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

What Is a Creole Language?

A creole language, or simply a creole, is a stable natural language that has developed from a pidgin, i.e., a simplified version of a language. Creoles differ from pidgins because creoles have been nativized by children as their primary language. As a result, they have features of natural languages that are normally missing from pidgins, which are not anyone's first language.

The Etymology of the Word 'Creole'

The English term creole comes from French créole, which is cognate with the Spanish term criollo and Portuguese crioulo. All descend from the verb criar ('to breed' or 'to raise'), which comes from the Latin creare ('to produce, create').^[15] The specific sense of the term was coined in the 16th and 17th centuries... Continue reading "The Formation and Characteristics of Creole Languages" »

Secularism: Separation of State and Religion

Secularism is the principle of separating government institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries.

Key Aspects of Secularism

1. Separation of Church and State: Secularism advocates for a clear distinction between religious institutions and the state.
2. Neutrality: Secular governments aim to remain neutral on matters of religion, ensuring equal treatment of all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs.
3. Freedom of Religion: Secularism often promotes freedom of religion, allowing individuals to practice their faith without interference from the state.

Benefits of Secular Governance

1. Promotes Diversity: Secularism can foster a more inclusive

The First Industrial Revolution: Economic Shifts

Around 1780, the Industrial Revolution began in northern England (Manchester). This period marked a fundamental change in technologies, company organization, economy, and society, leading to a transformation in the production of goods. It started when some clothing entrepreneurs began using machinery, which increased productivity, and organized production in factories. Later, steam engines were introduced to power these machines. These business owners, as capital providers, reaped all the profits. These characteristics—the pursuit of profit, the central role of capital providers, and the market's pivotal role in resource distribution—transformed the economic system from late feudalism and... Continue reading "The Nineteenth Century: Industrialization, Society, and Global Power Shifts" »

Model Code of Conduct

In addition to the laws, all political parties in the country have agreed to a model code of conduct for the election campaign. This includes:

• (i) Any place of worship shall not be used for election propaganda.
• (ii) Criticism of the opposing candidates shall be limited to their policies and programs, past record of public service, and not mention of their private personal lives.
• (iii) Government official transport like cars, vehicles, machinery, aircraft, and personnel shall not be used by government officials or ministers.
• (iv) No posters, pamphlets, notices, or slogans shall be placed on any building without the permission of the owner.
• (v) After the elections have been announced, no minister shall lay down foundation stones

Defining Communication

One possible definition: "To create and interpret messages that imply a potential answer" (Em Griffin)

Shannon-Weaver Model (1948)

In 1948, Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver developed the Mathematical Theory of Communication.

Elements: Sender, Message, Receiver, Code, Channel, Context, and Noise.

Organizational Theory

"An organization is a social institution in which its members carry out a series of activities, has a relatively stable structure over time, and tends towards certain goals" (Bernard Kliksberg)

Management Guru

PETER DRUCKER

Pioneers of Public Relations

Eduard Bernays

• Created the concept of "Public Relations advisor."
• Active career of 40 years working for large clients (Caruso, Eisenhower, General Motors...).
• First professor

British Poetry: 1950s-1970s

This analysis summarizes and discusses the main characteristics of British poetry between the 1950s and the 1970s, with specific reference to the works of Philip Larkin, Ted Hughes, and Seamus Heaney.

A Shift in English Literature

There was a significant shift in English literature during this period, with writers largely avoiding romanticism and modernism. Instead, they focused on writing realistic poetry and novels. Meanwhile, playwrights adopted a more philosophical point of view.

Post-War Dreams and Disappointments

In the aftermath of World War II, a dream for the future emerged, encompassing improved health services, education, and welfare systems. Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and St. Andrews were no longer... Continue reading "British Poetry: 1950s-1970s - Larkin, Hughes, and Heaney" »

Comparative Politics: Conceptual Understanding (400 words)

Comparative Politics is a subfield of political science that involves the systematic study and comparison of political systems, institutions, processes, and behavior across different countries. Its primary aim is to identify patterns, similarities, and differences in how political power is organized and exercised globally.

Core Questions and Objectives

At its core, comparative politics seeks to answer fundamental questions: Why do some countries have stable democracies while others struggle with authoritarianism? What explains the variation in governance, political participation, policy outcomes, or state development? Through such inquiries, scholars can build theories about political... Continue reading "Comparative Politics: Analyzing Global Political Systems" »

Functions of the Family

The family plays a vital role in both individual development and social organization. These functions are broadly classified into the following categories:

Socialization Function

Families are the first agents of socialization. Children learn values, customs, traditions, manners, and cultural practices from their family. Through interaction with parents and siblings, children develop language, identity, and social skills.

Emotional Function

The family provides love, affection, and emotional security. It acts as a support system during times of stress, anxiety, or crisis. Strong emotional bonds among members foster mental and psychological well-being.

Economic Function

Traditionally, families work as economic units by dividing... Continue reading "Societal Foundations and India's Modernization Journey" »

World Bank Profile

The World Bank Group is a United Nations institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs. It was created as a result of the Bretton Woods Conference, came into formal existence in 1945, and approved its first loan in 1947 to help France deal with post-war reconstruction. The primary mission of the World Bank is to reduce poverty and provide economic development. The activities of the organization are focused on developing countries, specifically in fields such as:

• Human rights development (including education and health)
• Agriculture development
• Environmental protection
• Infrastructure
• Legal institutions development

Currently, there are 188 member states and each member has one representative on the Board

Social media has profoundly transformed the way we communicate and interact with the world. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have created virtual communities where information spreads at lightning speed, connecting people across the globe. This digital revolution facilitates the exchange of ideas and fosters global awareness, making it easier than ever to stay informed and engaged with current events and diverse perspectives.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

However, this transformation is a double-edged sword. Social media poses significant challenges, such as:

• Misinformation
• Privacy breaches
• Addictive behaviors

The curated reality presented online often leads to unrealistic comparisons and mental health struggles, impacting... Continue reading "Social Media's Impact on Communication and Society" »