Kansalaiskasvatuksen

Kansalaiskasvatuksen, commonly translated as civic education or citizenship education, refers to the field and practice aimed at developing individuals' knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for active and responsible participation in a democratic society. It encompasses political literacy, understanding of constitutional rights and duties, the functioning of public institutions, and the processes by which citizens influence decision making, as well as human rights, equality and social responsibility.

Its core aims are to foster informed participation, critical thinking and respectful discourse, equip people to engage in elections and public deliberations, and encourage volunteering and community involvement. It seeks to cultivate attitudes such as tolerance, openness, solidarity and commitment to the common good.

Key elements include knowledge about political and legal systems, public institutions, and civic procedures; skills in evaluating information, debate, collaboration and media literacy; and practices that promote democratic engagement, such as participatory budgeting, youth councils and service learning.

Delivery occurs across formal, non-formal and informal settings: school curricula include civics or social studies; youth work, libraries and community organizations run programs, and lifelong learning contexts foster ongoing citizenship education.

In Finland, kansalaiskasvatus is supported by national curricula and educational policy, with social studies (yhteiskuntaoppi) taught in schools to develop understanding of democracy, rights and responsibilities. The field also thrives in adult education and civil society, emphasizing equality, human rights and sustainable development.

Assessing impact is challenging, but indicators include increased civic knowledge, higher participation rates, and greater ability to participate constructively in public life and in democratic processes.