The effects of the economic crisis on active citizenship among young people in Spain and what we can do about it through civic education in universities

Abstract

The recent economic crisis has had a particularly serious consequence for young people, who have suffered from a delayed transition into adulthood as a result of unemployment and job insecurity and delayed independent living. This has been particularly the case for Spain and there is a concern that these experiences of unemployment may lead to social exclusion and isolation. This article argues that learning social and civic skills may well allow young people to maintain their social connectedness and self-worth by enabling them to make connections with their local community. One institution that could offer these learning opportunities, we argue, is the university. In this article we identify the possibilities and limitations for Spanish universities to promote social and civic learning. We conclude by evaluating the support that higher education can offer young people in the context of the crisis and continued austerity.