EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP IN POSTCONFLICT SOCIETIES: THE CASE OF KOSOVO
EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP IN POSTCONFLICT SOCIETIES: THE CASE OF KOSOVO

Summary/Abstract: Democratic education has been considered an effective way to transform long-lasting conflicts into more integrative visions. The case of Kosovo is relevant for this study considering that education has always been at the center of the dispute between Kosovo Albanians and the Serbian community and the parallel education systems constructed in identity lines have created ethnic divisions between the two communities in the public sphere. For deeply divided societies, the challenge stays in the ability to promote diversity, respect for human rights, and inclusive institutions. Considering the impact of democratic education on individual attitudes, this study explores the integration of democracy and civic identity teachings in the secondary school curricula in Kosovo. Through the combination of text analysis of civic education textbooks of secondary educational system and interviews with experts that were actively involved in the curricula organization and the overall education system in Kosovo, the study aims to identify patterns of teaching on democratic concepts and civic identity, together with the teaching and learning methodology. Findings show that democratic norms and values are discussed theoretically but a need-based or a more practical approach to the different perceptions of conflicting identities and socially inclusive strategies must be incorporated.

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