Graduating into civil society

In this chapter, Ceryn Evans, Esther Muddiman and Chris Taylor explore the relationship between participation in higher education and the formation of social and political attitudes and civic participation. Their interviews with graduates show that, in many cases, the university ‘experience’ simply confirms or reinforces prior attitudes. Nevertheless, for some students it is also clear that going to university triggers interest and participation in civil society. In particular, they find that studying arts, humanities and social science subjects, and the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular opportunities, appear to foster higher levels of social awareness and civic engagement.