Introduction to special issue: Local cultures and global developments in moral and citizenship education in East Asia

The special issue analyses how East Asian countries deal with moral and civic topics and how education contributes to the identity development of its young citizens. It asks how people in an active way combine local cultures and international developments. The articles show that East Asian countries have in common a strong policy on moral and citizenship education, a link with the national heritage, a strong influence of religion, and a focus on their own country. The moral aspects of global citizenship are expressed in a concern for humanity. Most countries have some attention to democratic development. The concept of democracy is strongly connected with the ‘Asian values’ of harmony, adaptation and concern for the community. The ‘West’ can learn from the ‘East’ to positively value the social aspects of a way of life and the benefit of communities. The ‘East’ can learn from the ‘West’ that autonomy gives voice and agency to human beings.