The Ambiguities of Education for Active Citizenship

ABSTRACT A notion of Education for Active Citizenship is identified in the pronouncements of certain politically influential individuals. Key elements in this are seen to include action, the citizen, appreciating the benefits of democracy and freedom, respect for the rule of law, a due balance between rights and duties, participation and service to the community. These are shown to be systematically ambiguous, simultaneously capable of evoking critical, independent‐minded, socially effective citizens and docile conforming subjects. Clarification is held to be a necessary precondition of translating the ideal of citizenship into specific curricular goals.