Theorizing Identity Formation in Social Studies Education: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Inter Section of Culture, History, and Citizenship

ABSTRACT

In Nigeria, and other parts of the world, identity is very essential that is the reason for the emphasis on titles before names. For example, a professor will emphasize the need for him or her to be referred to as Prof., the same with lawyers, medical doctors, engineers, architects, and so on. The conventional world has also developed traditional titles that are cultural, and customary like Chief, Eze, Obi, Ozo, Oba, Emir, Nze, and so on. Religion has titles associated with it, examples are Bishop, Reverend, Pastor, Chief Priest, Imam, Prophet, Knighthood (Sir and Lady), and so on. All these are associated with identity formation which Social Studies theorize. Cultural education is an essential aspect of Social Studies. The main objective of this study is to advocate for cultural education in Social Studies. Culture is an important concept, upon which the lives of the individuals are based. In people’s daily lives, they carryout various tasks and activities in accordance to their cultures. The individual needs to develop positive view points of other people’s cultures, identity, history, and citizenship. The study examined some key concepts which include identity and identity formation, culture, and cultural education, history, citizenship, and Social Studies. It further considered the importance of identity formation, history, citizenship, culture and cultural education in Social Studies. Finally, it advanced some strategies for effective teaching and learning of cultural education and citizenship education for theorizing of identity formation in Social Studies in schools.

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