The role of student associations in interwar Lithuanian civil society

Abstract

The interwar Lithuanian civil society was characterized by a pronounced ideological fragmentation, wide networks of diverse ideological organizations, and functioning under authoritarianism. Student organizations became an important part of these associational networks, and their involvement provided significant intellectual and administrative support to various associations statewide. The article aims to reveal the main features of student associational life at Vytautas Magnus University and its place in the interwar Lithuanian civil society. To achieve this goal, it first examines how the number of VMU student associations and their membership evolved, how they differed in terms of their purpose and worldview, and how the regulation of university associations differed from the country’s general laws. Finally, the paper attempts to shed light on the reasons behind the high level of student organization, the expectations of society towards students, and the main areas of student civic engagement.