This volume brings together curriculum theorists, sociologists, teachers and researchers in a commentary and critique of the social curriculum which has emerged within the National Curriculum. Taken as a whole, it tis an investigation of the problems of providing a general social education within a National Curriculum dominated by the traditional academic subjects. This text stands back from the immediate issues of implementing the National Curriculum, instead, it poses key questions about the ability of such a centralized system to to provide an integrated social and economic education for future citizens. Taking cross-curricular themes identified in the National Curriculum Council curriculum guidance as starting points, tha various contributors attempt to analyze and criticize the approaches and in some cases, suggest alternatives or additions.