Society in a pandemic: The implications for young people’s citizenship activity and education

Abstract

The article addresses the impacts of the pandemic on the functional aspects of societies that could potentially shape young persons’ social worldviews and pose a challenge to their civic participation in the future. It addresses the questions and reflections that could create barriers for the civic participation of young people: are authoritarian regimes more effective in times of crisis and can the pandemic make young people turn their backs on democracy? Are civic organizations still needed in a pandemic? Are we really equal in the face of the pandemic? Should we trust the authorities or take matters into our own hands? What are online education challenges for group inclusivity, membership and community building?