How Social Studies Prepares Students for Society
Etymologically social studies refers to the different branches of study dealing with social sciences such as civics, economics, linguistics, management, history, geography and a host of others. It varies from natural sciences and affects human behavior and interpersonal relationships. Social studies is a crucial discipline in the school curriculum. Social sciences had their roots in the study of philosophy and theology in ancient times, gaining greater impetus during the medieval era. It prepares students to face life's challenges realistically, systematically and with a practical bent of mind. Yet, it is a sorry state of affairs that in a hurry to get ahead in life and career, students and even educational institutions lay poor, if any, attention to the richness of learning- teaching of social studies.
A few of the areas of social sciences that mould the personalities of students are discussed below:
Integrate education with life - This branch of learning helps pupils to analyze real life situations in their correct context. Students are drilled in the finer realms, such as oneness of mankind, cooperation, justice for all. The learners begin to appreciate the very essence of living in this world full of strife and everyday grind. A realistic viewpoint and a practical outlook are adopted by students of social studies.
Deeper understanding of human nature and behavior - Through the learning of social sciences, predictions can be made about how people will react under certain circumstances. This also implies that while dealing with people, the knowledge of his mental make-up can help in assessing the way he is likely to give an overt expression to his innermost, pent up emotions. Psycho-analysis has become an indispensable part of any organization's day-to-day functioning. All successful entrepreneurs have also been good psychologists. Teachers too need to understand educational psychology. In fact, professionals in all walks of life must have an insight into how and why people think and behave in the manner they do.
An air of authenticity has come to surround social studies since the percentage of students' participation is higher in the teaching-learning process. The child-focused curriculum makes each student singular, encouraging greater enthusiasm. In the context of social studies, cross curricular instructions proves ideal since each of the subjects falling under its broad head are, more or less, interwoven. To exemplify, geography has influenced history, which in turn had a tremendous impact upon the economy of a country. Furthermore, the society and political structure is affected by the financial system and psychology of people. It is this beauty of interdependence that instructing using cross curricular or thematic style adds much realism to social studies.