The Development of Civic Competence in Higher Education to Support a Sustainable Society: The Case of Latvian Higher Education

1. Introduction

Sustainable development, recognized as a major global challenge, is an inclusive concept applicable to all countries worldwide. It plays a central role in the collective human effort to shape the world through globalization [1]. Shifting toward a sustainable future necessitates a reevaluation of what, where, and how we learn. This rethinking aims to cultivate the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes essential for making informed decisions and undertaking individual and collective actions in response to local, national, and global urgencies [2].

UNESCO has taken a leading role in education for sustainable development (ESD) since the United Nations Decade of Education (2005–2014). ESD is widely acknowledged as a fundamental component of Agenda 2030, particularly in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on transforming all aspects of the learning environment through a holistic institutional approach to ESD [2]. This approach aims to empower learners to embody what they learn and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasizes the importance of providing students with opportunities to understand global developments, fostering critical and realistic perspectives on current affairs. This involves equipping students with tools for analyzing diverse cultural practices, engaging them in intercultural relations, and promoting the value of diversity [3]. Despite this, there is a scarcity of academic studies that validate the effective acquisition of civic knowledge, skills, and attitudes aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using a specific validated framework or dedicated pedagogies [4].

In the realm of education, the discussion revolves around examining the evolution of generic civic competence and assessing the manifestation of its components across various educational levels. The positioning of civic education within educational frameworks is grounded in the notion that democracy, being a non-inherent human condition, cannot be consistently assumed to be cultivated solely within the home and family environment. Therefore, it is advocated for and implemented in a secure educational setting and embedded in school curricula [5]. As such, civic education is considered vital to the development of civic competence both for this and future generations [6].

In the present context, civic education is acknowledged as a potential remedy for numerous social challenges, ranging from political uninterest and the mitigation of youth unemployment to the imperative of guiding young adults toward actively participating in addressing public issues [7]. It is crucial to highlight that the education system, as a whole, is recognized as a pivotal force in shaping civil society and fostering the development of civic competence. According to the European Commission Education and Training Monitor, education serves as a fundamental resource for internalizing core civic values. It also plays a key role in educating individuals about citizens’ rights and responsibilities while promoting social integration, with a specific emphasis on diminishing prejudiced attitudes toward marginalized groups [8] as well as encouraging learners to comprehend their democratic rights, fostering cooperation, and promoting critical thinking through the evaluation of media information. This, in turn, instills a sense of belonging to various communities, the state, and the broader European Union. The significance of this matter extends across all levels of education, including higher education.

Higher education, being a stage that concurrently addresses the preparation of highly skilled professionals for the labor market, the cultivation and rejuvenation of research human capital, and the establishment of a knowledge base fundamental for generating new knowledge, technologies, and innovations, holds particular importance. The overarching objective of sustainable education is to shape individuals who not only coexist harmoniously with nature and diverse cultures but also possess the capacity to fully realize themselves within society and the national economy. This involves ensuring the long-term and thoughtful utilization of resources. A person educated in this manner comprehends local issues and views them in a global context. They appreciate and respect other cultures, maintain healthy relationships across all societal levels, and actively contribute to economic development. In doing so, they play a role in fostering the longevity and sustainability of society [9].

In the current political and economic landscape, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the readiness of individuals to fulfill their roles as citizens becomes a pivotal question. This is a moment where the dynamics of democracy, civic participation, political philosophy, and ethics not only come to the forefront but also undergo significant changes. The themes of uncertainty and dynamic change continue to hold relevance, especially in the realm of higher education and across professional sectors more broadly [9]. Given this context of uncertainty, the configuration of the university education process becomes a highly pertinent issue. The knowledge and understanding of citizenship, along with the social perceptions and attitudes cultivated in students, are crucial determinants of their behavior in situations of uncertainty and challenges. Consequently, the organization and content of civic education within study programs, as well as the qualifications and experience of educators, are simultaneously brought into focus. Addressing these aspects becomes essential in preparing students for active and informed citizenship in an ever-changing and uncertain world.

