Social Studies (SAF01‑04)
Relevance and central values

Social studies is an important subject furnishing the pupils with the skills to be participating, engaged and deliberating members of society. The subject shall help the pupils to recognise the connections between individual choices, societal structures and tolerance limits in nature. In social studies, the pupils shall have the opportunity to explore their own identity, the local communities they live in and national and global challenges. In working on this subject, the pupils shall learn how geographic, historical and current events are the foundation from which people satisfy their needs, and how power and resources are distributed. The pupils shall learn that we are not only shaped by history, but that we also shape history. The subject shall contribute to developing the pupils’ understanding of their individual identity, and of the diversified communities we belong to. This means that the subject is studied through a majority and a minority perspective with a specific focus on the Sami culture and community. Social studies shall thus help to strengthen the pupils’ understanding of themselves, of the society in which they live and the ways in which they can influence their own lives and the future.

All subjects shall help the pupils to understand the value system for learning. Social studies shall help the pupils’ to be engaged, critical, innovative and exploratory thinkers, and shall support such attitudes and values as tolerance, equality and respect. Using a social-studies approach and methodology, the pupils shall develop as active citizens based on knowledge of democracy, the environment, human rights, equality and the value of diversity.