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

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" »

Discourse Analysis

The Study of Discourse

Discourse can be described as a form of verbal interaction encompassing three main dimensions: language use, communication of beliefs (cognition), and interaction in social situations. Discourse studies provide systematic descriptions of these dimensions and formulate theories explaining their relationships. These studies also examine the properties of text and talk within their respective contexts.

Challenges in Discourse Studies

• Ambiguity of the definition: Differentiating between the abstract and specific uses of "discourse" is crucial.
• Delimiting discourses sometimes requires theoretical notions and considerations of the communicative context.

Discourse as Social Action and Interaction

Discourse can... Continue reading "Discourse Analysis: Language, Cognition, and Society" »

Understanding International Relations

International relations refers to interactions where the primary subjects are states, and the issues involved directly affect their national interests. Today, other significant social agents, such as multinational companies, also play a crucial role in international relations.

Key Characteristics of International Relations

• Diversification: International relations are implemented across a wide range of fields, promoting the establishment of institutions to address global problems.
• Globalization: This phenomenon impacts a larger number of states and other social agents, requiring them to confront global challenges and coordinate global interests worldwide.
• Institutionalization: International relations possess

Key Political and Historical Terms in Spanish History

• Besiege: To surround a place in order to attack it.
• Bipartisan: Involving two political parties.
• Caciquismo: The undemocratic use of democratic power by local leaders.
• Cádiz Cortes: The first national assembly in Spain to claim sovereignty.
• Camarillismo: The influence of a group on the politics of a country for personal gain, often hidden from the general public.
• Canton: An independent division of a country.
• Carlism: A conservative political movement in Spain that supported Infante Carlos as king and defended absolutism.
• Carlist Wars: Civil wars fought in Spain between liberal supporters of Isabella II and Carlists.
• Census Suffrage: The right to vote given to only some people (restricted suffrage)

The Critical Problem of Bullying in Society

I think that bullying is an important problem in our country and society. Furthermore, bullying is dangerous for children and young people because their feelings at those ages are very sensitive. When children feel threatened, they don't know what to do, and they can commit suicide or simply avoid society.

Many children don't tell their parents when they are being bullied by other children in their school because they are frightened. I hope that, with time, these children will no longer be afraid. Last month, I watched on TV an incident in a school in Spain. One boy killed a classmate because he thought that the boy was saying private things. In my opinion, adults should be vigilant regarding bullying... Continue reading "Addressing Critical Social and Environmental Challenges" »

Durkheim's Division of Labor and Social Solidarity

The development of the division of labor introduces two types of solidarity:

• Mechanical Solidarity: Found in traditional societies where members share moral sentiments. When the common consciousness (CC) completely envelops a person's consciousness, their personality disappears, individuality equals zero, and they are collective beings (mechanical solidarity at its maximum).
• Organic Solidarity: Found in modern society, held together by mutual dependency between people. Individuals are different from each other; modern society is a system of difference and specialized functions.

Common Consciousness vs. Individual Consciousness

The Common Consciousness (CC) is of a very general nature. Individual... Continue reading "Durkheim's Solidarity and Tocqueville's American Democracy" »

Communication in Early Childhood Education

Body Language

(Ribas Antuña: 2011) Body language is specifically mentioned in the Infant Curriculum. When learning a foreign language, our body is essential. Images and realia materials are extremely important in the teaching-learning process. Our body, one of the main elements of non-verbal communication, is also a means to make our pupils conscious of shapes, spaces, and objects. Pointing out is absolutely important. By using our body without speaking, students can make associations between English names and objects, parts of the body, etc. Our body is also a means and a tool for dramatization activities.

Verbal Communication

• Set of signs
• Oral or written communication in its multiple forms
• Convention

Teamwork: Roles and Responsibilities

Brain

The Brain is the problem-solver and the go-to person for questions. They are the most decisive and intelligent member of the team.

Coordinator

The Coordinator directs the team's workflow, schedules meetings, and divides tasks among groups. They also resolve group dynamic issues and ensure smooth operations.

Resource Investigator

Resource Investigators explore ideas and report their findings from outside the group. They are skilled at establishing external contacts and conducting negotiations.

Impulsor

Impulsors are action-oriented individuals who motivate themselves and others, even in challenging situations. They are quick to find solutions during crises.

Monitor Evaluator

Monitor Evaluators are rational thinkers... Continue reading "Effective Teamwork: Roles, Agreements & Decision-Making" »

20)plurilingualism and multilingualism? This two terms are used to describe situations in which individuals or communities have proficiency in multiple languages. Although they are often used in the same way, they have some differences. -Plurilingualism refers to an individual's mastery or competence in a multiple language. It implies that the person is able to use and comprehend several languages fluently and efficiently. It highlights an individual's ability to communicate in different languages. -Multilingualis refers to the presence and use of multiple languages in a community. It refers to the coexistence of different languages in a given environment, where people should use more than one language in their daily lives. It is more about... Continue reading "Understanding Plurilingualism and Multilingualism: A Comprehensive Approach" »