The quality assurance standards and guidelines within the European higher education space articulate the concept that higher education institutions bear the responsibility of fostering a sustainable culture. This involves the development of specific principles centered around student-focused learning, teaching, and assessment [10,11]. Generic competences encompass essential skills that can be acquired and are vital for effectively navigating change and leading a productive and meaningful life [12]. Notably, the cultivation of generic competences among students is important, especially in the context of economic sustainability. This emphasis serves to advance workforce preparation and contribute to long-term economic success [13].

To furnish the citizens of Latvia with modern, high-quality, and competitive higher education that fosters professional development, robust content development, and research and innovation capacity and enhances competitiveness in the labor market, a comprehensive review of the curriculum’s content and form is imperative. In line with this rationale, the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) and the University of Latvia (UL) entered into a collaboration agreement for the ESF project “Assessment of the competences of students in higher education and the dynamics of their development during the study period.” The study’s primary objective was to examine students’ competences—specifically, innovation, research, digital, entrepreneurship, global, and civic—to identify the dynamics of their development in specific fields of study, namely RIS 3 (smart specialization strategy for research and innovation) fields, creative industries, public management, and education. One of this project’s research dimensions focuses on the theoretical framework of the content of civic competence and the determination of its indicators in behavioral manifestations at various levels of higher education. This inquiry aims to contribute valuable insights to the enhancement of civic competence within the higher education landscape in Latvia.

It is important to mention that the criteria for civic competence can vary across countries, regions, and educational systems. For instance, in the United States, the National Standards for Civics and Government outlines expectations for civic competence [14]. The European Union has established key competences, including civic competence, as part of the European Framework of Key Competences for Lifelong Learning [15]. In England, the national curriculum includes citizenship education, delineating the knowledge, skills, and understanding students are expected to develop in relation to civic competence [16]. Similarly, the Australian curriculum incorporates content related to civics and citizenship education, specifying what students should know and be able to do in this area [17]. Civic education expectations are also outlined in provincial/territorial curriculum documents, such as in Ontario, where the “Civics and Citizenship” course delineates expectations for civic competence [18].

Drawing upon a review of the existing literature during the implementation of the ESF project “Assessment of the competences of students in higher education and the dynamics of their development during the study period,” a set of criteria for civic competence was formulated. These criteria encapsulate three key dimensions, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of civic competence: (1) knowledge and application of principles of democratic society; (2) involvement in the community; and (3) civic capacity [19]. In order to examine how civic competence may influence the establishment of a sustainable society and environment, it is first crucial to ascertain whether and in what manner each of the sub-competences is interconnected with sustainability.

1.1. Application of the Principles of a Democratic Society in the Development of a Sustainable Society

The knowledge and application of the principles of a democratic society entails an understanding of one’s own and one’s fellow citizens’ civil rights and responsibilities, recognizing their interrelationships and levels of proactive engagement [20]. It also involves grasping the concept of social justice as a foundational element for peaceful and prosperous coexistence at the community, national, and global levels. Additionally, it encompasses understanding and actively addressing various forms of prejudice, barriers, and social exclusion to mitigate associated risks [21]. Furthermore, civic competence equips individuals with knowledge and comprehension of various issues, including laws and regulations, democratic processes, media literacy, human rights, the economy, sustainable development, the global community, justice, equality, freedom, and autonomy [22,23]. This is crucial because the role of democracy involves promoting economic growth on the one hand and distributing the benefits of growth and reducing poverty on the other [24,25]. Knowledge of democratic society principles plays a significant role in the functioning and sustainability of democracies where the establishment of democratic structures and institutions is essential for social sustainability. In order to uphold and promote social sustainability, individuals need the freedom to engage in democratic behavior [26].

Democracies empower civil society to exert a significant influence on issues related to sustainable development, particularly addressing the challenges emphasized in the 2030 Agenda. In democratic settings, civil society plays a powerful role in advocating for inclusivity and ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development reach all segments of the population [25].

