The effect of high school sociology textbooks on the republican project of building citizenship (1923-1938)

The main aim of this research is to exhibit the contribution of the sociology textbooks taught at high schools during the foundation period of Republic of Turkey(1923-1938) to the citizen model wished to be set by Revolution of Republic. Some significant functions have been attributed to social studies within the context of information and value transfer during the process that the rising generation is formed by Republic. One of the subjects which have this function is sociology. By analyzing five textbooks and three curriculums, it is aimed to provide an insight to the importance attached to sociology and contribution of sociology education to civic education. As a result of this work it is concluded that Sociology textbooks provide acquisitions for the issues like creating the national consciousness, giving students the insight of participatory democracy, improving the sense of history, importance of industry for the society, importance of the family concept for an individual and the society, significance of improving social status of the woman, the role and importance of Revolution of Republic characteristics and of acquisitions provided by Republic for Turkish Society, internalization of Ataturk's Principles and Reforms within the scope of Ataturkist Thought System. In this context, it is determined that the sociology textbooks have an effect on the citizen model wished to be set by Republic.