This thesis attempts to define the perceptions of children, parents and teachers of what it is that is distinctive about the social studies program, Man: A Course of Study. Since 1975, following on the introduction of this program into the elementary school systems of both this country and the USA several groups of people have criticised both the development of the program and what they fear to be its outcomes for the children who participate in it. In concept, this project attempted to discern the views of those who have had some direct experience with the program. The procedure adopted was that of a case study. A group of children from Donvale Primary School, together with their parents and teachers were questioned, observed and interviewed to determine what they thought of the program. As far as possible the research methods used were a combination of ethnographic methods and the more formal research techniques. In conclusion, the most distinctive feature commented on by the informants was the development of an awareness, understanding and knowledge of the needs of other cultural groups and an appreciation of the reasons why such groups are different from ourselves