The Science of Politics - as Civic Education - Then and Now

In: PS: political science & politics, Band 37, Heft 1, S. 37-40

Abstract

The question of whether political science functions as a viable form of civic education in the US is examined within the context of the American Political Science Association's contributions to political science. After reviewing the aforementioned organization's contemporary efforts to augment civic education, eg, the formation of the American Political Science Assoc's Task Force on Civic Education in 1996, the measures undertaken by early 20th-century political scientists to enhance civil education are studied. Although early 20th-century political scientists believed that civic education would strengthen democracy & that the discipline should contribute to stabilizing democratic institutions, it is noted that the extension of rights across race, gender, & nationality were not universal; the consequences of this inconsistent expansion of citizenship rights for people of color & women are contemplated. Present-day political scientists are consequently encouraged to investigate the relationship between gender, race, & civic education & to acknowledge the legacy of early 19th-century political science perspectives on race & gender upon contemporary thought. 29 References. J. W. Parker