Why "Social Studies" on FX Is a Must-Watch for Educators

ASMSA Executive Director Corey Alderdice explores why educators should check out FX’s documentary series Social Studies. Directed by Lauren Greenfield, the series dives into how social media, inequality, and politics impact students and schools. With resources like lesson plans and discussion guides available for teachers and parents, Social Studies goes beyond just watching—it’s an actionable tool for classrooms. We discuss how the series sparks reflection on modern education’s challenges and invites educators to bring these vital conversations into their teaching practice.

For additional thoughts from Director Alderdice, visit coreyalderdice.com.

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Learn more about ASMSA at asmsa.org/thrive.

Transcript

Let’s talk about the new FX documentary series *Social Studies* and why educators need to check it out. This series dives deep into how social issues like inequality, technology, and politics are impacting students and schools today. But what really makes *Social Studies* stand out isn’t just its subject matter—it’s the way it sparks conversation and reflection for educators. Plus, there are incredible resources available to help bring these discussions right into your classroom.

At its core, *Social Studies* is about much more than education. It’s a portrait of modern society and how schools are shaped by the forces swirling around them. The series’ director, Lauren Greenfield, known for her sharp eye in capturing youth culture, described how she wanted to examine the pressures that students face, particularly in the age of social media. In a recent interview with *The LA Times*, Greenfield explained, “Social media amplifies the pressures on young people in ways that previous generations didn’t experience.” That tension—between online personas and real-world struggles—comes through vividly in the documentary, making it essential viewing for any educator who wants to understand the unique challenges students face today.

What makes this series truly practical for educators is the suite of resources FX has developed alongside it. The link is in the show notes, but you can also go to fxnetworks.com/shows/social-studies/resources.  There, you’ll find lesson plans, discussion guides, and materials designed for both teachers and parents. Imagine watching an episode that explores the impact of economic disparities on student performance, then using a discussion guide to unpack these ideas with your students. These resources turn an already powerful viewing experience into something you can immediately implement in your own classroom.

Now, back to the series itself. One of the most striking aspects of *Social Studies* is how it refuses to gloss over the complexities of modern education. Whether it’s highlighting schools grappling with systemic racism or showing educators working to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, *Social Studies* isn’t offering a simple narrative. It shows the real struggles educators and students face, often with no easy answers.

And that’s the point. This series is meant to challenge us. It forces us to think about our role in these larger societal issues—issues that play out every day in classrooms across the country. Are we creating learning environments that reflect the realities of our students’ lives? Are we equipping them to navigate the pressures of social media, as Greenfield so powerfully illustrates in the series? These are tough questions, but they’re the kinds of questions that *Social Studies* asks us to confront.

What’s also refreshing is the way *Social Studies* brings in a diversity of voices and experiences. Whether it’s schools in urban centers dealing with overcrowding or rural districts grappling with limited resources, the series paints a broad, yet intimate picture of education in America. It’s a reminder that while we may all work in different environments, the core issues—inequality, access, and the future of education—connect us all.

This series doesn’t just leave you with a sense of urgency to act, though. It equips you to take the next step. The resources from FX are perfect for continuing the conversation, whether that’s in a professional development setting or directly with your students. These materials are designed to help you bridge the gap between what’s happening in the documentary and what’s happening in your classroom.

In the end, *Social Studies* isn’t just about showcasing the problems in education—it’s about exploring the real, ongoing work to make things better. And as educators, we’re on the front lines of that work. Watching this series is a chance to reflect, to think critically about our roles, and to gain new perspectives on the issues we all face.

So, if you’re looking for a way to connect what’s happening in society to your teaching practice, I highly recommend giving *Social Studies* a watch. And don’t forget to check out the resources in the show notes to keep the conversation going in your classroom. This series isn’t just something you watch—it’s something you can use to inspire change.