Romanian Youths’ Civic Identities: 20 Years After the Revolution

Authors

  • Kathryn Obenchain Purdue University
  • Elizabeth Bellows Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Simona-Elena Bernat Learn and Vision Romania
  • Billy Smith The University of Texas at Austin

Keywords:

civic education

Abstract

The study explores the civic identities of Romanian youth. Children born after 1989 have no memory of the communism; yet, they are the children and students of those who were educated under communism. Data sources were small group interviews with 21 youth and results indicate that participants believe civic engagement is possible and desired; but few are engaged because they believe that freedom is misunderstood and corruption permeates everything; and, ultimately, nothing changes. Civic education is one factor in developing civic identity; and, knowing youths’ constructions of their identity is one source of information to consider as civic education curriculum evolves.

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Published

2014-01-10

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Articles

License

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