Educação para a Cidadania em contexto escolar nos 50 anos do 25 de Abril

We propose a retrospective study on Citizenship Education in schools in Portugal on the 50th anniversary of 25 April. By reviewing normative documents and literature produced over the last 50 years, we intend to update the mapping of educational policies in this field when we are facing the growth of populist and polarising tendencies. We hope to open up a space for reflection on the place of Citizenship Education in deepening democracy and encouraging civic and political participation among children and young people. From the creation of the first innovative experiences in the post-revolution period to the current National Strategy for Citizenship Education, there have been variations in the commitment to forming active and participatory citizens and the central philosophical and political orientation of the Basic Law of Portuguese Education. While a significant part of the discussion has centred on creating (and eliminating) curricular spaces for Citizenship Education, little consideration has been given to power relations and democratic management in schools. However, participation in day-to-day school decisions has potential civic and political significance. This implies recognising children and adolescents as political actors and schools as arenas of democratic life that value criticism, debate and productive dialogue.