International Association of Educators   |  ISSN: 2834-7919   |  e-ISSN: 1554-5210

Original article | International Journal of Progressive Education 2012, Vol. 8(3) 15-31

The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement

Jason Wood

pp. 15 - 31   |  Manu. Number: ijpe.2012.041

Published online: October 15, 2012  |   Number of Views: 133  |  Number of Download: 415


Abstract

Education for active citizenship has been a key development in social policy over the past two decades, leading to a number of initiatives that have sought to strengthen political, social and moral literacy. This paper briefly reviews the UK policy context by situating this within communitarian definitions of citizenship. Despite the growth of initiatives designed to promote active citizenship, there has been comparatively little focus on the role of universities in addressing locally based civic, social and political challenges. Drawing on literature and a case-study of an innovative university community engagement project, this paper investigates to what extent universities can – and should – play a more active role in their local communities. In doing so, the paper argues that a potential ‗public good‘ value of universities can emerge.

Keywords: University community engagement; citizenship; civic education; service learning


How to Cite this Article?

APA 6th edition
Wood, J. (2012). The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement . International Journal of Progressive Education, 8(3), 15-31.

Harvard
Wood, J. (2012). The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement . International Journal of Progressive Education, 8(3), pp. 15-31.

Chicago 16th edition
Wood, Jason (2012). "The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement ". International Journal of Progressive Education 8 (3):15-31.

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