Education inequalities and participation: National Reports

Abstract

This deliverable provides six national reports on education inequalities and political participation. Taking as a point of departure comparable data from international sources and national literature, these reports aim to contextualise and analyse how political participation is influenced by social inequalities and political values and attitudes. Based on this analysis and additional evidence on the education system, the reports provide recommendations with a view to strengthen the foundations for equal and democratic participation through education.

Equality of participation is at the heart of democracy, but there is evidence of widening participation gaps that are closely aligned to social stratification. Another major challenge for current liberal democratic regimes is the recent rise of illiberal and authoritarian social movements and parties, alongside related dynamics of pernicious polarisation. In a context where the resilience of democracy is under pressure, citizens' attachment to core democratic values and political engagement is becoming increasingly relevant - and education for democracy may play and important role to face these challenges.