About Multicultural Education

The purpose of social studies

The purpose of social studies as a subject in schools is to help students develop their civic literacy, intellectual capacity, and democratic inclinations, all of which are necessary for them to play an active role in society. Through social studies, kids learn how to make decisions, deal with issues, and live more independently (Banks & Banks, 2009).

The teaching of multiculturalism

The teaching of multiculturalism is built on the core American ideals of justice, equality, and opportunity. Its purpose is to educate children about American moral values that support democracy. The strategies used in the multicultural education strive to find amicable solutions for the challenges that are experienced due to the rapid changes in the demographics of the United States. Through multicultural education, students gain increased awareness of the global issues, strengthen their cultural consciousness and their intellectual recognition (Banks & Banks, 2009).

Topics in a multicultural and global social studies curriculum

Many topics can be addressed in a multicultural and global social studies curriculum for adolescents, with racism being one of them. Studying racism will help the learners to better understand and appreciate every race so as to live in harmony with others. Socioeconomic classes represent another topic that could be included in the curriculum. Through this one, students may learn the differences between existing economic classes such as the rich, the middle group and the poor. This will help the learners to gain a clear understanding of life and its challenges. Multicultural and global social studies could also include the sexism topic. It will provide the adolescents with a proper perception of who they are and also enable them to learn how to relate to each other regardless of the differences in gender (Banks, 2004).

References

Banks, J.A. (2004). The nature of multicultural education. In J.A. Banks & C.A.M. Banks (Eds.), Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives (pp. 5-48), Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Banks, J.A., & Banks, C.A.M. (Eds.). (2009). Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.