What Is Social Studies and Why Does It Matter?

Renz Louie F. Tejam

As a social studies teacher, I am often asked: “What is social studies?” “Does this subject matter?” The subject social studies touches the different sides and aspects of every learner in their realistic and situational lives and on how every individual can live better every day. More often than not, it has been understood in unlikely ways. One reason is that from its inception social studies has been contested over time (Evans, 2004). It begins with the 1916 committee’s definition of social studies. It reads, “The social studies are understood to be those whose subject matter relates directly to the organization and development of human society, and to man as a member of social groups”. This embodies a clear description of the social studies subject that appears to have been ignored and overlooked by many academicians and or educationalists, not mirrored upon by them to any large degree, or generally not considered in that context.

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. The subject raises awareness to our learners in doing what is right and acceptable to people, responding to different happenings in their community, love of God, people, nation, nature, and be ready on decision-making in their future lives. It aims to achieve a holistic development and transformational change to our learners. The subject, social studies will be of help in emerging students’ consciousness on what is happening in their community and on how it helps to shape learners’ mind for the betterment of themselves, the school as well as the community.

Social studies link 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 prepare them for this. With the subject being guided by the Department of Education’s mission, vision and core values, it will enable students to be part of a unified society and prepare them in facing their future. As a social studies educator of the 21st century learners, let us show how this subject moulds the learners to become a better citizen of our country that were being guided according to their skills and talents that will make them productive and competent individual and be globally competitive.

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The author is Secondary School Teacher III at San Pedro National High School, San Pedro,

San Simon, Pampanga