Global Migration and Civic Education: Research, Policy, and Practice

Global migration, popular nationalism, and diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious groups seeking recognition, civic equality, and structural inclusion have complicated citizenship attainment. This book offers perspectives, policies, research, and strategies for constructing and implementing civic education programs to help students from diverse backgrounds become politically effective and integrated citizens.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Global migration, the surge of popular nationalism, and the diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious groups' pursuit of recognition, civic equality, and structural inclusion within their nation-states have intricately shaped the attainment of citizenship worldwide. In certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy, virulent and pernicious nationalism has posed significant challenges for migrant, refugee, and other marginalized groups in accessing citizenship rights and fully participating in their nation-states. Moreover, the substantial increase in the number of migrants and refugees in many nations has further complicated citizenship acquisition for these marginalized populations.

In response to these complexities, scholars engaged in civic education from various countries have come together in this book to share their perspectives, policies, research, and strategies for constructing and implementing civic education programs aimed at empowering students from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds to achieve political efficacy and become structurally integrated and fully participating citizens of their nation-states. This book originally appeared as a special issue of the journal Intercultural Education.

The challenges faced by migrant, refugee, and other marginalized groups in accessing citizenship rights and fully participating in their nation-states are multifaceted and deeply rooted in historical, social, and political factors. One significant obstacle is the prevalence of virulent and pernicious nationalism, which often manifests as xenophobia, racism, and discrimination against these groups. Nationalist ideologies often promote a sense of superiority and exclusivity, which can hinder the integration and inclusion of migrants and refugees into society.

Furthermore, the complex legal and administrative processes associated with citizenship acquisition can be daunting and inaccessible for many marginalized groups, particularly those who lack legal documentation or face language barriers. Discriminatory policies and practices, such as restrictive immigration laws, detention centers, and inadequate access to education and healthcare, further exacerbate the challenges faced by these populations.

To address these challenges, civic education programs play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, tolerance, and understanding among diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious groups. These programs aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to engage in democratic processes, participate in civil society, and advocate for their rights and the rights of others.

Civic education programs typically focus on four key areas: promoting civic literacy, developing political efficacy, promoting social cohesion, and fostering cultural understanding. Civic literacy involves teaching students about the political system, their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and the importance of active participation in democratic processes. Political efficacy refers to the ability of students to understand and engage with political issues, advocate for their beliefs, and participate in decision-making processes. Social cohesion aims to promote understanding and respect among different groups, while cultural understanding seeks to enhance students' appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures and traditions.

In addition to these core areas, civic education programs often incorporate specific themes related to migration, refugees, and other marginalized groups. These themes may include the history of migration, the legal and political rights of migrants and refugees, the challenges faced by these populations, and the role of civil society in advocating for their rights. By addressing these themes, civic education programs can help students develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of migration and its impact on society.

Furthermore, civic education programs can promote inclusive and equitable policies and practices that support the integration and inclusion of migrants and refugees into society. This may involve advocating for policies that provide legal protection and support for these populations, such as asylum seekers and refugees, as well as promoting policies that promote diversity and inclusion in education, employment, and housing.

In conclusion, the attainment of citizenship has become increasingly complex due to global migration, the rise of popular nationalism, and the diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious groups' pursuit of recognition, civic equality, and structural inclusion within their nation-states. Virulent and pernicious nationalism, complex legal and administrative processes, discriminatory policies and practices, and the substantial increase in the number of migrants and refugees have all contributed to these challenges. However, civic education programs can play a vital role in promoting social cohesion, tolerance, and understanding among diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious groups, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become structurally integrated and fully participating citizens of their nation-states. By addressing these challenges and promoting inclusive and equitable policies and practices, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and democratic world for all.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032462622