Educating for political activity

Abstract

The term “political activity” can be interpreted in a myriad of different ways, but in this paper, it is taken to mean involvement in a variety of campaigns around issues affecting the way we live and the sort of society we want to live in. At a time when support for the main political parties has never been weaker, it is essential that teachers aim to combat cynicism and apathy among their young students by encouraging them to take an interest in all manner of social and political causes. It is, of course, true that teachers who do this are open to the charge of indoctrination, but this should not deter them from bringing relevant political issues into the curriculum. It is argued that this can best be done through such subjects as English, history, geography and religious education, rather than through a distinct and separate articulation of citizenship.

Keyword:

• political activity