ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors look at some of the forces influencing social studies and how these forces have changed the field. Teachers need to be aware of how these developments affect and what they will teach. This awareness will help them understand that social studies curriculum is evolving. Recognizing that social studies have a strong knowledge base, the authors also look at the social science disciplines. Constructivist thought dominates the thinking of most scholars and writers in social studies. Social studies is the name given to a broad curricular area taught in elementary schools. The focus of social studies is on the student learning to understand, interpret, and live in his or her world. Social studies is also an inclusive term for that broad field of study that includes courses that focus specifically on history, geography, sociology, economics, psychology, government, anthropology, and related subjects.
