SOCIAL STUDIES: THE BACKBONE OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WHY ITS FAILURE IS A NATIONAL DISASTER- GEORGE AKOM WRITES

In the pursuit of national development, education remains a central pillar.

Among the many subjects taught in schools, Social Studies stands out as uniquely essential due to its broad, multidisciplinary nature and its direct relevance to everyday life. Drawing from history, geography, civics, economics and sociology, Social Studies provides a comprehensive understanding of how societies operate, how decisions are made, and how progress is achieved.

 

 

Mr.George Akom
Through this subject, citizens gain knowledge of their rights, responsibilities and civic duties, enabling them to understand the processes that keep a nation functioning. Social Studies deepens appreciation for the constitution, democratic governance, and the role of institutions, ensuring that citizens become active participants rather than passive observers.

 

 

It also equips learners with economic literacy, helping them understand national resources, trade, taxation, budgeting, and economic development strategies. Such knowledge empowers citizens to make informed choices that positively influence national prosperity.
Furthermore, Social Studies promotes cultural understanding and social cohesion, strengthening unity in a diverse nation.

By exploring various cultural practices, beliefs and histories, learners appreciate national diversity and develop tolerance, respect, and cooperation, qualities necessary for peace building and national stability. No country can make meaningful progress without unity and social harmony, and Social Studies provides the foundation for both.

However, despite its importance, Social Studies faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness.
One major cause is the negative attitude many students hold toward the subject, often seeing it as too easy or less valuable than science- or math-based subjects.

This leads to a lack of seriousness and poor performance.
A second challenge is the language barrier. Social Studies requires extensive reading, comprehension and expressive writing. Students who struggle with English or have weak literacy skills often find it difficult to interpret questions, understand passages, explain ideas, and write detailed answers.

These language difficulties make it hard for learners to demonstrate understanding, contributing significantly to poor performance.
Additionally, the lack of adequate teaching and learning resources such as maps, charts, visual aids, and field trips weakens classroom instruction and makes the subject appear abstract rather than practical.

These challenges collectively affect students’ appreciation of the subject and reduce its impact in the classroom.
Beyond these challenges, joking with or downplaying the importance of Social Studies poses serious threats to national growth. When the subject is dismissed as unimportant, learners risk becoming adults who lack civic awareness, misunderstand democratic processes, and fail to uphold national values. Such attitudes lead to weak citizenship, low participation in governance, increased vulnerability to misinformation, and limited understanding of national challenges.

A society that neglects Social Studies inevitably produces citizens ill-prepared to drive development creating gaps in leadership, weakening national unity, and slowing collective progress. This is why its failure is not just an educational issue, but a national disaster.

The consequences of neglecting Social Studies are already visible in many societies in diverse ways but not limited to;citizens who cannot distinguish facts from propaganda,voters who participate in elections without understanding policies or governance,communities divided by misinformation, tribalism and stereotypes, and youth who lack interest in national issues, public service or leadership.

Beyond knowledge acquisition, Social Studies cultivates critical thinking, analytical skills, ethical judgment and problem-solving abilities. It teaches students how to evaluate issues, analyze conflicts, propose solutions, and think beyond personal interests. These are the competencies required of responsible leaders, public servants, entrepreneurs and community builders.

The subject also provides a global perspective, enabling citizens to understand international relations, global markets, climate change, migration, technology trends and how they affect national development. In an increasingly interconnected world, no nation can thrive without citizens who understand global dynamics.

Ultimately, Social Studies is not just an academic subject; it is a tool for shaping responsible, informed and proactive citizens.

It empowers individuals to contribute positively to nation-building, strengthens national identity, and prepares young people for a future that demands civic responsibility, ethical leadership and social consciousness. Any nation that overlooks its importance risks compromising its own development.

Investing in Social Studies education is, therefore, investing in the nation’s future, one anchored on awareness, unity and active citizenship. Strengthening this subject at all levels of education is essential if we are to build a society of informed citizens, visionary leaders and committed nation-builders.

Authored by:
George Akom
Senior Assistant Registrar
Ghana Communication Technology University
0243387291 /kingakom77@gmail.com