Relationships Between Global Literacy, Global Citizenship and Social Studies

Abstract

Global changes were accompanied with fundamental requirement for radical transformations in several areas. Individuals, in this era called globalization, are in need qualifications and equipment to enable active participation in this process. This case, parallel with the definition of active citizenship or global citizenship, implies responsibility of the individual not only for the individual but also towards the world as well (Christine, Keulemans, Gent & Spitz, 2012, p.21). Global literacy could be defined as having global knowledge, global awareness and the ability to grasp global events. It can also be described as the knowledge, access to and comprehension of current political, social and economic issues to enable the individuals to fulfill their roles as an active and global citizen. In short, it is the knowledge, recognition and comprehension of the world by the individual. Global literacy traits would result in a successful human profile who is capable to contribute to own and universal cultural environment.In the present study, the concepts of global literacy and global citizenship that are rising as trends and requirements, were scrutinized with document review technique, a qualitative research method, and the reflection of these concepts on the social studies curriculum was investigated.

Keywords: Social Studies, Literacy, Global Literacy, Global Citizenship.