High expectations, sparse support: John-Dewey-Research-Center for Civic Education presents study on self-image and framework conditions of political education

Civic education is essential for a vibrant and resilient democracy. But how do stakeholders in civic education perceive their profession, and what support do they need for their professional development? David Jugel and Stefan Breuer from the John-Dewey-Research Center for Civic Education (JoDDiD) at TUD Dresden University of Technology have conducted a research project to ascertain professional understanding as well as professionalization needs in extracurricular political education. Their findings show that the professionalization of extracurricular political educators is under increasing pressure, primarily due to funding structures and anti-democratic developments.

Particularly in the extracurricular sector, researchers observe that high expectations are placed on stakeholders in civic education: They are expected to teach democratic values, enable participation, and moderate social conflicts, while at the same time facing intense challenges from anti-democratic developments. Despite this great societal relevance, there are few structured opportunities for qualification and further training.

Prof. Anja Besand, director of JoDDiD, demands: “Anyone who endeavors to provide good democratic education must also address the question of how those active in this field can be supported in their qualification.”

Based on 16 guided interviews and a participatory workshop discussion with practitioners, the authors use qualitative content analysis to reconstruct how political educators understand and practice their profession and how their professional activities are shaped by structural challenges such as precarious funding conditions, high expectations, administrative requirements, and anti-democratic conflicts.

Stefan Breuer, author of the study, concludes: “Our research makes it clear that some of the societal and political expectations placed on democratic education are completely unrealistic. This is particularly true in environments dominated by right-wing extremism.” David Jugel, also an author of the study, states: “The study also shows that professionalism in extracurricular civic education is primarily understood as a reflexive, continuous process. Simultaneously, individual professional standards repeatedly encounter structural limitations."

© JoDDiD

Based on the findings from the interviews, the authors derive specific recommendations for policymakers, academics, sponsors, and stakeholders in civic education to strengthen extracurricular civic education. The researchers recommend professionalization strategies, continuing education structures, and a qualification curriculum for stakeholders in civic education.

For the recommendations and the full study, please visit: https://tud.link/u17jks

John-Dewey-Research-Center for Civic Education (JoDDiD)

The John-Dewey-Research-Center for Civic Education sees itself as a center of innovation in the field of civic education. It researches, develops, and reflects on concepts, methods, and structures of democratic education, providing particular support to stakeholders in extracurricular civic education for both young people and adults.

The JoDDiD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joddidforschungsstelle/

JoDDiD YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@joddidforschungsstelle5387

Contact:

David Jugel
Research Associate
Tel.: +49 351 463-41143
Email:

Stefan Breuer
Research Associate
Tel.: +49 351 463-32876
Email: