The Color of Civics

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This book explores how to create more empowering and equitable civic learning spaces by centering the agency and lived experiences of marginalized groups. It reimagines education's role in preparing all children for democratic participation, emphasizing a crucial aspect of political socialization, and offers actionable advice for policymakers aiming to equalize democratic opportunities for youth in the United States. The book makes four main claims. First, it asserts that traditional civic education courses have failed to foster democratic capacity, particularly for marginalized students. In response, it proposes a new approach that emphasizes critical knowledge categories highlighting the agency and grassroots political action of marginalized groups, alongside historically grounded discussions of current events. Second, it shows that this approach increases intended political participation among young people of color and enhances political empathy among white youth. Third, it underscores the role of teachers in socialization processes, examining how their attitudes and experiences shape empowering civic learning environments. Finally, it advocates for teachers and students—those most immersed in social studies classrooms—to lead initiatives aimed at revitalizing civic education. These insights are vital for policymakers seeking to enhance civic education for young people across the United States.