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

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" »

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" »

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" »

Crossword Definitions

Down:

1. Subsidiarity: Principle according to which the state intervenes only in areas where individuals or private initiative cannot act.
2. Citizenship: The position or status of being a citizen.
3. Welfare State: Government model that seeks to guarantee social rights such as health, education.
4. Liberalism: A political and economic current that promotes the free market.

Across:

2. Crisis: Period of financial instability, marked by devaluations.
3. Social Justice: Principle that seeks to guarantee equality and equity.
4. Development Plan: Set of strategies implemented by the state.
5. Solidarity: Value that encourages cooperation between citizens.

Key Historical Concepts & Events

• During the period known as Maximato, Plutarco Elías Calles exercised

Specialized EU Institutions

The European Union features several specialized institutions:

• Court of Justice: Ensures EU law is obeyed and interpreted uniformly.
• European Central Bank: Manages the Euro and implements EU monetary policy.
• Court of Auditors: Oversees the EU's revenue and expenditure, ensuring sound financial management.
• Committee of the Regions: Represents regional and local governments, providing their perspective on EU policies.
• Economic and Social Committee: Represents various social organizations, including employers, workers, and other interest groups.

Main EU Institutions and Their Functions

The primary institutions of the European Union, responsible for its legislative and executive functions, are:

• The Council of the European Union:

Understanding Grice's Maxims and Implicatures

Grice's Maxims of Conversation provide a framework for understanding how people communicate effectively. However, speakers sometimes deviate from these maxims, leading to specific communicative effects.

Violating Conversational Maxims

When speakers violate a maxim, they deliberately fail to observe one or more maxims, intending to deceive the interlocutor. In such cases, there is no implicature generated. The speaker knows the hearer will not understand the surface meaning because they intentionally supply insufficient information, say something insincere, irrelevant, or ambiguous. The hearer, wrongly assuming cooperation, may be misled. In some cultures, certain forms of maxim violation, such as "... Continue reading "Grice's Conversational Maxims: Deviations and Implied Meaning" »

Lord Ripon's Local Self-Government Reforms in India

Lord Ripon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884, is widely recognized as the "Father of Local Self-Government" in India. His vision was to empower Indians by granting them a significant role in administration and to enhance governance through the establishment of robust local bodies.

Main Objectives of the Reforms

• To foster and promote democratic participation at the local level.
• To make administration more efficient and responsive to the specific needs of local communities.
• To provide practical training to Indians in the principles and art of self-governance.

Key Features of the 1882 Resolution

The landmark 1882 Resolution introduced several pivotal changes:

• Establishment of Local

Comparative Politics

Study and evaluation of similarities and differences between political systems.

State

Political organization, institution for government, possessing sovereignty and territory.

Nation

Group of people united by fundamental characteristics.

Nationalism

Belief by a nation that it can be a state.

Nation-State

Borders coincide with a particular nation.

Territoriality

Unit has a certain geographic perimeter.

Sovereignty

State is supreme within its own borders.

Internal Control

Monopoly on the use of legitimate violence.

External Autonomy

Not subservient to any other state.

De Facto

Empirical.

De Jure

Juridical.

Three Worlds

System of classifying states.

First World

Liberal democracy.

Second World

Communist.

Third World

Not powerful enough to fit in other