Popular Universities In Europe As A Tool For Civic Engagement And Social Inclusion: Origins, Importance And The Case Of Valencia

Mª Carmen Pérez Rodrigo

doi:10.25167/fj.5878

Published: 2025-07-21

Vol. 2 (2025)

Popular Universities In Europe As A Tool For Civic Engagement And Social Inclusion: Origins, Importance And The Case Of Valencia

Mª Carmen Pérez Rodrigo

FORTHEM Journal

Section: Short Communications/ Reports

https://doi.org/10.25167/fj.5878

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This short communication briefly explores the origins of Popular Universities in Europe, with quotes from the Popular University of Valencia as a representative example of the Spanish model. These entities, which emerged in the 19th century under various names, shared common goals of promoting accessible education and civic engagement, and, at present, they continue to play a vital role in fostering lifelong learning and social inclusion, although, in many cases, they do not receive the recognition they deserve. The article therefore advocates for the revitalisation of these institutions within academic and policy discourse, urging renewed research to reconnect them with formal educational structures and align them with global development goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Keywords:

Adult Learning and Education (ALE), Popular Universities, European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), Longlife Learning, Non-formal Education, Civic Engagement, Cultural Empowerment, Transnational Research, Community Education, Democratic Participation, Social Inclusion

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Pérez Rodrigo, M. C. (2025). Popular Universities In Europe As A Tool For Civic Engagement And Social Inclusion: Origins, Importance And The Case Of Valencia. FORTHEM Journal, 2. https://doi.org/10.25167/fj.5878

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Mª Carmen Pérez Rodrigo

macarmperz@gmail.com

Affiliation:

University of Valencia Spain