Youth Conceptualizations of Evil and Social Studies Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: Influences of Inquiry on Secondary Students' Learning in the Social Studies

Abstract

In popular media and politics, evil is a concept in play; thus, it is time for social studies research to discuss youths’ conceptualizations of evil. This phenomenographical study used semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups to ascertain youth conceptualizations of evil. Almost all participants noted a significant increase in their thinking about how the word evil is used in historical and contemporary contexts, particularly noting its usage in political rhetoric. By addressing the thinking behind a term such as “evil” as well as the word’s application (or not) to historical and contemporary events, social studies teachers might approach the curriculum in a way that students feel a sense of agency in developing their preferable futures.

Author

• Cathryn Anne van Kessel, University of Alberta