Chapter 2: The Citizen We Need in a Pluralistic Democracy in a Global Age

The social studies curriculum has as its purpose the preparation of thoughtful, knowledgeable and active citizens in order to sustain and improve our pluralistic democracy in a global age. The term ‘global age’ is deliberately included in this statement of purpose for two reasons. First, it embraces the significance of expanding diversity both across the planet as the term, pluralism does within our own society. Secondly, it recognizes closer and increasingly frequent connections between and among peoples, cultures and nations as well as the powerful influence of multinational organizations and the technologies of rapid communication and transportation. Pluralism is virtually everywhere and virtually everything that is local has a global connection. Both adult citizens and young citizens need to understand and act on these prevailing conditions.¹