Social studies is a school subject that teaches students about people, communities, and how society works. When someone asks what is social studies, the simplest meaning is that it is a subject that helps learners understand the world around them. The subject explains history, geography, government, culture, and how people live together. It is one of the core subjects in primary and secondary schools across Kenya, Nigeria, the United States, and many other countries.
Quick Glance: What Is Social Studies?
Social studies is the school subject that teaches students about people, places, history, government and how society works so they can understand and take part in their community and the wider world.
Main Points
- Helps learners understand how families, communities and countries work.
- Covers history, geography, civics, economics and society.
- Builds citizenship, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Connects classroom learning to real-life situations and problems.
Key Areas in Social Studies
Table of Contents
Simple Meaning of Social Studies
Social studies means studying people and their relationships with one another, their environment, and the systems that guide daily life. It helps students understand:
- How families and communities work
- How leaders make decisions
- Why countries have laws
- How cultures shape people’s behavior
- How history influences today’s world
A simple way to remember it:
Social Studies = People + Places + History + Government + Culture
Formal Definitions of Social Studies
Different education systems define it slightly differently, but they all focus on society and citizenship.
- General definition: The study of human society and the relationships, structures, and systems within it.
- Primary school definition: A subject that helps pupils understand themselves, their community, and their environment.
- Exam definition (JSS/High School): A field that explains how people live together, solve problems, use resources, and make decisions.
- U.S. definition (NCSS-based): An integrated study of social sciences and humanities, including history, civics, geography, and economics.
Across all definitions, the goal is the same:
to help learners understand society and become responsible citizens
What Social Studies Teaches (Core Purpose)
Social studies aims to help learners:
- Understand how their community, country, and world operate
- Learn about rights, responsibilities, and citizenship
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Make informed decisions
- Respect people from different cultures and backgrounds
- Understand how history shapes the present
- Learn how governments, economies, and institutions work
These skills prepare students for everyday life, not just classroom learning.
Five Main Components of Social Studies
The subject is made up of several areas that work together. These are the five major components taught across most countries:
1. History
The study of past events, people, and changes over time.
2. Geography
The study of places, environments, natural features, and how people relate to them.
3. Civics/Government
How government works, leadership, laws, citizenship, and decision-making.
4. Economics
How people use resources, trade, production, markets, and money.
5. Sociology/Culture
How people live in families, communities, and societies, including beliefs and values.
Examples of Social Studies in Everyday Life
- Following rules at home and school
- Understanding community leaders and elections
- Reading maps while travelling
- Respecting cultural differences
- Learning about national holidays and historical events
- Managing money and simple budgeting
- Solving community problems
These examples show that social studies is practical and used outside the classroom.
Social Studies in the Kenya CBC Curriculum
Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) introduces Social Studies concepts early and teaches it formally in upper primary and Junior Secondary School.
How CBC handles Social Studies:
- Pre-Primary (PP1, PP2): Concepts appear inside “Environmental Activities,” introducing community, environment, simple maps, and culture.
- Lower Primary (Grades 1–3): Social Studies ideas remain integrated within Environmental Activities rather than as a separate subject.
- Upper Primary (Grades 4–6): Social Studies becomes a stand-alone subject. Learners study community, culture, resources, conservation, citizenship, and mapwork.
- Junior School (Grades 7–9): Social Studies appears within the Social Science learning area, covering history, geography, civics, and contemporary issues.
CBC themes commonly taught:
- Communities and national identity
- Citizenship, leadership, and governance
- Culture and heritage
- Resources and environmental conservation
- Economic activities and trade
- Map reading and fieldwork
Rollout may vary by school, but these themes match the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) guidelines.
Social Studies in the Nigeria JSS Curriculum
Nigeria teaches Social Studies in JSS1–JSS3 as part of the Basic Education curriculum. Although content can vary by state and textbook, the core purpose is consistent nationwide: developing social awareness, citizenship, and national values.
Common Social Studies themes in Nigeria:
- Family and social relationships
- Culture, national values, and identity
- Citizenship, rights, and responsibilities
- Leadership and followership
- Social issues such as drug abuse and corruption
- National unity and cooperation
- Population and resource use
- Environmental problems
- Government, democracy, and civic participation
These themes reflect the aims outlined by the National Education Research and Development Council (NERDC).
Students in Nigeria often use online resources to prepare for school tasks, and our article on How to Check Student Portal Results shows how digital systems support everyday learning.
“When learners grasp history, geography, culture, and leadership together, they see how society truly works.”
Social Studies in the United States Curriculum
The United States does not use a single national curriculum, but most states follow the framework recommended by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS).
Typical areas covered:
- History: United States history and world history
- Geography: maps, landforms, and human-environment interaction
- Civics: rights, laws, elections, democracy, and public institutions
- Economics: trade, money, production, and markets
- Communities & Culture: diversity, traditions, and social structures
Each state organizes content differently, but these themes appear across most U.S. elementary and middle school programs.
Why Social Studies Is Important
At its core, what is social studies? It is the subject that turns everyday life into lessons learners can actually use. Social studies is important because it helps students:
- Understand how society functions
- Learn their rights and responsibilities
- Build communication and teamwork skills
- Make better decisions
- Respect cultural differences
- Become active and responsible citizens
- Solve local and global problems
These benefits follow students into adulthood, whether they enter careers in teaching, business, government, community development, or any other field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the basic meaning of social studies?
It is the study of people, places, culture, government, and how society works.
2. What are the five components of social studies?
History, geography, civics, economics, and sociology.
3. What is social studies for JSS1?
A subject that teaches Nigerian learners about family, culture, leadership, government, population, and social values.
4. What is social studies known as in other places?
It may be called social sciences, humanities, SST, or social education.
5. How many subjects make up social studies?
Most curricula combine five major areas: history, geography, civics, economics, and sociology.
For students looking to improve their academic confidence, our full guide on How to Write a CV with No Experience is another helpful resource that builds practical life skills beyond the classroom.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
