The Storied Past, Present, and Future of Social Studies Education: An Examination Through Kanye West

• In Event: Hip-Hop Pedagogies Across K–12 Subject Matter

Abstract

The future of Social Studies Education (SSE) is often articulated in similar narratives of social studies past. The old narratives of SSE emphasize the experiences of elite White males. However, with the increasing diversity of our citizenry, it is important that these narratives evolve. Hip-hop offers a unique perspective on community and society that can aid social studies educators and researchers in creating fresh narratives for the future of SSE. This paper, therefore, utilizes hip-hop through the storytelling of Kanye West which talks about the “good life”, the dangers of too much “power”, meritocracy, race, revolution or resistance, and love. By analyzing West’s songs in conjunction with the existing SSE literature, this paper will locate aspirations for SSE.

Author

• Delandrea Hall, The University of Texas - Austin