Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

The Intertwined Relationship Between Language and Identity

It is widely accepted that language significantly shapes our identity. The role of language within the broader social context is crucial, particularly as a symbolic attachment that reinforces identity. Furthermore, identity is undeniably linked to ethnicity, which can be understood as a sense of group belonging derived from shared bonds like language, race, or religion. While this definition may seem abstract, ethnicity can be clarified by examining its specific characteristics.

The Significance of Ethnic Group Boundaries

We are all members of an ethnic group (ethnos - nation), although dominant groups often do not identify themselves as such. Boundaries between groups are paramount, as... Continue reading "Language's Role in Shaping Ethnic Identity" »

Marxist Theory

Human beings are trying to cover basic need, biological necessities. Men are compelled to produce those things. Life from a Marxist point of view is the process where human beings first make products to satisfy their needs, and secondly make themselves making products. Marx defines us as workers. We express ourselves in labor, working. When the product of workers' labor belongs to other people, the workers' humanity is stolen or abducted. In private property, his product is separated from workers, he looks himself alienated. In human history, human life has had:

1. Material needs and scarcity poverty
2. Alienation

He is following Feuerbach to establish his idea of original religion, is the fact that human beings live with basic necessities,... Continue reading "Marxist Theory and Post-Marxist Perspectives on Society" »

Leavisite Critique of Mass Culture

The Pre-Industrial Ideal vs. Mass Civilization

The Leavises argued that everything was different prior to the Industrial Revolution. As an example, the world of Shakespeare's contemporaries was one that boasted an organic, vital, common culture; the Industrial Revolution was seen as shattering the unity of this healthy organic, common culture. Mass civilization was characterized by increasing commercialism and declining standards. So, the Leavises associated the consumption of mass culture with passive diversion.

Consequences of Industrial Culture

There were, according to the Leavises, important consequences for the definition of culture. Given the worst effects of industrial culture, there was a need for society... Continue reading "Leavisite Critique of Mass Culture and Cultural Standards" »

Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving? (Lila Abu Lughod)

This analysis explores the current war on terrorism, questioning whether anthropology can offer critical insight into the justifications made for American intervention in Afghanistan, specifically concerning the liberation or saving of Afghan women.

Skepticism Regarding Focus on Muslim Women

The author suggests it is easy to be skeptical about the focus on Muslim women when considering the initial US public response. She analyzed two key manifestations of this response:

1. PBS NewsHour and Laura Bush's Address

The author examined an interview on PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and First Lady Laura Bush's radio address to the nation in November 2001. When asked to provide background for a segment... Continue reading "Analyzing US Justifications for Afghanistan Intervention: Women's Rights" »

I. Campaign Finance and Core Political Concepts

1. Political Action Committee (PAC):

   Associated with unlimited campaign contributions (referring to independent expenditures).

2. Horserace Journalism:

   Focus on winning and campaign strategy.

3. Elitism:

   Few people have all power in society.

4. Redistricting:

   The process following the census every ten years.

5. Media Bias:

   News selected based on ideology.

6. Factoid:

   75 percent of Americans belong to some type of organization.

II. Media's Role in Public Policy and Elections

7. People may join interest groups because of:
   • Personal and material benefits
   • Social benefits
   • Personal satisfaction

   Answer: All of the above.

8. The media plays a significant role in setting public policy by:
   • Contributing to the public debate over policy alternatives.

1. Semantics: Semantics is the study of decontextualized meaning communicated through language. It concentrates on words, phrases, and sentences.

Three main challenges in semantics are circularity, context, and the status of linguistic knowledge.

2. Semiotics: Semiotics is the study of the use of sign systems. Ferdinand de Saussure is one of the most important semioticians.

3. Icon, Index, and Symbol: C. S. Peirce made a basic distinction between icon, index, and symbol.

• An icon is where there is a similarity between a sign and what it represents; a photograph is a good example as it resembles whatever it depicts.
• An index is when the sign is closely associated with a signified, often in a causal relationship; thus, smoke is an index of fire.
• A symbol

Transcendentalism: An Overview

Transcendentalism emerged as a significant religious, philosophical, and literary movement in New England during the 1830s, reaching its peak in the 1840s and 1850s. Although key figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Amos Bronson Alcott lived well into the 1880s, the movement's initial energy declined around 1860.

Transcendentalism encompassed complex and often mystical ideas that defied easy categorization. Even within the movement, there were significant differences in focus and interpretation among its adherents.

Defining Transcendentalism

Henry David Thoreau, a prominent Transcendentalist, highlighted the difficulty of defining the movement in his journal entry on March 5, 1853. He noted that Transcendentalism... Continue reading "Understanding Transcendentalism: History, Beliefs, and Key Figures" »

This photo captures a battalion of thousands of Maori performing the Haka, a traditional dance used before entering battle. Initially, European wars held little interest for them as they seemed inconsequential to their lives. However, their perspective shifted during World War II. They saw participation as a political strategy to claim their independence. The Maori, part of New Zealand, sought respect alongside the Pakeha (non-Maori New Zealanders).

The Maori presence in New Zealand predates the arrival of European explorers, leading to numerous conflicts with white emigrants known as the Land Wars, which spanned many years. World War II presented an opportunity, despite Britain's distance, as they believed it would later benefit their pursuit... Continue reading "Maori Warriors: WWII, Haka, and the Fight for Equality" »

Contesting Cultures: Westernization (Uma Narayan)

Defining Third World Feminism

• A "Third World feminist" refers to anyone who has acquired feminist views and engages in feminist politics in Third World countries.
• It can also refer to any feminist concerned with Third World issues.
• Some feminists from communities of color identify themselves as Third World feminists.
• The author, Uma Narayan, identifies herself as one, as she is an Indian woman living in the US.
• Feminist ideals endorsed by Third World feminists are not necessarily adopted from Western cultures.

About the Author

Uma Narayan is a feminist scholar and professor of philosophy at Vassar College. She analyzes the relationship between Third World feminism and the West, defending it against... Continue reading "Uma Narayan: Third World Feminism & Westernization Critique" »