1.2. Application of the Involvement in the Community in the Development of a Sustainable Society

Community involvement is characterized by individuals’ understanding of the activities, management principles, and structure of local and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (religious, business, cultural, social, sports, parental, professional). It involves individuals taking proactive initiatives at various levels of action in the implementation of social initiatives at both the local and national levels [20]. This sub-competence encompasses individuals’ understanding of EU and global NGOs, including their operating and management principles and structures. Individuals are expected to take proactive actions at different levels of EU and global NGOs. Community involvement is about individuals’ understanding of the ways in which the right to express an opinion is implemented at an individual level, the possibilities of resolving binding issues (problematic issues) in a legal manner, and their proactive engagement at various levels in addressing current issues [19].

The definition of community posits that it constitutes a framework comprising individuals, influences, and activities [27]. A community characterized by solidarity manifests a distinct social structure and shared identities. Additionally, the community is intertwined with its economic autonomy and resource utilization. This coherent framework demonstrates a considerable growth in industry, exemplified by steadfast and organized labor, underscoring the pivotal role of the community in conceptualizing and achieving communal objectives [28]. Sustainable development at the community level is shaped by the fundamental interactions between the public and individual levels [29]. Typically, these community responses converge and rely on addressing specific issues integral to the community’s concerns. However, groups of individuals with limited financial resources may find it challenging to enact meaningful changes within their own community [27,29].

Achieving sustainable development demands consistent and challenging efforts, and such endeavors may place a particular burden on communities that lack initiative, engagement, and resources. Community economic development involves an interactive process through which a community can initiate and address its inherent economic challenges, subsequently establishing enduring community foundations and fostering a blend of economic, social, and ecological objectives. Attaining sustainable community economic development entails a focus on sustaining employment and financial benefits by managing economic demand in a sustainable manner [30].

Individuals embracing sustainable development do not merely sustain the essence of life but markedly enhance it. To implement sustainable development methods, community members must acknowledge their capacity to shape their own lives, address their challenges, and mold their own future. This transforms the entire community into an informal organization, fostering assistance for everyone and expanded, strengthened participation and cooperation with individuals, institutions, organizations, and governments [31].

1.3. Impact of Civic Capacity on Sustainable Development

Civic capacity pertains to the ability to assess the potential for community capacity building, viewing oneself as a catalyst for change in the local community. It involves describing the level of participation and engagement in advancing community capacity and implementing sustainable development goals [20]. Furthermore, this sub-competence encompasses the understanding and capability to plan, execute, and assess activities on an international scale concerning the implementation of sustainability goals. It also includes the ability to compare different strategies for addressing global issues and evaluating all the evidence and arguments involved in the process [19].

Embodied within a diverse group of stakeholders collaborating to tackle a critical policy matter, civic capacity encompasses the establishment of common problem definitions and collective commitments involving a wide spectrum of both influential figures and grassroots participants [32]. Existing research on civic capacity has predominantly centered on assessing or tracing the evolution of these shared problem definitions and joint commitments [32,33,34,35]. However, a fundamental challenge in fostering shared understandings of problems arises when the definition of a problem and the relationships among stakeholders are contentious, leading to disputes over conceptions of knowledge [36].

Civic capacity can manifest at various levels, including associations, neighborhoods, cities, or nations [37]. The collective civic capacity is influenced by available resources, local institutions, and culture [35], shaping the potential for civic engagement and participation [37].

1.4. Sum - Up

The literature on civic competence underscores its significant role in shaping a sustainable society where individuals actively participate in local, national, and international political, economic, and cultural processes. The topic remains highly relevant in Latvia, especially considering the ongoing debate within the post-Soviet educational space. In this context, there exists a notable lack of understanding of critical thinking, democratic consciousness, and a partial or misunderstood comprehension of an active civic stance [38,39,40].

Therefore, to ensure the provision of contemporary, high-quality, and competitive higher education for the Latvian workforce, fostering professional development, research capacity, and competitiveness in the labor market leading to professional autonomy, a thorough review of the curriculum’s content and structure is imperative. Assessing the situation of Latvian higher education students entering or preparing to enter the labor market, their potential to establish non-governmental and commercial businesses, and their role as citizens is also crucial.

This research explores the evolution of students’ self-assessments in terms of civic competence and the three sub-competences described above. The objective is to comprehend the present status of students’ self-assessments and explore their potential impact on the formation of a sustainable society.

