Social studies education as a weapon against extremism and violence
Arokho Secondary School, Arokho, Owan East LGA, Edo State.
Review
Open Access Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2025, 10(02), 047–068.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjms.2025.10.2.0056
Publication history:
Received 11 November 2025; revised on 18 December 2025; accepted on 20 December 2025
Abstract:
Extremism and violence continue to pose significant threats to social stability, democratic values, and human development across global societies. While security-centered approaches remain the dominant response, contemporary scholarship increasingly recognizes education particularly Social Studies education as a transformative, preventive tool for addressing the underlying drivers of radicalization and violent conduct. This article examines the strategic role of Social Studies education in strengthening civic competence, promoting critical reasoning, and cultivating democratic dispositions that reduce susceptibility to extremist ideologies and violent behavior. Drawing on global and African-based empirical studies, the article highlights the multidimensional ways in which Social Studies fosters identity balance, media literacy, conflict resolution skills, and tolerance among learners. Evidence from UNESCO, UNICEF, ECOWAS, and peer-reviewed field studies demonstrates that classroom-based civic learning significantly influences learners’ attitudes toward pluralism, peaceful coexistence, and responsible citizenship. The article also interrogates existing educational gaps, including outdated curricula, insufficient teacher preparation, and the growing threat of digital radicalization among youths. Using a conceptual–empirical synthesis, the work advances the argument that Social Studies education represents a sustainable and non-coercive framework for violence prevention, capable of supporting long-term national security and peacebuilding objectives. Policy implications emphasize the need for curriculum redesign, teacher professional development, community participation, and integration of digital/media literacy into Social Studies instruction. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive analysis demonstrating that Social Studies education, when effectively delivered, functions as a societal safeguard and an essential weapon against extremism and violence.
Keywords:
Social Studies Education; Extremism; Violence Prevention; Civic Competence; Peacebuilding
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0