UCSF

The United States has witnessed a steady increase in concern about political polarization and its impact on youth. We systematically review and compare the empirical research literature on civic education pedagogy in the United States between 2009 and 2019 to frame efforts to construct an inclusive and healthy democracy—one that decreases polarization and increases broad youth civic participation. Despite evidence that civic education must be revitalized to address societal inequities underlying participation and polarization, few articles addressed how to achieve such education. We recommend future researchers evaluate promising practices for increasing youth participation and decreasing political polarization. There is a related need for more civic education research in K–12 schools, particularly critical research focused on program implementation and outcomes.