s, African Americans in the United States were denied many of the rights and freedoms that were afforded to their white counterparts. Through education, however, individuals were able to gain the knowledge and skills they needed to advocate for their rights and to fight for change. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ensured that African Americans had the right to vote, were both the result of years of education and activism.


Nathaniel Steward, 17, May 21, 1954, at the Saint-Dominique school (ABC: AFP/Getty Images) 

Another example is the role that education played in the collapse of the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union was an authoritarian regime that suppressed free speech and political opposition. However, as more and more people gained access to education and were exposed to new ideas, they began to question the authority of the Soviet government and to demand change. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was, in part, the result of this growing desire for democracy, which had been fueled by education.


A more modern example of education shaping the outcome of democracy can be seen in the 2019 protests in Hong Kong. The protests, which began as a response to a proposed extradition bill but have since evolved into a broader movement for democracy and human rights, have been led in large part by young, educated individuals. Many of the protesters are university students who have gained a strong foundation in critical thinking and political knowledge through their education. They have used this knowledge and these skills to advocate for their beliefs and to peacefully resist the government's attempts to suppress their movement. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, "The role of education in shaping the future of Hong Kong's democracy cannot be understated" (SCMP, 2019).


Hong Kong Protests: Philippe Lopez/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

As a society, we should look to education as a way to advance, protect, and enhance the ideals of democracy. Through education, we can promote critical thinking and informed citizenship, giving individuals the tools they need to make informed decisions and participate in the political process. We can also provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for their beliefs and to work towards creating a more democratic and just society. By investing in education, we can ensure that future generations are better equipped to take on the challenges and responsibilities of democracy and to create a brighter, more prosperous future for all.


This article was prepared by Co-Director of Education & Advocacy Liz Hahn


References:

  1. Facione, P. (1990). Critical thinking: A statement of expert consensus for purposes of educational assessment and instruction. Millbrae, CA: The California Academic Press.
  2. National Association of Secondary School Principals. (2012). The importance of an informed citizenry. Reston, VA: NASSP.
  3. Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. (2010). Education and civic engagement. Retrieved from https://civicyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Education-and-Civic-Engagement.pdf
  4. South China Morning Post. (2019). How education has shaped Hong Kong's democracy protests. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3027352/how-education-has-shaped-hong-kongs-democracy-protests
  5. Civil Rights Imagery: https://abcnews.go.com/US/photos/civil-rights-era-photos-44420050/image-44587100 
  6. Hong Kong Protest: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/world/asia/amid-protest-hong-kong-backs-down-on-moral-education-plan.html
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Good & Bad of Straight Ticket Voting

Voting – especially in our current political climate – can be stressful. Oftentimes, voters can feel overwhelmed standing at the voting booth making a decision candidate by candidate, for many, it is easier to straight party vote. While straight-party voting is only an option in seven states; Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Nevada, it is often seen as the ‘easy way out’. By checking one box, you are able to cast your ballot for every candidate of your chosen political party. This does not typically allow for the consideration of third-party candidates and does not encourage voters to be familiar with or educated on each candidate or state question prior to heading to the polls. During his time as the United States' first President, George Washington was quick to warn citizens against party loyalty, now, nearly 27.2 million registered voters in America have the option to do just that, should they decide to go vote. There are a variety of views re...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why You Should Care About Moore v. Harper

So you may be wondering, what is Moore v. Harper? This groundbreaking case has been going on for over a year now, and when its final verdict comes out this year, it will have major implications for voting rights for many Americans. In 2021, the Republican-led North Carolina state legislature passed a bill that gerrymanders districts to create a state supermajority for their 14 seats. The map gives the Republicans a 99.9% chance of retaining their majority. The state voters were very unhappy with this and decided to contest this map in state courts, as there was a Supreme Court precedent that stated that federal courts cannot hear partisan gerrymandering cases. They contended that this map violated the North Carolina state constitution’s free election clause. At the time, the North Carolina Supreme Court had a Democrat majority within their elected court. The North Carolina Supreme Court agreed with the voters and struck down the map stating that it was an “egregious and intentional par...
Post a Comment
Read more

The current state of our elections and politics

  The current state of our elections and politics Our election system is completely flawed. It doesn't help our country; rather it makes it more anti-democratic. What makes matters worse is that the U.S. population isn't even educated about the process or how our elections and government work. Nearly a third of Americans cannot name any of the three branches of government, according to a survey by the ​Annenberg Public Policy Center​. Today, it may seem impossible to imagine the United States government without its two leading political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. These same parties were originally feared by the founding fathers, and now they control the course of our country. Alexander Hamilton stated that political parties were “the most fatal disease of popular governments”. Despite their warnings, our nation has evolved into a two-party system that controls our elections. People in America want more options to voice their vote, but sadly there aren...
Post a Comment
Read more