Abstract
AbstractDemocracy is often perceived of as institutions, laws, and procedures, exemplified by parliaments, city councils, constitutions, and elections. All are essential but none can function without a culture of democracy, understood as a set of attitudes and behaviors that makes democracy possible in practice. Majorities decide but minorities have inalienable rights, conflicts are resolved by peaceful means, and diversity is accepted as enriching rather than threatening. The chapter explores the background for the Council of Europe’s work on competences for democratic culture (CDC) and analyzes. The Reference Framework (RFCDC) developed in 2012–18. The chapter further considers the relevance of the RFCDC for higher education, in particular with reference to the European Higher Education Area and the ongoing work on the fundamental values of higher education. A guidance document on the use of the RFCDC in higher education was finalized in spring 2020; Pavel Zgaga was a key member of the group developing the guidance document as well as of the one developing the RFCDC.KeywordsEducationDemocracyPolitical actionCouncil of Europe
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
