60 Current Definitions of Social Studies by Different Authors

60 Current Definitions of Social Studies by Different Authors

The term Social studies is the study of man and his relationship with other men and with the environment. They call upon many fields of knowledge for subject matter content. Social studies concern itself with human beings, those most fascinating of all creatures who, in a variety of ingenious ways, can devise means of meeting their basic needs and developing a social system in a wide range of different environments.

Social science has traditionally been regarded as the parent discipline of social studies. Instruction in social studies is drawn from the following fields. Social study is the study of man and his relationship with his social and physical environments

These disciplines acquaint the child with his social and physical environments and have a unique responsibility to help the child learn those understandings, attitudes, and skills which are necessary for democratic citizenship. Social studies make an essential contribution to the social education of children. They have fact; a special responsibility to assist children to learn social living skills- Examples will be given.

60 Current Definitions of Social Studies by Different Authors for 2023 and 2024

As a way of locating the integrative threads that can be found in certain objectives, which are common to several courses, which require the correlation of facts and broad principles of theories and problems or which combine knowledge feelings, beliefs and values (Ajiboye et al. 2010). Ajiboye et al. did not mention what should be done with the integration threads after they have been located in the objectives, which have been presumed common to the several courses, of which these objectives are merely sub-divisions within the same discipline.

60 Current Definitions of Social Studies by Different Authors

1. Edinyang and Mezieobi (2013) defined social studies as an integrated field of study that probes man’s environmental relationships and imbues man with high-level intellectual skills, social skills, and competencies germane to solving man’s environmental diverse problems for better and effective living.
2. According to Osakwe (2013) Social Studies is a course of study that studied human beings in various capacity of his interaction with his fellow counterpart
3. According to Akpochato (2013) Social studies is a subject that foster new and integrated approach aimed at resolving the societal and environmental issue.
4. Osakwe (2014) defines social studies education as “an integrated field of study that attempts to study man in dept within the ramification of his dynamic environments as well as equipping him with positive knowledge, attitudes, values and skills for purpose of producing competent, humane and effective citizenry who can contribute positively to the good of the society”.
5. Njok and Sunday (2014) posited that social studies is an interdisciplinary subject that enables learners to acquire wide knowledge of the surrounding complex phenomena and forces that influence man in his society.
6. Social studies is a program of study that a society uses to instill in students or learners the knowledge, skills, attitudes and actions it considers important in the relationships human beings have with each other, their world and themselves Mezieobi, Ossai, and Young (2013).
7. Ezegbe maintains that social studies education has a primary objective of helping to produce good citizens who are of great benefit to Nigerian society.
8. However, Famwang (2013) defined Social Studies as a subject dealing with human groups – people and their environment – the world over. They stated that Social Studies covers the nature and functions of these human groups; through their structure, organization and their interactions within the environment, though Social Studies derived its content from the Social Sciences and other related subjects, like anthropology, economics, sociology, social psychology, political science, geography and history among others, it’s not exactly these subject. They further agreed that Social Studies, as a subject, goes beyond factual knowledge of these subjects. It is intended to present questions, concepts, Issues, generalizations, and problems that would be challenging not only to the students but to the entire citizenry.
9. Danladi (2015), defined social studies as that parts of the school’s general education programme concerned with the preparation of the citizens for participation in a democratic society.
   1. National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) (2010): “Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.”
   2. Barr, Barth, & Shermis (1977): “Social studies is an integration of experience and knowledge concerning human relations for the purpose of citizenship education.”
   3. Wesley (1950): “Social studies is a field of study that seeks to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as citizens in a culturally diverse society.”
   4. Banks (1990): “Social studies is a discipline that aims to help students develop knowledge, skills, and values necessary for effective citizenship in a democratic society.”
   5. Mehlinger (1981): “Social studies is a study of human beings in relation to their physical and social environment to develop responsible citizens.”
   6. Jarolimek (1993): “Social studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon sociology, history, geography, and political science to educate students about civic responsibilities.”
   7. Shaver (1977): “Social studies is the study of human beings interacting with each other and their environment to make informed civic choices.”
   8. Morris (1967): “Social studies is an integrative discipline that draws upon multiple fields to provide students with an understanding of human society.”
   9. Dewey (1916): “Social studies involves the preparation of individuals to actively participate in democratic processes.”
   10. Engle & Ochoa (1988): “Social studies is designed to promote decision-making skills and responsible citizenship in a democratic society.”
       11. Fenton (1967): “Social studies is concerned with teaching democratic values through the study of human experiences.”
       12. Saxe (1991): “Social studies is a combination of social sciences aimed at fostering critical thinking and social responsibility.”
       13. Branson (1998): “Social studies is a subject that enhances civic competence and promotes awareness of cultural diversity.”
       14. Gross (1977): “Social studies is an interdisciplinary subject aimed at understanding human societies, past and present.”
       15. Hanna (1965): “Social studies is a field that integrates various disciplines to help students understand social issues and their role in society.”
       16. Fraenkel (1992): “Social studies is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for democratic citizenship.”
       17. Nelson & Michaelis (1990): “Social studies encompasses the study of history, geography, political science, and economics to develop informed citizens.”
       18. Ross (2001): “Social studies provides students with critical perspectives on social and cultural systems.”
       19. Taba (1962): “Social studies is an organized body of knowledge and processes essential for civic participation.”
       20. Hartoonian (1994): “Social studies enables students to understand their world and contribute to a democratic society.”

