Political Education of University Students and theDynamics of Democratic Consolidation in HigherEducation
Keywords:
political education, democratic literacy, student participation, higher education, democratic consolidationAbstract
Abstract:
Political education among university students plays a crucial role in shaping democratic
awareness and civic engagement in higher education. Universities are not only academic
institutions but also strategic arenas for developing political consciousness, critical thinking, and
participatory attitudes among young citizens. However, contemporary democratic challenges,
including political apathy, polarization, and the influence of digital political culture, require a
reexamination of political education practices within universities. This study aims to analyze the
role of student political education in strengthening democratic values and participation in higher
education. The research employs a qualitative approach through literature review by examining
academic publications, policy documents, and scholarly works related to civic education,
political participation, and democratic consolidation. The analysis focuses on identifying the
dynamics of political education practices and their contribution to democratic development
among university students. The findings indicate that political education in higher education
contributes significantly to the development of democratic literacy, political awareness, and
participatory competence among students. However, the effectiveness of political education is
often constrained by normative teaching approaches and limited integration with contemporary
political realities. The study also reveals that digital political culture has transformed student
political participation patterns, requiring universities to adapt political education models that
integrate critical digital literacy and contextual political learning. This study argues that
strengthening political education in universities requires pedagogical innovation,
interdisciplinary integration, and contextual learning approaches that connect democratic values
with real political experiences. Such transformation is essential to support democratic
consolidation and the formation of politically literate citizens in higher education.
Keywords: political education, democratic literacy, student participation, higher education, democratic
consolidation
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References
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