Framing Civic Engagement, Political Participation and Active Citizenship in Europe

The book provides a timely reflection on current policies and practices of active in citizenship Europe. More specifically the chapters provide, on a comparative basis, insights regarding three interrelated levels of analysis: an overview of current understandings of civic and political participation; a focus on the development of active citizenship at the EU level; and an overview of specific public discourses surrounding active citizenship in four European countries (Portugal, Turkey, Italy and the UK).

This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Civil Society.

This book evaluates the role that civic engagement, political participation and active citizenship can play in promoting the establishment of a European polity. The chapters included here examine how the practice of active citizenship is managed and constructed in the context of a European drive to increase civic engagement and political participation in three member states (Portugal, Italy and the UK) and one accession country (Turkey). Looking at both processes and policies promoting active citizenship at the European and national levels, this book uncovers current discourses as well as political priorities and values that surround the activities of non- governmental organizations (NGOs). Of particular interest are debates about the nature and level of civic and political participation and engagement of marginal groups (women, youths, migrants and minorities) as they are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion. The book focuses on the interaction between institutions and civil society actors, addressing a number of questions related to their reciprocal role in influencing, shaping, criticising or disregarding certain political priorities.

This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Civil Society.