This article addresses the instrumentalization of emotions as a strategy of right-wing populist politics and draws conclusions concerning civic education. The negative evaluation of emotions or their suppression from the political discourse forms a void in the political discourse. Based on the intergroup-emotions-theory the article shows the functions of emotions for identity building and group formation and the risks for a pluralistic society. The article argues for a stronger thematization and critical reflection of emotions in civic education and outlines perspectives for an emotion-sensitive civic education.

Schlagworte
civic education, right-wing populism, emotions, intergroup-emotions, identity