Social Studies plays an important role in shaping people's understanding of the world. "Social" comes from the Latin word socialis, which means "relating to companionship or community," while "studies" refers to academic or systematic investigation (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). When combined, Social Studies is the study of society, its structures, and its impact on individuals—both in the past and present.
Studying
the past allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of cultural
differences, such as the reasons behind one’s physical appearances, the
significance of certain words that may be offensive, or the varying behaviors
across different cultures. This knowledge fosters greater empathy and enables
individuals to better comprehend the actions of others. As a result, they are
more likely to approach these differences with respect and sensitivity,
contributing to more harmonious interactions and relationships. Hugh Barr
(1997) identifies "understanding the world" as one of the
primary goals of Social Studies.
Insights
from Educators and Scholars
To better
understand its relevance today, I interviewed three individuals: a student
pursuing a teaching degree, a high school teacher (teaching a non-Social
Studies subject), and a graduate student working towards a PhD in Social Work.
I collated their answers based on their definition, importance, and real-life
situations where Social Studies became beneficial to them.
Defining
Social Studies
Based on their answers, Social Studies is the
study of human societies, cultures, and the interactions between people and
their environments. It is a part of school or college curricula that covers
different subjects to help students understand the world around them. “In
secondary education, most social studies courses are in a particular social
science such as economics, government, history, or geography (Thornton, 2005,
p. 14)."
The
goal is to develop informed, responsible citizens who can think critically and
participate effectively in their communities. It is a key part of school
focused on the study of social relationships and the functioning of society, as
well as our relationship to it.
Why
Social Studies Matters
They
also added: Social Studies equips students with critical thinking skills and a
deeper understanding of how societies function. It helps young people make
informed decisions that benefit the public good, particularly in a culturally
diverse, democratic, and interdependent world. In the resource provided,
Thornton (2005) cites the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
statement, "The vitality of a democracy depends upon the education and
participation of its citizens" (NCSS, 1994, as cited in Thornton,
2005, p. 16).
Furthermore,
a strong grasp of society and one's role within it fosters a sense of
belonging, which contributes to mental well-being and community engagement.
Without
Social Studies, students may lack the knowledge and skills needed to
participate effectively in their communities and the broader world. In the
Philippines, Araling Panlipunan (Social Science) is a core
subject designed to cultivate critical, reflective, and responsible Filipino
citizens. It strengthens civic competence, promotes cultural identity, and
instills a love for the country.
Social
Studies in Real-Life Contexts
The
interviewees also shared how Social Studies had become beneficial to them.
During
the COVID-19 pandemic,
Social Studies played a crucial role in helping us understand the role of
public health policies and government decision-making in protecting citizens. It
also highlighted the economic impact of the crisis, emphasizing the need for
support for affected businesses and individuals. Understanding social behaviors
and cultural differences allowed communities to adapt and support each other
during challenging times.
Politically, Social Studies helps us exercise the democratic
rights as a citizen, allowing us to carefully assess political leaders based on
their credentials, experience, and policies from multiple perspectives, such as
economic, social, and geopolitical.
From
an economic standpoint,
we would choose leaders who will allocate scarce resources efficiently,
ensuring the best return for society through thoughtful spending decisions with
minimal opportunity costs. This economic concept of opportunity cost also
guides our personal decisions in resource allocation to meet our needs.
From
the perspective of a PhD student in social work, he was on the front lines of social
issues, and Social Studies provides him with the opportunity to reflect on the
past. By examining the successes and mistakes of previous social workers, he can
adapt his approach to better address current challenges and improve his
practice.
Personal
Reflection
In
my own understanding, Social Studies is a broad field that explores society and
its various components. As I delve deeper into the subject, I am gaining a
clearer understanding of why individuals differ from one another. These
differences may stem from their cultural backgrounds, the communities they were
raised in, the experiences that have shaped them. However, this knowledge does
not mean we should judge others based on their differences, such as how they
speak or behave. Instead, it teaches us to embrace diversity, adapt, and adjust
to these differences with empathy and open-mindedness.
In
conclusion
Learning
Social Studies provides a foundation for understanding the historical and
societal factors that shape our world, enabling students to contribute to
improving society may it be politically, socially, or even economically. With
the increasing political and social awareness among young people, Social
Studies remains more relevant than ever. By equipping individuals with critical
thinking skills and historical knowledge, it empowers them to advocate for
change and make informed decisions.
Social
Studies not only helps students achieve their learning goals but also
influences both older and younger generations. In what ways do you think Social
Studies remains beneficial today?
References
Barr,
H. (1997). Defining social studies. Teachers and Curriculum, 1.
Merriam-Webster.
(n.d.). Social. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social
Merriam-Webster.
(n.d.). Study. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/study
Thornton, S.
(2005). Teaching social studies that matter: Curriculum for active teaching,
New York: Teacher’s College Press: pp. 10-44.
No comments:
Post a Comment