Populism and Citizenship
Every topic presented and discussed up until this point was to favour the understanding of citizenship and developing the knowledge regarding its importance as action to be practice actively by every citizen that belongs to a regional, national, or international community. However, one of the most relevant and underused goals of citizenship is that by promoting unity and acceptance of the other members of the community in can be used as tool to avoid leaving the members in arms reach of populists.
Populist movements in Europe
This use case is significantly in current times since there has been a considerable increase in populist movements across Europe in recent years. These movements are distinguished by their rejection of the political establishment and their appeal to ordinary citizens’ issues. Populist parties have grown in popularity across Europe, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Five Star Movement in Italy, and the National Front in France, among others, achieving major victories in recent elections. A multitude of factors have been blamed for the development of populism, including economic disparity, immigration, and unhappiness with the EU.15
While populist movements’ ideologies and policy platforms vary, they frequently share characteristics such as a strong leader, distrust of elites, and a focus on national identity. Populism is frequently associated with anti-establishment feelings, nationalism, and opposition to globalization. These movements have acquired tremendous traction among those who believe they are marginalized by the political system and that their views are not being heard. The consequences of populism’s ascent in Europe are far-reaching, sparking discussion over the region’s democratic future.15
Citizienship and citizen skills as protective shield
Citizenship, civic values, and political knowledge growth can therefore be a useful weapon for challenging and dispelling the “people vs. elite” conflict that typically supports populist movements. Individuals can obtain a better knowledge of the intricacies of modern society and the institutions that govern it by nurturing a deeper understanding of the roles that diverse actors play in determining political outcomes. This can help to refute populists’ oversimplified narrative, which sets a homogeneous “people” against a malicious “elite” and strives to delegitimize democratic societies’ institutions and values. Citizenship and citizen skills as a shield towards populist speech.16
Education and civic participation, according to research, are both critical variables in creating a more sophisticated understanding of political issues and building support for democratic institutions. Individuals can develop the skills and knowledge needed to engage meaningfully with the political process and make informed decisions about issues that affect their lives through initiatives that promote active citizenship, such as voter education programs, civic forums, and community engagement projects. Citizenship education can thus act as a potent antidote to populist rhetoric by fostering a greater grasp of the complex issues confronting modern countries and promoting a more inclusive and democratic political culture.16
Citizenship is a multidimensional notion that incorporates a wide range of abilities, knowledge, and attitudes required to participate actively in society. Citizenship necessitates a wide range of skills, from the ability to vote and engage in political discourse to comprehending cultural differences and collaborating with others. We can build a sense of community and belonging while also teaching fundamental democratic principles like respect, empathy, and tolerance by fostering civic education. Furthermore, citizenship education can aid in the fight against populism by providing individuals with the critical thinking and analytical skills required to distinguish between fact and opinion, as well as to recognize propaganda and manipulation.
Overall, citizenship education is critical for establishing a strong and long-lasting democracy. It contributes to the development of informed and involved citizens who understand their rights and duties and are prepared to positively contribute to their communities and society. Citizenship education may promote a society that values diversity, tolerance, and mutual respect, and that is prepared to face the complex challenges of the modern world by instilling a sense of social duty and encouraging active involvement. As a result, citizenship education is not only a tool of supporting democracy, but it is also a necessary component of constructing a peaceful and prosperous society.