Civic Engagement in the United States: Roots and Branches

Overview & Synopsis

The adult education and civic education movements are not synonymous, but the two were intertwined during the early years of adult education's formation as a field in the United States. This chapter traces the development of adult civic education in the United States, focusing on the 1920s through the 1950s. First, the roots of civic education prior to the 1920s are explored. This is followed by a discussion of the early years of the adult education field, paying particular attention to the influence of Eduard Lindeman. Next, forms of adult civic education from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s are discussed. A final section highlights some key ideas and characteristics of adult civic education during the period.