2. Materials and Methods

Data were collected for this study using an assessment tool for students’ transversal competences developed in the ESF project “Development and implementation of the education quality monitoring system” (8.3.6.2/17/I/001) [41,42], which was prepared in a digital form using the QuestionPro platform. The tool was constructed to measure six transversal competences: digital competence, innovative competence, entrepreneurial competence, research competence, civic competence, and global competence. This study used a stratified sample, but participants were selected on an accessibility basis. However, their selection was adjusted according to each subgroup’s size. This article deals only with bachelor and Master’s students (from various fields) and only civic competence.

A 7-point Likert scale was used for competence evaluation as a 7-point scale provides a wider variety of options, which, in turn, increases the probability of accurately assessing the objective reality of students [43]. This study examined civic competence based on three sub-competences: knowledge and application of democratic society principles (three statements), involvement in the community (three statements), and civic capacity (two statements).

First- and final-year students took part in the study. In total, 1,166 bachelor students (756 from the first study year and 410 from the last study year) and 354 Master’s students (181 from the first study year and 173 from the last study year) participated. These students represented 22 Latvian higher education institutions. In total, there are 24,687 students in the first or last year of their bachelor or Master’s studies in Latvia [44], 1,520 of whom participated in the study. Therefore, with a 95% confidence level, the margin of error is 2,45%. The average age of the participants was 26 years (Me = 22, SD = 9,58).

Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the reliability of the Likert scale. Additionally, a Mann–Whitney U test was carried out to determine whether there were significant differences between first and last study year civic sub-competence scores. Finally, network analysis was carried out using the glasso (or graphical lasso) procedure to determine a network with edges defined by partial correlation coefficients [45]. Each edge represents the relationship between two variables. The graphical representation of the networks is based on the Fruchterman–Reingold algorithm, which places nodes with stronger and/or more connections closer together [46].

The questionnaire was available for completion from 26 November 2022 to 30 June 2023, and the data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 21, Microsoft Excel, and JASP 0.14.1. The study followed all ethical research standards in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The questionnaire was completed anonymously, and participation was entirely voluntary. Approval for conducting this research was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Social Sciences and Humanities of the University of Latvia (08.02.2023. Nr.71-46/35).

3. Results

Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency of the Likert scale. Given that Cronbach’s alpha is 0,912, the Likert scale’s reliability is considered to be high [47].

Analyzing the bachelor students’ self-assessments of their civic competence, they can be considered low (Table 1): the mean and median values of all sub-competence self-assessments for first-year bachelor students are lower than 3 on the 7-point Likert scale. These students self-assessed their involvement in the community (mean = 2,57, median = 2,33) and civic capacity sub-competences (mean = 2,56, median = 2,00) as least developed. This points to the fact that students need to develop their competences to initiate social events, participate in the activities of NGOs at a global or EU level, actively engage in legal protests, and organize cooperation on a local and global basis, identifying the diverse needs of partners.

The self-assessments of final-year bachelor students show a similar trend. These students self-assessed their knowledge and application of democratic society principles (mean = 3,20, median = 3,00) as the most developed of all sub-competences and their involvement in the community (mean = 2,67, median = 2,33) and civic capacity (mean = 2,75, median = 2,50) as the least developed.

In each of the evaluated sub-competences, final-year bachelor students’ self-assessments were higher compared to first-year students. Subsequently, a Mann–Whitney U test was carried out to determine whether these differences were statistically significant (Table 2).

The results indicate a statistically significant difference between first- and final-year bachelor students’ self-assessments of their knowledge and application of democratic society principles sub-competence (z = -3,102, p < 0,05). However, there is no statistically significant difference in their self-assessments of the involvement in the community sub-competence (z = -0,466, p > 0,05) and the civic capacity sub-competence (z = -1,773, p > 0,05). It can therefore be concluded that students’ competence in systematically following topics in local, national, or EU political and legal frameworks, engaging in collaborative projects at different levels, and communicating with different types of institutions with a view to preventing problems and/or improving the quality of social or political processes increases during bachelor studies.

