Yes we can! Young children learning to contribute to an enabling society

Abstract

In this chapter we will address the possibility and the relevance of young children learning to participate in society going beyond a view of children as merely fragile in need of receiving the society’s attention, protection and fulfilment of needs, into a view of children as citizens, being active contributors to the common good of communities. In the first section of this chapter we will focus our reflection on early dispositions that can contribute to young children learning to participate in an enabling society. We consider/propose as critical abilities and dispositions to an active citizenship: relational agency and active participation, critical thinking and critical participation, and moral development and responsibility. In the second section of the chapter – “Yes we can!” - we will point out some practices that promote such ways of thinking and acting, and this will be clarified with two practical illustrations taken from research projects in which we’ve been involved: “The Council meeting” - children’s learning to solve problems together; and children’s engagement in intervention projects.