Virtual Communities, a Challenge for Today's Concepts of Identity and Citizenship

The period of the 90s was called by Ralf Dahrendorf the decade of “citizenship”, due to the historical transformations that influenced the evolution of civil consciousness and education for citizenship. In opposition with the depreciation of the fundamental values of modern epoch, actual period is characterised by the rebirth of civic virtue. Under these circumstances, education for citizenship may be considered among the most efficient means for establishing a new social contract, based on citizens’ rights and duties, which could reinstate social cohesion and solidarity. European Council also underlines that the contemporary educational system plays a crucial part in individuals training as independent and responsible citizens.