Multiple Perspectives


A key concept in the Social Studies program is the multiple perspectives approach. This is the idea that the many ways of looking at issues depend on our history, experience, and background.


What does looking at globalization from multiple perspectives mean?

 
Social Studies is designed to help students make sense of how people live together in society.

We all have our own experiences, beliefs, and values that shape our world view. From these things we develop ideas about the nature of people and how to relate to each other in the world around us.

It is important for us as Canadians and as citizens in a multicultural world to recognize the importance of diversity and to have respect for our differences. Our diverse experiences and perspectives make Canada the great nation that it is. Pluralism builds upon Canada's history and foundations, which reflect the country's Aboriginal heritage, bilingual nature, and multicultural reality. A pluralistic view recognizes that citizenship and identity are shaped by many factors such as culture, environment, gender, ideology, religion, spirituality, and philosophy.


Canada is a nation of people from many backgrounds, including Aboriginal, Francophone, Métis, British, Scottish, German, Ukrainian, Chinese, and other immigrant groups who chose Canada as their home. All have contributed to Canada's evolving reality. If we can learn to understand how those of various backgrounds view their history and their identity, we may be able to build a more tolerant and democratic society.