Civic education as a pathway to inclusive societies

Across the OECD, patterns of civic and social engagement are undergoing significant change. Among younger generations, traditional indicators such as voter turnout and trust in government are declining, while online civic engagement is on the rise. In addition, significant disparities in participation persist, shaped by factors such as education level, gender, and socio-economic background. This working paper explores how civic education can empower all students with the skills and knowledge needed for meaningful democratic engagement. Drawing on educational approaches from across the OECD, it identifies strategies to close participation gaps and foster more inclusive societies.