Editorial Preface

Abstract

Translate Article

With great honor and excitement, we present this issue of The Good Society: A Journal of Civic Studies. As the only academic journal devoted to civic studies, we are at the heart of a field that, while relatively new, has a rich history and an increasingly important mission. The formalization of civic studies as an academic discipline began in the late twentieth-century. In 2006, the formation of the civic studies entity with framing statements (Boyte et al., 2014), followed by the annual Summer Institute of Civic Studies (since 2008) brought together scholars, practitioners, and educators to focus on enhancing civic engagement through research and practice. Since then, annual gatherings and university programs at institutions like Tufts and James Madison University have helped build a growing body of literature and coursework focused on how citizens can create a healthy, vibrant civic society.Civic studies is, by its nature, interdisciplinary. It pulls from political science, sociology, economics, and other fields to understand and strengthen civic society, civic initiatives, and civic culture. This field is a powerful resource for addressing the complex issues of our time, and our editorial team reflects this commitment to interdisciplinarity.Too often, we narrow our understanding of democracy and citizenship. Citizenship is often equated with legal status rather than with the communities we belong to (Levine, 2022). We conflate democracy with voting systems, ignoring the daily practices and responsibilities of citizens. And we restrict civic education to merely reproducing the existing political order instead of promoting the political agency needed to continuously improve society (Biesta, 2011). These limitations lead us to ignore the purpose of democracy, which we believe is human dignity. Only in a system where people have a say in their lives and governance can their dignity be respected; we believe human dignity is the barometer by which we must measure and justify our collective actions, and a lack of focus on this principle has led to gross inequalities and injustices (Hoggan-Kloubert & Hoggan, 2025).By focusing on the role of individuals and communities in shaping democratic institutions, civic studies asks fundamental questions about agency, power, solidarity, and collective responsibility. Our work connects theoretical inquiry with practical action, inviting us to reflect on how people, institutions, and different disciplines can all contribute to a more just and democratic society. Concepts such as deliberative democracy, public work, and civic lifelong learning have become central to this mission.This issue arrives at a moment of profound international flux. As wars escalate and democracies face threats from both external authoritarian forces and internal erosion, the field of civic studies has a critical role to play. We must not shy away from the geopolitical and ideological challenges of the day. Our response cannot be one of appeasement or hollow calls for “peace” without justice, which fail to recognize the moral imperative of standing against tyranny. This moment calls for a renewed focus on the ethic of courage in civic practice. Democracies are often wrongly seen as weak or indecisive. But true civic action requires moral courage—the willingness to act decisively, with integrity, and in accordance with principles of justice and human rights. Being civic is not about politeness; it’s about the guts to lead, to act in the face of polarization and win/lose situations (Chrislip & O’Malley, 2013).We must rethink how civic lifelong learning supports citizens facing a world where authoritarianism uses force and fear, and apathy for democratic and civic engagement runs rampant. This means more than just the development of reasoning or dialogue skills (although we do feel they are essential); it means fostering a deep understanding of democratic resilience, solidarity, and the responsibilities of a free society. Our challenges demand cooperation across borders, cultures, and institutions.As we step into the tradition established by our predecessors, we are committed to preserving the journal’s core values. We also aim to expand its reach, internationalizing the conversation to include diverse cultures and political contexts. We will deepen the journal’s attention to the interplay between civic lifelong learning and action, exploring how education and practical engagement build and sustain a democratic culture. We therefore invite contributions that tackle these urgent questions with courage and intellectual rigor. As contemporary challenges test the resolve of democracies, the responsibility falls on scholars, practitioners, and citizens alike to respond not with resignation but with thoughtful and actionable civic ideas. We hope this journal serves as a space where those ideas can find voice.