Reconceptualizing citizenship beyond national civic citizenship models: A discussion of British Columbia’s curricula

Abstract

This article begins by reviewing different conceptions of citizenship, particularly ethnic and civic citizenship, and then focuses on the one primarily found in government curriculum guides ‐ national civic citizenship ‐ through a discussion of mandated curriculum, texts and related documents released over the twentieth century in the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC). This review illustrates how, over the twentieth century, government curricula in BC have aimed to create good, national citizens. After this review, the author discusses the shortcomings of this conception of citizenship in relation to current events and concludes with recommendations to develop a new conception of citizenship. This new conception aims to address issues that arise from the national civic conception of citizenship, tackle today’s challenges and develop well-being in both individuals and the collective community.