The nature of individuals and societies

MYP individuals and societies encourages learners to respect and
understand the world around them and equips them with the necessary
skills to inquire into historical, contemporary, geographical,
political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural
factors that have an impact on individuals, societies and environments.
It encourages learners, both students and teachers, to consider local
and global contexts.

MYP individuals and societies incorporates disciplines traditionally
studied under the general term “the humanities” (such as history and
philosophy), as well as disciplines in the social sciences (such as
economics, business management, geography, sociology and political
science). In this subject group, students can engage with exciting,
stimulating and personally relevant topics and issues. Many
sensitive and personally challenging topics require careful
consideration in the context of a safe and responsible learning
environment characterized by respect and open-mindedness. The
study of individuals and societies helps students to appreciate
critically the diversity of human culture, attitudes and beliefs.
Courses in this subject group are important for helping students
to recognize that content and methodology can be debatable and
controversial, and for practising the tolerance of uncertainty.

The IB’s approach to individuals and societies includes a strong
focus on inquiry and investigation. Students collect, describe and
analyse data used in studies of societies; test hypotheses; and
learn how to interpret increasingly complex information, including
original source material. This focus on real-world examples, research
and analysis is an essential aspect of the subject group.

The study of individuals and societies helps students to develop
their identities as individuals and as responsible members of
local and global communities. These explorations of our common
humanity are intrinsically interesting, and disciplines in this subject
group are filled with potential for creating in students a lifelong
fascination with “the human story” as it continues to evolve in an
era of rapid change and increasing interconnectedness. Studies in
individuals and societies are essential for developing
empathy and international-mindedness, including the idea that “other
people, with their differences, can also be right” (IB mission statement).