Social Sciences in the Classroom

International Perspectives on Knowledge, Power, and Citizenship

Abstract

The collection The Teaching of Social Sciences in an International Perspective [O Ensino de Ciências Sociais em Perspectiva Internacional] organized by Marcelo Cigales, brings together contributions from researchers across multiple countries and stems from the First International Congress on the Teaching of social sciences. The volume interweaves epistemological, curricular, and political debates, helping to consolidate the field of Sociology education, especially in contexts marked by democratic tensions and conservative backlash. Structured in two parts, the book covers themes such as democracy, citizenship, digital technologies, ethnic-racial education, the historical development of the discipline, and the role of textbooks. The chapters emphasize Sociology’s importance as a critical and emancipatory tool, exposing ideological conflicts in curricula and advocating for inclusive, context-sensitive education. The analysis spans various national settings, including Brazil, Argentina, France, Uruguay, Spain, Canada, and South Africa, offering a comparative and international perspective. While the collection makes significant strides, the review notes certain gaps, such as the limited focus on everyday classroom practices in basic education and the underrepresentation of Indigenous and traditional epistemologies. Nonetheless, the work is a key reference for advancing the field and reinforcing the role of social sciences education in promoting democracy and social justice.