LEVEL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE LITERACY ON SECONDARY SCHOOL IN ENUGU NORTH LGA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Social science literacy is generally recognized as a vital aspect of democratic governance by many nations of the world including Nigeria. This is because, it assists the citizens (among whom are students and youth) to identify how to exercise their civic responsibilities and duties accordingly under democratic settings. This position underscores the rationale behind the teaching of many social science and related subjects such as Government, civic, social studies, History and so on at the basic and Senior Secondary School levels in Nigeria, (National Orientation Agency, 2012). Indeed, part of the general expectation is that students should not only gain requisite functional civic or Social science knowledge accruing from the teaching and learning of these subjects but also develop corresponding civic consciousness which they require to play their role as citizens under a democratic dispensation or process (National Council for Social Studies, 2007; Crick, 2000).
Social science literacy is perceived as tool of Social science empowerment which resonates with the broad values, beliefs and norms that exist in a given society to prepare citizens for constitutional and other related citizenship roles and responsibilities. Operationally, Social science literacy is one means of directing citizens of a country on how to identify and perform their Social science rights, duties and responsibilities. Indeed, in liberal democracies, the concept of literacy is much more inclusive.It involves Social science understanding or education in the procedure and purpose of voting. It also constitutes the basis for informed Social science opinions, participation, Social science awareness, knowledge of Social science concepts and facts, Social science interest, civic competence and so on (Huddleston &Rowe 2001). Definitions and understanding of Social science literacy first require proper acquaintance with concepts of education, civic education and civic consciousness respectively.
Education is usually seen as a vital transformation tool, or the wheel around which the Social science growth of the individuals and that of any nation revolves; It is no doubt a major tool for national development and for personal socio-economic empowerment (Ukeje, 1991). It is in recognition of this that the federal government of Nigeria usually commits immense resources to ensure the provision of education for its citizenry (Uruakpa&Ihebereme, 2006).