Civics education and European identity / Samhällskunskapsundervisning och europeisk identitet

Abstract: There is much debate over whether a common European identity or genuine citizenship can be created. A number of researchers claim that education can play a vital role in this area. The Swedish school curriculums also state that schools have a responsibility in this area. The purpose of my research was to find out if this was occurring in schools. I carried out an inquiry into the opinions and attitudes of students to civics education and European identity. I used a quantitative method of research which also allowed for expanded comments. The students I chose were not randomly selected and the survey questions allowed for in-depth responses. I chose civics education as my research area as it is best placed to educate students in this area. The perceptions of students to civics education and its relevance to the development of European citizenship and identity was compared to and analyzed with previous research. I also included two questions that were not specifically directed at civics but considered the school as a whole. My conclusion is that the majority of students perceive civics as being helpful in developing a sense of European identity. However, their understanding of European identity and citizenship is limited to a right to work and study elsewhere in Europe. There is a general lack of school projects that allow for students to learn with students from other European Union countries. Students have also not experienced being involved in community organizations and school projects that could further develop active citizenship. Their schooling is developing identification with a political community or sense of citizenship but not of a European social community.