Teaching Social Studies
What is the Purpose of Teaching Social Studies?
I believe the purpose of teaching social studies should be centred on social justice and anti-oppressive pedagogy. Social change is an essential element of teaching, for at least 3 core reasons
1) "Nations are narrations" – Edward Said (as cited in Francis, 2012)
Our national history, our conception of society is something that is constructed. It involves the active process of making our myths, framing our histories, deciding who is placed in the story and how their roles are defined. For the longest time in our history books, in our social studies classes, and in our consciousness––we have subscribed to the Grand Narrative type of story.
2) Inclusion is not a threat to cohesion, but isolation is. – Manju Varma-Joshi (2004)
Because our history and society is constructed, we can choose who gets to be in it. Often times, those in power are reluctant to expand the "in" circle. With the case of the Canadian Grand Narrative––women, minorities, lower economic status peoples, Aboriginal peoples, differently-abled, and various others––have been left out. Therefore the purpose of social studies is to help students explore, acknowledge, and contribute to these voices and narratives. To include these voices does not threaten to divide our society. But if we continue to ignore such voices––frustration, discontent, and friction will lead to factional discord.
3) "You cannot step into the same river twice." – Heraclitus (as cited in Kereliuk et al., 2013)
In the river of time and shifting cultures, social studies help us navigate the current water we are walking into. Things change over time. We are understand that “national myths are shifting things and require constant recalibration" (Francis, 2012). Therefore social studies, when taught properly, can give the best tools and posture to be able to wade through any of the cultural, societal, and historical waters we find ourselves entering.
I believe the purpose of teaching social studies should be centred on social justice and anti-oppressive pedagogy. Social change is an essential element of teaching, for at least 3 core reasons
1) "Nations are narrations" – Edward Said (as cited in Francis, 2012)
Our national history, our conception of society is something that is constructed. It involves the active process of making our myths, framing our histories, deciding who is placed in the story and how their roles are defined. For the longest time in our history books, in our social studies classes, and in our consciousness––we have subscribed to the Grand Narrative type of story.
2) Inclusion is not a threat to cohesion, but isolation is. – Manju Varma-Joshi (2004)
Because our history and society is constructed, we can choose who gets to be in it. Often times, those in power are reluctant to expand the "in" circle. With the case of the Canadian Grand Narrative––women, minorities, lower economic status peoples, Aboriginal peoples, differently-abled, and various others––have been left out. Therefore the purpose of social studies is to help students explore, acknowledge, and contribute to these voices and narratives. To include these voices does not threaten to divide our society. But if we continue to ignore such voices––frustration, discontent, and friction will lead to factional discord.
3) "You cannot step into the same river twice." – Heraclitus (as cited in Kereliuk et al., 2013)
In the river of time and shifting cultures, social studies help us navigate the current water we are walking into. Things change over time. We are understand that “national myths are shifting things and require constant recalibration" (Francis, 2012). Therefore social studies, when taught properly, can give the best tools and posture to be able to wade through any of the cultural, societal, and historical waters we find ourselves entering.