Five essays examine the responses of the social studies to racism and sexism in the 1960s and 1970s. The first essay discusses the general concept of pluralism and its relationship to racism and sexism. Textbook and curricular response and legislation relevant to racism and sexism are also considered. The second essay deals with racism in terms of the focus, objectives, and strategies of cultural programs, critical unmet needs for blacks and other minority students, the Ethnic Heritage Studies Program, professional organizations, and instructional materials. The author concludes that responses of the social studies to racism are still tentative. The third essay lists the source, extent, and major shortcomings of responses to sexism in the areas of instructional materials, classroom interaction, hidden curriculum, and professional organizations. The conclusion is that although social studies education has responded to sexism with many laudable efforts, some of the initial positive steps, such as women's studies courses, have eroded. The fourth essay suggests that institutional racism and sexism are the root causes of social issues and that teacher education, curriculum offerings, and educational practices and policies must be revised to reflect that reality. The final essay categorizes current materials for combating racist and sexist attitudes according to "Alternatives in Print: A Catalog of Social Change Publications," student materials and teacher resources, state education departments and projects, and recommended readings. (KC)