Dear Parents,

In today’s class, we continued our journey to understand how social movements create change in our world!

 Our focus today was on understanding the unique perspectives and methodologies of cultural anthropology, sociology, history, and political science. Each academic discipline offers distinct research tools and therefore unique insights. Cultural anthropologists use participant observation and interviews to gain a deep understanding of the lived experiences and cultural contexts of individuals involved in social movements. Sociologists analyze social structures and institutions using both quantitative and qualitative methods to identify patterns and trends within social movements. Historians examine social movements over time using primary and secondary sources to trace their origins, evolution, and impact. Political scientists focus on the strategies, power dynamics, and policy implications of social movements, employing methods such as case studies and comparative analysis to understand their influence on political systems.

After discussing these different disciplines, students spent time in the computer lab working on their independent research projects to apply the various perspectives and methodologies. We then concluded the day by watching excerpts from the documentary Gather (2020), which explores the Indigenous food movement in North America (and is available on Netflix if your family would like to continue watching!). This film provides another rich case study for students to apply the perspectives of social scientists. For example, cultural anthropologists might explore how preparing and sharing traditional foods helps strengthen community bonds, while sociologists might examine how the traditional food movement changes the relationship between Indigenous communities and government institutions. Historians might examine past government actions that restricted access to traditional food sources, while political scientists might examine how the movement advocates for legal changes to support food rights and the tactics used to influence policymakers.

To continue the conversation at home, here are some questions you might explore with your child:

Today’s exploration equipped students with a multifaceted understanding of social science research and we hope this inspires them to think critically and creatively about how to enact change in their own communities! Thank you for your continued support and engagement in your young scholar’s educational journey!

Warm regards,

Ms. Kathryn Peters and Ms. Anna Snader