maatschappijkunde

Maatschappijkunde is a field of study that focuses on how society is organized, the institutions that govern it, and the interrelations between individuals and groups. In the Dutch-language educational context, it is also a secondary school subject centered on citizenship and social issues.

Topics typically include democracy and political institutions, rights and duties, law and justice, media literacy, economics and the labor market, health care and education systems, migration and cultural diversity, social inequality, discrimination, and globalization.

The subject aims to develop civic competences: the ability to analyze social issues, participate responsibly in public life, critically evaluate information, and engage in reasoned dialogue.

Pedagogical methods emphasize active learning, such as discussing current events, case studies, debates, simulations, and basic social research skills.

Maatschappijkunde intersects with sociology, political science, economics, and geography, providing a bridge between theory and everyday civic life. In curricula, it supports informed citizenship and social awareness, helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world issues.

Terminology and emphasis can vary by country and school, but the core goal remains: to help students understand how society functions, what their role as citizens is, and how democratic processes operate in practice.