Forthcoming
Lifelong Learning,
Citizenship and Belonging
This wide-ranging briefing paper explores the three concepts of
lifelong learning, citizenship and ‘belonging’. ‘The aim of the paper is to
explore some key links and possible relationships between these three themes,
and especially those that obtain, or have been advocated, between lifelong
learning and citizenship. It is intended to provide a stimulus to further
debate.
Following examination of the challenges and complexities attendant on an
exploration of this difficult terrain, the paper looks in more detail at the
theories and arguments involved in the development of the ideas of citizenship
and of identify and belonging. Belonging’, is considered partly through the
prism of the other two, and also in relation to the closely related notion of
‘identity’. It then examines why citizenship and lifelong learning, as well as
the challenging issue of belonging, appear to have become pressing matters
today. A range of characteristics often shared by citizenship and lifelong
learning, and sometimes by belonging and identity as well, are then explored,
and suggested as offering a simple analytical framework for the issues under
review.
The paper’s final section brings the issues raised in debates on citizenship
and belonging into an interface with the ‘promise’ of lifelong learning. It sets
out some questions and principles for consideration that might underpin policy
and practice in lifelong learning’s contribution to the promotion of active,
participative, deliberative and responsible citizenship. The principles outlined
here are also aimed at providing a suggested approach to identity and belonging
that opens the way to genuine pluralism, greater mutual tolerance and increased
opportunities for a celebration of diversity, within a broader common humanity
and an agreed framework of shared norms and values.
Citizenship & Belonging: a summary of discussions at the expert seminar and
Commissioners’ meeting
This note summarises the key points and issues for further consideration by the
Inquiry that were raised during the Citizenship & Belonging Expert Seminar on 02
July 2008
Written Evidence Submitted:
Follow the links below to read a selection of the written evidence submitted to the Inquiry in response to the call for evidence for this theme.
The
Inquiry into the Future
for Lifelong Learning 
Citizenship and
belonging
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