Turning to Master’s students’ civic competence self-assessments, it can be concluded that the results are in line with bachelor students’ self-assessments (Table 3). The knowledge and application of democratic society principles sub-competence was self-assessed as most developed by both first-year students (mean = 3,42, median = 3,33) and final-year students (mean = 3,65, median = 3,67). Master’s students self-assessed the involvement in the community and civic capacity sub-competences as less developed. However, the median and mean values of the self-assessments are relatively low, indicating that revising the higher education study process by integrating activities that enable students to improve their civic competence is necessary.

The median and mean values of final-year Master’s students’ self-assessments are higher compared to first-year Master’s students for all sub-competences of civic competence. The exception is the involvement in the community sub-competence, which has the same median value for both first- and final-year students. Subsequently, a Mann–Whitney U test was carried out to determine whether the differences between the first- and final-year Master’s students’ self-assessments were statistically significant (Table 4).

The results indicate that Master’s students’ civic competence does not significantly improve during their studies. However, it should be kept in mind that Master’s studies in Latvia last for two years, while bachelor programs last for three or four years and are therefore significantly longer. Additionally, first- and final-year students’ responses were gathered at the same time, meaning that there was only a one-year difference between first- and final-year Master’s students but a two- or three-year difference between first- and final-year bachelor students.

Network analysis was performed to examine the relationships between the sub-competences (Figure 1). The connections between nodes in the graph indicate whether there is a significant partial correlation. All eight nodes form mutually significant connections, and all 28 possible connections are formed with a sparsity value of 0.000.

It can be concluded that the sub-competences of civic competence are interconnected. For instance, systematically monitoring developments in different frameworks is connected with cooperation, which is connected with communication and, further, with the initiation of social initiatives. Therefore, we can see a procedural scheme from knowledge or information to collaboration via communication to social initiatives. Similarly, there is a significant correlation between participation in NGOs and volunteering in the local community, which is further connected with organizing cooperation.

The expected influence graph indicates that the engaging in cooperation and cooperation organization sub-competences are the ones with the highest expected influence on other sub-competences (Figure 2). Therefore, it is advised to develop these sub-competences to facilitate the development of other sub-competences.

4. Discussion

Sustainable development is recognized as a major global challenge, and one of the key components to tackle this problem is a sustainable society equipped with well-developed civic competences [1]. In this research, which was conducted to comprehend the present status of students’ civic competences, students self-assessed their civic competences as low. First-year bachelor students’ self-assessments’ mean values were all below 3 on a 7-point Likert scale. Students do improve their civic competences throughout their bachelor studies, but even the final-year Master’s students’ self-assessments’ mean values do not exceed 4 and should thus be considered as low. The results also indicate that civic competences are interconnected: knowledge or information is connected with collaboration, which is connected to communication, which is connected to social initiative. All these sub-competences represent a chain of potential action, and if one of these sub-competences is underdeveloped, it could lead to social inactivity.

The low indicators of civic competence are to be expected, considering that the performance of Latvian students in the civic education test falls below the average achievements of all EU Member States. This trend has persisted since the IEA ICCS (International Civic and Citizenship Education Study) 2009 research cycle, indicating that both formal and informal methods of acquiring civic knowledge in Latvia are incomplete [48]. The IEA ICCS has been recognized as the gold standard for measuring civic understanding among school-age children since its inaugural survey in 1999 [49]. IEA ICCS results reveal that students with higher civic knowledge often point to scientists as authority figures, but their sense of belonging to Latvia is mostly promoted by their family, its history, and Latvian culture and nature. To express their opinion, students with higher civic knowledge most often post on social media networks, turn to their parents, or involve their peers [48].

