DEMOCRACY

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ONLINE ASSIGNMENT
TOPIC:SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY
SUMITTED TO SUMITTED BY
NIMMI VARGHEESE MANUKRISHNAN.M.S
B.M.MII TRAINING COLLEGE SOCIAL SCIENCE
KOTTARAKARA B.M.MII TRAINING COLLEGE
KOTTARAKARA

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INTRODUCTION
The first and foremost concern of education in a democratic country has to be the
promotion and development of the value of democratic citizenship. A well informed
citizenry is the asset of any nation since it is one of the most important prerequisites
for a successful adult life which in turn is sure to enhance the prosperity of the nation.
Hence a study of the relation between education and democracy would be of
special interest for the prospective teacher.
CONCEPT OF DEMOCRACY
The concept of democracy has undergone considerable changes through the ages .The
word democracy is derived from two Greek words demos and kratia which means
people and power respectively. Hence, democracy means power of the people.
Democracy is usually considered as “the government of the people, by the people and
for the people”.
The word democracy points towards the type of the government on one hand ,and a
way of life on the other. In whatever sense we use this word, the issue of ‘control’
is involved in it. Keeping in view of the good of the people, individual and social
conducts are subjected to control. In the first instance , the control is by the
government and hence it is external. Then points to be remembered is that these
controls in no way are meant to repress individuality.
Since the drawn of social human life , the concept of democracy has been the main
agenda of human development .This concept was taken up for the emancipation of
man from the bondage of superstitions , wrong beliefs inequalities and oppression. A
sense of brotherhood and the recognition of the supreme worth of individuals
prestige have strengthened the very base of democracy . Also a number of
international organisations and institutions could be built upon this strong
foundation.
Democracy is an ancient heritage enriched by many source –teachings of ancient
Aryan Hermits , Hebrew prophets , Greek philosophers, Roman Geniuses and Great
Religions of the world as well as sacrifices of martyrs who have struggled in defence
of freedom and justice. To be more specific, this heritage has been recorded and
preserved in the vedic scriptures, the Ten commandments, the bill of Rights, the
Federal constitution in the Gettysberg Address , the Quit India movement and the
universal Declaration of Rights of the U.N.O. Although the concept of democracy

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has undergone changes, the core of its philosophy remains unchanged as seen in the
struggle of man for justice ,liberty ,equality and fraternity.
The following principles emerge as the characteristics of democracy in its
modern sense:
1. Democracy emphasises the worth and dignity of the individual and declares that
every human being is to be considered as an end and not as a means.
2. Sovereignty of the living individual points out human individuals as the unit of
judgement and responsible action.
3. Equal right is guaranteed to all.
4. Political and social liberties are considered as the only dependable safeguards of
individuals worth and equality.
5. Democracy rests on individual opportunity and individual responsibility.
Democracy has been accepted as a philosophy of modern life. Since education is a
potential instrument for social changes leading to modernisation it has to maintain
close relationship with that phi losophy.
EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY
pupils for democracy is a Preparing coveted goal of our education. With this
goal in the view the following aims meant for strengthening Indian democracy
have been highlighted in our educational system.
1. Development of personality.
2. Education for leadership training.
3. Improvement of vocational efficiency.
4. Developing democratic citizenship.
Education for democracy involves not only knowledge about it, but also deep
understanding, attitudes, interests and skills leading to the internalisation and
assimilation of that philosophical outlook. It cannot be taught like algebra or
carpentry , but has to be internalised and practised by the growing child as a way of
life. The Association for education in the citizenship in England has defined
education for democracy as, Training in the moral qualities necessary for the citizens
of a democracy, the encouragement of clear thinking in every day affairs, and the

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acquisition of a knowledge of the modern world. In one sense, education for
democracy is citizenship education, taking care of the rights and duties of a good
citizen in a democratic society. A citizen is a person who has full rights in the state
concerned .A citizen of a democratic country has responsibilities as well as rights.
The success of democracy depends on its citizens who are aware of their rights and
responsibilities. In another sense democracy is concerned with the moral, ethical,
social, political and economic aspects of life.
CONCLUSION
Democracy includes political, social, cultural and economic democracy. Political
democracy implies the right to vote the majority to power, it thus gives
sovereignty to the people. Social democracy implies a classless society as well as
equality before law and justice. It does not give special privilege to certain classes.
Cultural democracy implies right to work and earn. It does not permit exploitation of
the poor by rich. It holds controls over wealth means of production, distribution .The
principles underlying democracy are justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
REFERENCE
1. Aggarwal ,j.c(2003).Teaching of social studies: A practical Approach. Mumbai:
vikas publishing House.
2. Dhand, H (1991).Research in teaching social studies Ludhiana: kalyani publishers.
3. http://www.ciet.nic.in
4. http://www.e-learningforkids .org/courses.html.