New Zealand: Social Studies at a Crossroads

This article comprises reflections on Social Studies in the New Zealand curriculum, written from the standpoint of a visiting researcher from the UK, attempting to reflect the variety of perspectives that are brought to this contested area. A series of interviews was undertaken with respondents selected to represent a range of educational practitioners and policy makers who have an interest and involvement in Social Studies. The study finds that Social Studies is a curriculum area continuing to generate much controversy, in particular in relation to its stated aim. It is clear that there is still a dearth of evidence on the realities of classroom practice in Social Studies and it is suggested that the discipline lies at a crossroads in its development, facing numerous barriers to its successful implementation, but also holding opportunities for a fuller achievement of its stated aim. Recent developments since the original research appear to go some way towards meeting some of the concerns. However, questions are raised about the appropriateness of the stated aim, and whether a single curriculum area can ever aspire to such ends.