Student attitudes toward equality and equity in Nordic Countries from 1999 to 2022

Highlights: - Nordic youth predominantly endorse equality and equity, although signs of attitudinal fragmentation exist. - Some students express scepticism towards equity, e.g. in domains related to societal influence. - Over 10% reject equity, opposing civic participation by women, ethnic minorities, or immigrants. - Support for equality is strongly associated with higher socioeconomic status and greater civic knowledge. - Nordic countries showed similar trends, but pace and sometimes direction varied by country. Purpose: Growing polarisation and the rise of anti-democratic movements have intensified concerns about young people’s commitment to democratic values. This study examines how 14-year-olds’ attitudes toward equality and equity form clusters and develop across four Nordic countries over two decades. Methodology: We analysed data from International Civic and Citizenship Education Studies (1999, 2009, 2016, 2022) using latent class analysis and regression modelling. Findings: Support for equality was widespread, yet nine divergent attitude clusters emerged. Three reflected scepticism, and three showed clear rejection of equality and equity, limiting women’s civic participation, challenging ethnic equity, or denying equal rights for immigrants. Supportive attitudes were systematically associated with higher civic knowledge and higher socioeconomic status. Attitudinal developments were gradual, and attitudinal fragmentation was evident. Implications: These findings provide motivation to strengthen democratic education and to promote active citizenship.