       60 Current Definitions of Social Studies by Different Authors

       21. Chapin (2007): “Social studies is the study of people and their relationships to each other and the world.”
       22. Hodges (2005): “Social studies combines various disciplines to foster civic awareness and engagement.”
       23. Barton & Levstik (2004): “Social studies provides frameworks for students to engage with societal problems.”
       24. Levstik & Tyson (2008): “Social studies promotes historical thinking and participatory citizenship.”
       25. Patrick (2003): “Social studies develops knowledge, values, and participation skills necessary for democracy.”
       26. Cuban (1991): “Social studies is a curricular field aimed at preparing students for democratic engagement.”
       27. Martorella (1997): “Social studies integrates disciplines to examine human behavior and institutions.”
       28. Maxim (2010): “Social studies fosters understanding of social and political structures through multidisciplinary inquiry.”
       29. Brophy & Alleman (2006): “Social studies prepares students for citizenship by developing historical and geographic awareness.”
       30. Tyner (1998): “Social studies helps individuals make sense of social complexities in a rapidly changing world.”

       60 Current Definitions of Social Studies by Different Authors

       31. Bennett & Fessenden (2000): “Social studies promotes understanding of governance, economics, and societal development.”
       32. McGuire (1996): “Social studies integrates knowledge to address issues of democracy and human rights.”
       33. Cunningham & Osborn (2015): “Social studies is a foundation for democratic participation through the study of human society.”
       34. Dixon (1998): “Social studies cultivates an awareness of the interdependence of global communities.”
       35. Leming, Ellington & Schug (2006): “Social studies emphasizes critical thinking in relation to citizenship and ethics.”
       36. Merryfield (2002): “Social studies fosters global perspectives through multicultural education.”
       37. Michaels (1992): “Social studies is an interdisciplinary study that helps individuals navigate civic life.”
       38. VanSledright (2004): “Social studies promotes historical inquiry and citizenship responsibility.”
       39. Cogan (2000): “Social studies equips students with civic knowledge and skills for political engagement.”
       40. Fry (2008): “Social studies develops an understanding of civic rights and social responsibilities.”

       60 Current Definitions of Social Studies by Different Authors

       41. Thornton (2005): “Social studies emphasizes inquiry-based learning about human societies.”
       42. Parker (2011): “Social studies is a pedagogical field that fosters democratic values and civic action.”
       43. Lott (1993): “Social studies focuses on interactions between people, places, and institutions.”
       44. Turner (2013): “Social studies integrates history, geography, economics, and civics for informed decision-making.”
       45. Gutek (2014): “Social studies helps students understand societal norms and values.”
       46. Berson (2004): “Social studies prepares students to be responsible global citizens.”
       47. Bruner (1960): “Social studies is a tool for teaching students to apply critical thinking to real-world issues.”
       48. Case & Wright (1997): “Social studies involves inquiry into societal structures and cultures.”
       49. Evans (2004): “Social studies prepares students for participatory democracy through historical and political education.”
       50. Savage & Armstrong (2009): “Social studies bridges history, economics, and political science to develop civic competence.”

Conclusion

More scholarly attention to definitions of social studies as perceived, understood, and acted upon would be a contribution to literature in the field. Definitions change as terms are used, understood, and acted upon. In addition, many political-ideological dimensions of knowledge definitions become clearer as they are popularized, for example, the use of the term ideology itself changed from a relatively neutral term referring to the study of ideas to becoming a highly value-charged term often used popularly to deprecate strong or oppositional ideas. It is important to note again that substantial disagreement in scholarly work is positive.

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