The controversy surrounding the subject “Citizenship and Development”

what the media said and left unsaid

Abstract

Citizenship and Development is an autonomous and compulsory subject in the 2^nd and 3^rd cycles of Basic Education since the school year2018/2019, assuming a transversal curricular component in the 1^st cycle of Basic Education and in Secondary Education. Since its implementation, the subject has generated some controversy, both for its compulsory nature and for the topics to be addressed. In 2020, a family from Famalicão, invoking the right to conscientious objection, prevented their two teenage children from attending CeD classes. The case gained greater media attention with the publication, that same year, of two manifestos signed by several public personalities. The first called for an end to the compulsory nature of the discipline and freedom of choice for parents; the second defended its compulsory nature. These events, and the associated controversy, were discussed by public opinion and the media. This study aims to analyse the media coverage of this case from six national newspapers (DN, JN, Observador, Público, Correio da Manhã and Expresso), in their printed and online versions, between 01 and 30 September 2020, the period of greatest visibility and public discussion. From the analysis of 148 collected pieces, the study helps to understand the visions of school and education that are in confrontation in this exchange of arguments and how the different media have positioned themselves in this debate.