Culture and Participation: How Art Helps Students Understand Society
Research and the head of the "Latvijas skolas soma" programme, Aija Tūna, indicate that cultural events foster empathy and understanding of society among students, encouraging them to engage in civic processes.
Professional art and cultural events are more than just an entertaining pastime. Research suggests that they can also foster empathy, mutual understanding and a sense of one’s own role in society. These findings are particularly relevant for education, where students are expected to grasp not only academic subjects but also the way society works.
Aija Tūna, head of the "Latvijas skolas soma" programme, believes that culture and civic participation are closely connected. In her view, cultural events can encourage students to reflect on their place in society and on the possibilities they have to influence various processes. By exposing young people to different perspectives, art can help them engage with complex issues in a more meaningful way.
The "Latvijas skolas soma" programme aims to integrate professional culture into the school experience. Such an approach helps students broaden their horizons and develop critical thinking as well as empathy. According to the available research, experiencing art may strengthen an individual’s sense of responsibility, making them more likely to take part in public life.
Tūna stresses that involving students is not just about attending events. It is equally important to create space for reflection and discussion after the cultural activities. This helps young people see the link between art and real life and realize that their voice matters.
Overall, both research and the experience of the programme’s leader suggest that culture can play a key role in raising active, empathetic and responsible members of society.
