Tomkins begins this chapter with an overview of the history of social studies in Canada, beginning in the early twentieth century. He argues that it is difficult to define ‘social studies’ because it is difficult to define its nature and  purpose in the curriculum; however, he further argues that the goal of ‘citizenship’ is the closest that Canadians have come to articulating a purpose of social studies. He concludes the chapter by outlining the sources and influences on curriculum policy in the social studies, arguing that the social studies curriculum is probably more subject to political pressures and public demands than other subjects, due to its social nature. Throughout the chapter, Tomkins notes the place of history within the social studies. He also provides an annotated bibliography of important sources in both research about and the teaching of social studies.