CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN FORMING THE SOLIDARITY GENERATION OF MODERN STUDENTS

Svitlana Fedorenko; Carl Mirra

doi:10.32405/2308-3778-2024-28-2-213-221

Svitlana Fedorenko Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8517-9975
Carl Mirra Adelphі University, New York (the USA) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1345-6034

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32405/2308-3778-2024-28-2-213-221

Keywords: civic engagement, subject-to-subject interaction, proactive behavior, solidarity, solidarity generation, students

Abstract

The paper focuses on the theoretical analysis of the specifics of civic engagement in educating the solidarity generation of university students. The purpose of the article is to explore the features of civic engagement in fostering a generation of university students grounded in solidarity. The general objectives for achieving this aim were: 1) to study and identify the essence of the notion “solidarity generation”; 2) to highlight the concept of solidarity as a pedagogical category; 3) to analyze civic engagement as an effective method of interpersonal interaction in forming the solidarity generation of students. The study employed the following theoretical methods: analysis and synthesis to formulate the foundational propositions of the article; and examination and systematization of primary sources on the topic under study.
The essence of the notion “solidarity generation” is highlighted. The concept of solidarity as a pedagogical category, which encompasses interaction, friendly intentions, and moral and ethical obligations, is covered. The modern generation of students is considered to be the solidarity generation, encouraged by their deep concern for each other, their interconnectedness in today’s changing, interdependent world, and their striving for a common goal: unity and social justice. The civic engagement as an effective method of interpersonal interaction in forming the solidarity generation of students is analyzed. Civic engagement of students is viewed as their active and confident involvement in the activities of communities at the local, state and global levels for the general public benefit as a whole and for the development of solidary relationships in particular. Civic engagement refers to civic and/or political actions contextualized in different settings (e.g., campus or community, national or global, and online), encouraging young people, representatives of the solidarity generation, to further proactive participation in the life of the community, the state, etc., increases their knowledge about a certain community and its problems, makes them more tolerant and sympathetic to others. In this context, solidarity becomes a need for the development of effective subject-to-subject interaction in today’s higher education, and it is based on the unification of such concepts as common interests, interconnectedness, unanimity, interdependence, joint responsibility, providing for the pooling of resources and opportunities for all actors to achieve common goals while maintaining the interests of each and every subject in balance with public interests.

Author Biographies

Svitlana Fedorenko, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design

Professor of the Department of Philology and Translation, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Doctor of Sciences in Education, Professor (Kyiv, Ukraine).

Carl Mirra, Adelphі University, New York (the USA)

PhD in History and Education, Associate Professor, Chair of Teaching & Learning, Director of Liberal Studies and Social Sciences at Adelphi University (New York, USA).

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