Democracy through social science

Social Science education for democracy

Concept of democracy

The word democracy is derived from two Greek words

Demos-  people

Kratia - power

Democracy means power of the people.

Definition

Democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people - Abraham Lincoln

The word democracy points out two views

1. The type of government on hand
2. The way of life

Both these have a common element. That is control.

keeping in view the good of the people, individual and social contacts are subjected to control.

In the first view, the control is by the government, and it is external in nature .

In the second view, the control of the individual by himself for the social welfare, and it is external in nature.

• Democracy includes

1. Political democracy

• The right to vote the majority to power
• Give sovereignty to the people

2. Social democracy

• Implies a classless society
• Equality before law and Justice

3. Cultural democracy

• Implies due respect to all culture.

4. Economic democracy

• Implies right to work and earn.
• Not permit exploitation of the poor by the rich.
• Control over wealth, means of production, distribution etc.

The principle underlying democracy are

• Justice
• Liberty
• Fraternity
• Equality

The characteristics of democracy are:-

1. Democracy emphasizes the worth and dignity of the individual. It declares every human beings are ultimate and valuable.
2. Sovereignty consists individual as a unit of judgement and responsible action.
3. Equal rights is guaranteed to all.
4. Political and social liberties are considered the only dependable safeguard of individual worth and equality.
5. democracy rests on individual opportunity and individual responsibility.

Education for democracy

Preparing pupils for democracy is a major goal of education. In order to achieve this goal the following areas are  strengthened in the educational system.

1. Development of personality
2. Education for leadership training
3. Improvement of vocational efficiency
4. Developing democratic citizenship

• Education for democracy involve knowledge acquisition as well as deep understanding of attitudes,  interests, skill etc leading to the internalization and assimilation of the philosophy of democracy.

• Internalized and practiced by the growing child as a way of life.

Definition

Definition of education for democracy as " training in the moral qualities necessary for the citizens of a democracy, the encouragement of clear thinking in in everyday affairs, and the acquisition of a knowledge of the modern world."

Education for democracy is citizenship education, taking care of the rights and duties of a good citizen in a democratic society.

A citizen

• A citizen is a person who has full rights in the state concerned.

• A citizen in a democratic country has responsibilities as well as rights.

• The success of democracy depends on its citizens who are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

• Democracy is concerned with the moral ethical, social, political and economic aspects of life.

Citizenship consists of four dimensions

1. Citizenship of family
2. Citizenship of school
3. Citizenship of ones own country
4. Citizenship of the world

Citizenship of family

• Democratic values like tolerance, corporation, fellow feeling etc are inculcate in young children by the family.
• In the family children get a balance between the needs of the Individual and the needs of the familial society.
• Family is a small unit, young children can easily understand their position and their rights and obligation in an adequate manner.
• Family can provide invaluable learning experience for democratic living in future.

Citizenship of school

The foundation laid in the family should be consolidated and extended in this school.

In school democratic experiences should be deepened,  enriched and expanded to wider circle.

School has a dual function.

1. To train the children to be the good citizens of the school community.
2. To prepare the children as fully as possible for future life in the wider society.

• Student must be trained to utilise their talents and abilities for the service of their community, their country and the whole world.
• The knowledge gained from the school should be given a foundation for his later life, that is, the pupils life and experiences coma attitude, interest and value system are  to be developed and they provide a better future life.
• the curricular and cocurricular activities provide real experience in democratic living.
• The best way of imparting citizenship education is to utilise every opportunities for experiencing the rights and responsibility, joy and sacrifices associated with democratic living.
• Create appropriate class environment and school climate that facilitate democratic outlook.
• Democratic citizenship training helps to tolerate diversities among culture and maintaining a unity in diversity.