In a democratic society, teachers face challenges teaching culturally diverse and responsive learners in varied socioeconomic contexts. Many teachers in South African schools feel they have not been adequately trained to work in school environments, and therefore lack the skill and expertise required for dealing with social justice and sensitive, moral or hegemonic social issues in the curriculum. Societal issues in the curriculum explores problems and trends in the South African context that have the potential to influence the planning, design and implementation of the curriculum at micro level. It examines how these societal issues emerge from everyday experiences.

Societal issues in the curriculum offers a detailed view of a few carefully selected societal issues that have the potential to influence the planning and implementation of the curriculum at all levels of teaching and learning. It aims to equip students with skills that will help them navigate the complex South African reality and consider how this reality impacts the curriculum. The chapters reflect emergent trends and issues in the field of curriculum studies. The issues will be of interest to pre- and in-service teachers. The book encourages critical thinking about important aspects that affect education in general and curricula in particular.

Based on critical thinking, problem-solving, self-directed learning and reflective practice, the text aims to make students question their own assumptions, consider other perspectives and show the implications for the curriculum. This new edition features updated research and examples as well as two new chapters, namely on human trafficking and the societal influence of technology in education