Section outline

  • Welcome!
     
    Rooted in Sweden’s rich tradition of popular education (folkbildning), the study circle (studiecirkel) is a democratic, participatory method of adult learning. Rather than relying on a traditional top-down classroom structure where an expert lectures an audience, a study circle brings together a small group of peers who meet regularly to read, discuss, and learn from one another on equal terms.
     
    Key characteristics of the Swedish study circle method include no traditional teacher. Instead, a circle often has a facilitator (cirkelledare) whose role is to guide the conversation and ensure everyone’s voice is heard, rather than to lecture. Knowledge is built socially through active dialogue, diverse perspectives, and shared critical reflection rather than passive consumption. Participants practice listening, mutual respect, and inclusive participation—making the study circle not just a tool for acquiring knowledge, but a practice ground for democracy itself.
     
    Using This Material
    The materials provided here, accompanying Everyday Democracy, are designed to be used within this framework. Whether you are educators, students, activists, or community members, these modules invite you to move beyond reading alone and to engage in deep, collaborative conversations about how democratic habits, resilience, and civic culture are built in everyday life.
    Grab a cup of coffee, gather a circle of curious minds, and start exploring.
     
    Our first test

    This is a study guide for the anthology Everyday Democracy: Building Resilience Against Polarization and Radicalization. The course is intended as a modular learning journey that mirrors the central idea of the book, namely that democracy is something people do in everyday life.

    After completing this course, participants should be able to

    • Explain the concept of everyday democracy.
    • Identify how polarization affects daily life.
    • Reflect on the relationship between media, culture and democracy.
    • Analyze examples of democratic resilience from different countries.
    • Develop practical strategies for strengthening democratic participation in their own communities.
    • Understand the role of dialogue, trust, solidarity and hope in sustaining democracy.