Introduction 3: Multiple Perspectives


A key concept in the Alberta Social Studies program is multiple perspectives , which are the many ways of looking at the world and how it works based on the worldview of various groups of people.

What does looking at ideologies 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 worldview. From that come our ideas about the true nature of humankind and how we can relate best to each other and the world around us. Ideologies arise from people thinking deeply about what motivates people, what is the nature of society, and why society has developed the way it has. Ideologies also help establish how communities of people should function and what the future should look like. As human beings, we have many views on these issues. Differences in ideology have caused conflict around the world for centuries.

"One man's trash, another man's treasure". Photo by Lisa Risager, courtesy of Flickr. CC BY-SA 2.0

In this course, you will share your individual point of view and explore the perspectives of several groups. Your open-mindedness will help you to discover the ideas of many people throughout history and to form your own ideas about what ideologies you want to embrace as a way to guide your actions as a citizen.