Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Social sciences for Baccalaureate

Impact of Agrarian and Technical Revolutions on Industrial Revolution

Social sciences3.29 KB

The Agrarian Revolution

The agrarian revolution started in England in the first half of the 18th century. There were changes in land property innovations in respect to farming techniques.

  • There was a concentration of land plots (complots), in which common land became private property, meant the loss of rights of the peasant. As a consequence, part of the rural population had to migrate to the cities, where they looked for work in the factories, becoming part of the incipient proletariat.

The Technical Revolution

The technical revolution occurred particularly in two areas:

  • Energy: The invention of the steam engine by Watt was the motor of change. The steam engine could be applied to the textile industry and to transport, of the steam train and the
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Liberalism and Adam Smith's Economic Theory

Social sciences2.98 KB

Liberalism and Individual Rights

Liberalism starts from the idea that the individual and his rights has to be in the centre of the political reflection. Therefore, the State must guarantee a legal framework that protects individual rights, ensures free exchange and respects the rules of free economic competition. In this way, it is sought or favoured that the citizens can pursue their legitimate personal interests without the State interfering in the markets. So, a liberal State becomes the defender of:
  • Civil liberties (right to life, to freedom, to private property, as well as all the rights that arise from these: honour, religious freedom, right of assembly and association...)
  • Market freedom, by understanding economic freedom as the foundation
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Basque Nationalism: Origins, Ideology, and Evolution

Social sciences2.47 KB

The Rise of Basque Nationalism

Early Influences and Ideological Roots

The text explores the emergence of Basque nationalism, highlighting its connection to Carlism and the Catalan model. The Carlist motto, "God, King, and Fueros," resonated with Basque nationalism's emphasis on religion and fueros (traditional rights and privileges). Sabino Arana, a key figure in Basque nationalism, drew inspiration from the Catalan model during his studies in Barcelona.

Characteristics of Basque Identity

The author emphasizes the distinct characteristics of the Basque people, including their unique race, language, religion, traditions, and way of life. These characteristics, particularly the strong sense of cultural identity, fueled the movement for autonomy....

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Liberal and National Revolutions in 19th Century Europe

Social sciences2.59 KB

The Challenge to the Conservative Order

A series of uprisings, revolutions, and wars challenged the Conservative Order in 1820, 1830, and 1848. They were strongly influenced by the following factors:

  • Liberalism: The French Revolution proved it was possible to end royal absolutism and spread the ideals of 'Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood' throughout Europe. According to liberalism, the powers of a monarch needed to be restricted by a constitution that respected the people.
  • Nationalism: National identities grew in many parts of Europe in response to the Napoleonic invasion. There were national movements in states like the Ottoman and Austrian Empires, which ruled over many different peoples.

The Revolutions of 1820 and 1830

  • Spain: There was a period
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Crime: An Everyday Societal Challenge

Social sciences2.7 KB

Understanding Modern Crime Trends

Crime is an everyday problem for citizens, causing widespread insecurity and distress. Many types of crimes exist, including kidnapping, murder, smuggling, forgery, arson, and carjacking.

Economic Factors and Rising Crime Rates

In my country, the current challenging economic situation, marked by unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty, has led to a significant increase in crimes like shoplifting, burglaries, and drug dealing.

Murder in Spain: The Domestic Violence Link

While murders are not common in Spain, a primary cause is often domestic violence.

Criminal Justice and Sentencing

Regarding the punishment of criminals, I believe offenders must serve their sentences fully and atone completely for their actions....

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Understanding Race, Ethnicity, and Minority Groups in Sociology

Social sciences2.78 KB

Race: A Sociological Perspective

Since ancient times, humans have attempted to group people into racial categories based on physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, and body structure. Scholars have traditionally placed people into three racial groups:

  • Caucasoids (Whites): Characterized by fair skin and straight or wavy hair.
  • Mongoloids (Asians): Defined by yellowish or brownish skin and folds on the eyelids.
  • Negroids: Characterized by dark skin and tightly curled hair.

However, in reality, people within each racial category possess a wide range of skin colors and hair textures. Sociologists view race from a social perspective. In social terms, a race is a category of people who share inherited characteristics and whom others...

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International Organizations: UN, EU, and Global Security Structures

Social sciences3.09 KB

International Organizations and Global Governance Structures

UN Charter Chapter VIII: Regional Arrangements

Chapter VIII of the UN Charter addresses regional arrangements, authorizing regional organizations such as the EU or the Arab League. It states that disputes should first be settled through these regional bodies. However, the use of force can only be authorized by the Security Council.

Characteristics of NGOs vs. IGOs

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) differ significantly in structure and function:

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • They are private, voluntary organizations.
  • Members are individuals or associations.
  • They advocate for a particular issue or provide a service.
  • They are subject to the
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Basque Country Education System and Language Models

Social sciences3.01 KB

The Basque Country and Its Educational Landscape

The Basque Country is located in the north of Spain, bordering France. It is composed of seven provinces: four are part of Spain (Alava, Biscay, Gipuzkoa, and Navarre) and the other three are on the French side (Labourd, Basse Navarre, and Soule). The population of the Basque Country is approximately 2,166,184 (2015) inhabitants. Regarding the educational sector, there are two types of schools: state and private schools. In the following sections, we will discuss these and more specific aspects of this educational system, including multiculturalism, multilingualism, and good practices.

State Schools and the Role of Ikastolas

On one hand, the primary difference between a state school and private...

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Post-Colonial Theory: Challenging Western Hegemony

Social sciences3.56 KB

Post-Colonialism: A Critical Perspective

Post-colonialism is a critical attitude rather than a singular theory. It overlaps significantly with post-structural discourse. Key scholars in this field include Edward Said and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. It serves as a reaction to the cultural legacy of Western domination established through colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the critique and destabilization of dominating Western discourse. It rejects realism and critiques liberalism and neo-liberalism as frameworks that legitimize Western hegemonies.

Objectives of the Post-Colonial Critique

  • To expose Eurocentric, arbitrary representations of the world.
  • To denounce European historical and cultural bias.
  • To deconstruct European and Western narratives.
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Key International Relations Theories: Liberalism and Marxism

Social sciences3.65 KB

Liberalism: A Historical Alternative to Realism

Liberalism: Liberal idealism stands as a main historical alternative to realism. The first debate between realism and idealism occurred in the 1920s–30s. Main theorists include Immanuel Kant, J.S. Mill, Adam Smith, and John Locke.

Rejection of Realist Claims

Liberals reject realist claims of an immutable and anarchic international system (IR), arguing such claims lack empirical evidence. The role of three Kantian constraints on state sovereignty includes:

  • Democratic rule
  • Transnational and international trade
  • International organization

Similarities and Upgrades from Realism

Commonalities with realism involve the adoption of positivist ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Theoretical upgrades from...

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