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coACTION Project Page 12/27 Democratic School Culture Finally, the RFCDC model describes the target system: a person with deeply rooted democratic skills who takes responsibility, cooperates with others and stands up for democratic values. The realization of this goal is inextricably linked to the satisfaction of basic needs and the facilitation of genuine participation. When needs are met, learners are emotionally accessible to democratic values. When participation is genuine, it provides the concrete structures in which these needs can be met and skills can be built. Level 1–2 (Nonparticipation) : At these lowest levels, basic psychological needs are not met. Neither security nor recognition are provided. As a result, no emotional attachment to democratic processes can develop and therefore no democratic learning development is possible. If pupils, teachers or parents are merely manipulated or treated, they experience no self-efficacy or freedom, which blocks the development of democratic attitudes and skills. Level 3–5 (Tokenism) : At these intermediate levels, needs are only partially met. There may be rudiments of information security or formal affiliation. As a result, the first signs of trust may emerge, but no real self-efficacy or profound recognition is experienced. Participation remains symbolic, which limits the development of skills such as critical understanding or negotiation. Level 6–8 (Citizen Participation) : At the highest levels of the participation ladder, all five basic needs are comprehensively addressed. For example, the needs for power/recognition and freedom are strengthened through participation, own projects and recognition by peers and adults. This creates ideal conditions for the sustainable development of values (such as justice and democracy through lived equality), attitudes (such as a sense of responsibility or empathy), skills (such as negotiation, listening, compromise) and critical understanding (e.g. analysis of power relations or decision-making processes). Basic Needs Competence development Basic Needs Competence development Basic Needs Competence development