A deeper exploration of students’ low involvement and limited sense of responsibility, particularly in taking the initiative, could benefit from a historical perspective. Considering that Latvia was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 and only regained independence in 1991, it is essential to recognize the historical context. During the Soviet-era occupation, Latvia’s education system adopted a ‘teacher-centered’ pedagogy aimed at indoctrination. This approach discouraged multiple perspectives and deliberations on different viewpoints [49] while promoting the socialist agenda as sacrosanct [50]. Although it has been more than three decades since the restoration of independence and the Latvian Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide reform of standards and pedagogy [51], knowledge of civic education has not shown significant improvements. Updating and enhancing civic education within the school setting is essential. This involvement is vital as it reflects students’ orientation toward citizenship, with implications for their potential engagement in future social and political activities [52]. At the core of democracy lies participation, requiring citizens to feel empowered to take action. The sustained engagement of citizens is, at least in part, influenced by their beliefs and perceptions regarding their role as citizens and their attitudes toward democracy [53].

An indispensable element in the construction of a democratic society is guaranteeing that all members possess the ability to influence social structures, processes, and outcomes. In contrast to corporatocracy or oligarchy, where social ideas, processes, and outcomes are tied to the control of financial resources, social democracy champions the active participation of people in the design and decision-making of social constructs. It serves as a deterrent against social oppression fueled by power and money [54,55]. Research conducted on financial literacy and capability has established that financial decisions significantly impact the socio-economic well-being of individuals and families – fundamental building blocks of a democratic society.

In 2022, 22.5% of the population in Latvia was at risk of poverty—the same as in 2021, according to data from the population survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office in 2023. As a result of the impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Latvia’s economic situation has not improved lately. Although the proportion of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion has decreased by 4.4 percentage points since 2014, Latvia still has one of the highest rates in this respect among all EU Member States. The latest available data show that Latvia has the fifth-highest proportion of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion among all EU Member States [57]. A question thus arises as to whether one’s financial situation can be a factor influencing civic competence, as higher levels of socio-economic inequality are typically associated with a negative impact on civic engagement. In various contexts, both the incidence and the amount of charitable giving, volunteering, and non-profit membership tend to be negatively affected by inequality. Research findings consistently demonstrate a negative relationship, particularly for charitable giving, non-profit membership, and the quantity of volunteering. However, the evidence is less conclusive when examining the incidence of volunteering [58].

The low civic competence self-assessment scores suggest that changes need to be made, and numerous studies have underscored the importance of both formal and non-formal learning within the educational environment. In particular, non-formal learning has positive effects on students’ self-esteem [20] and their active involvement in civic participation [59]. The quality of interpersonal relationships within the educational environment [60,61] and specific study settings [62,63] are foundational elements for effective civic education. In educational contexts characterized as ‘democratic learning environments,’ students encounter opportunities to experience relationships, attitudes, and behaviors aligned with the principles of a democratic society founded on openness, mutual respect, and appreciation for diversity. Actively participating in decision-making processes and management cultivates students’ confidence in democratic and participatory practices [20].

When addressing issues that impact students’ attitudes toward sustainability, it is crucial to integrate sustainability topics across all disciplines. This holistic approach aims to provide individuals with the necessary skills for systematic and critical thinking [64]. Achieving comprehensive sustainability entails a paradigm shift in thinking. It is imperative that environmental resources are not sacrificed in the pursuit of greater economic benefits [65]. Therefore, civically responsible behavior involves directing efforts toward economic development while concurrently upholding environmental sustainability.

There is a need for a comprehensive evaluation and improvement of civic education. A paradigm shift is required in civic participation at every level of the educational environment, as the current emphasis on environmental conservation and social, political, and sustainability activities in education is insufficient. Strengthening civic education and participation is crucial to mitigating long-term challenges and risks and contributing to the development of a critical-thinking, resilient, and sustainable society in Latvia that is less susceptible to both external and internal manipulation.

5. Conclusion

In this study, Latvian students self-assessed their civic competences as low in accordance with a general trend observed since 2009. Despite education reforms, civic knowledge remains incomplete. Historical factors, like Soviet-era indoctrination, contribute to students’ limited initiative. Civic education needs updating to focus on student involvement for improved citizenship orientation. Financial literacy impacts civic engagement, especially in Latvia’s socio-economic circumstances. Formal and non-formal learning, democratic environments, and sustainability integration across disciplines are stressed in the research as ways to enhance civic competence. A paradigm shift in civic education is crucial for Latvia’s long-term resilience and sustainability.