Possibilities of Cultural Participation of Children and Youth People in the Cultural Education Projects of the "Bardzo Młoda Kultura" ("Very Young Culture") Programme - between Agency and Subordination

Abstract

Introduction: Cultural activity is the content, instrument and aim of cultural education. The polish sociological approach of cultural education is based on a broad anthropological definition of culture, which according to the authors’ concept of cultural education, is better suited for the realities of a democratic society than a narrow and evaluative understanding of culture. In the conception of cultural education, it is emphasised that the elements of culture are interrelated and that these connections determine the possible actions of individuals and of the collective whole. Relationships depend on the positions of individuals; they can be equal or subordinate. Cultural education aims to support active, agency participation in culture and social life, based on equality in relationships. 

Research Aim: The study aims to find out how assumptions regarding agency participation in cultural education are implemented in cultural education projects for children and youth in the Bardzo Młoda Kultura (BMK) (Very Young Culture) programme in Lubuskie voivodship.

Method: The research was carried out through an analysis of secondary data related to cultural education projects undertaken in the second edition of the BMK.

Results: The scope of the agency of children and youth, as seen in its influence on the content, forms and course of cultural activity, is varied. This influence within the studied projects was large, significant, partial and limited.

Conclusion: The non-valued, broad understanding of culture as the basis for cultural education gives a greater opportunity for equal and agency participation, however, practitioners are not always aware of or do not take advantage of this. If cultural education is to prepare individuals for the creation and transformation of culture, as well as for intervening in social life with the purpose of making it more democratic, it must broaden the scope of the participant’s influence and be based on equal relationships. In this way, the cultural education has a chance to become a significant space for implementing the idea of social participation of children and youth.