Social studies. We all have to take it, and teachers have to teach it. But why?

What aspects of social studies make it so

important that it is always included? Social studies is a discipline that includes humanities such as geography, history,
and political science. Why is social studies important? Let’s explore why.

“The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people make informed and reasoned decisions for the public
good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.”

What Is Social Studies?

Social studies can also be referred to as social sciences. It’s a field which deals with human behavior, relationships,
resources, and institutions.

Specific topics within social studies that are studied in school coursework include geography, anthropology, economics,
history, sociology, political science, and civics.

Teaching social studies to students in classroom

Aim And Purpose Of Social Studies

The main goal of teaching social studies is to teach students to become good citizens. We are living in a diverse society
— one that requires knowledge of social studies to succeed. With a social studies background, children become adults
that can participate civilly in our democratic society.

Social Studies In The 21st Century

Social studies connect students with the real world. In today’s interconnected world, students must be prepared to
interact with people of all cultures and communities, and social studies prepares them for this.

The Importance Of Social Studies In The School Curriculum

All children who go through the school curriculum become something when they graduate. And no matter what that
something is, they will need to interact with others from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students
must study how society works, and how people work in a society in order for it all to work once they enter society after
graduation.

8 REASONS: WHY IS SOCIAL STUDIES IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS?

Students learn skills through social studies that help them succeed in further education as well as life. Here are all the
amazing ways learning social studies benefits kids and society together:
1. Better Reading And Learning

Social studies is one area in education where content integration is key. Students are given reading material that
corresponds with the current learning topics. Giving reading materials in context helps students become better readers.
They also become better learners because they are asked to use analysis, critical thinking, and writing to show
understanding.

2. Citizen Responsibilities And Values

How can we expect young people to contribute positively to society, engage in discourse, and thrive in a democratic
society if they are not exposed to the topics and aspects of history and life that made society the way it is? Students
need an understanding of history, political science, culture, and all humanities to be able to understand why it is
important to be a good citizen.

3. Cultural Understanding

Students should be exposed to cultures far beyond what they experience personally every day. Not every student has
the opportunity to interact with other cultures on a daily basis. We need students to learn about, understand, and
appreciate cultural differences if we expect them to have meaningful interactions with people of all backgrounds in the
future.

4. Economic Education

Economics is a crucial part of social studies, whether studied on its own, or as a part of history, anthropology, or political
science. By learning economics, young people understand how their financial decisions have an impact on their future,
as well as the future of society.

5. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a part of social studies — students are taught to evaluate others’ decisions and make connections
between influences and circumstances. Young people get the opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes through social
sciences.

6. Real-World Understanding

Studying social sciences gives students an understanding of the real world around them. Students learn about places,
cultures, and events around the world, what conspired to make them the way they are, and can make inferences about
how the rest of the world works.

7. Political Skills

From social studies classes, students learn about government, political ideas, country economy and resources, and
more. Students gain political skills by analyzing and evaluating existing systems and imaging the future of the place in
which they live.
8. Respect History

History is what made the world the way it is, and it is essential that people study it in order to have an appreciation for
and understanding of the way the world works. Learning about history is what makes it possible to learn from the past
and plan for the future.

Making Sense of the World: Social Studies for Young Students

One of the reasons for teaching young people social studies is for them to be able to participate civilly in a democratic
society. Children start as early as kindergarten to understand the world around them, and schools should follow suit and
start teaching social studies concepts such as communication, critical thinking, and culture as early as possible.

Qualities Of Purposeful Social Studies

1. Meaningful

Social studies should be meaningful to students. Teachers should embrace the natural interests of students and plan
topics around those interests.

2. Integrative

Integrating all aspects of life is key to a successful social studies curriculum. Not only should current events and other
classes be integrated, but also aspects of daily life as well. Every moment is a teachable moment.

3. Value-Based

Key values of democracy are opportunity, equality, justice, and freedom of speech. These values should be echoed
throughout all parts of social studies.

4. Challenging

Teachers can challenge children in social studies classes in ways they aren’t or can’t be challenged in other classes. In-
depth critical analysis should be implemented — getting students to think and reflect will help them engage and
challenge them to care about what’s going on around them.

5. Active

Get students active and engaged with debates, discussions, role playing, projects, and simulations. This is one area of
school where kids should really get into it!

Teaching Teachers At University Of The People

Teaching social studies is a fun challenge, and is a way to really have an impact on the future of a generation. At
University of the People, we teach teachers how to be the most effective and passionate teachers they can be. Even
better, our degrees are complete online and tuition-free – meaning you can study wherever and whenever, without any
worries.

So if you were wondering, “why is social studies important?” Now you have countless answers! Social studies helps
students and societies be the best they can be.