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

The Lost Generation: Origin and Impact

Origin of the "Lost Generation" Phrase

The term "Lost Generation" refers to individuals born between approximately 1883 and 1900. This moniker is widely credited to writer Gertrude Stein, who, during a conversation with writer Ernest Hemingway, famously relayed the words of her garage mechanic: "You are all a lost generation." Hemingway later popularized this phrase by using it as an epigraph in his seminal novel, The Sun Also Rises.

Beyond its application to a specific demographic, the term also described the cultural landscape of this era. After World War I, many American writers and intellectuals felt a profound sense of disorientation and aimlessness. Seeking to escape traditional societal norms and values... Continue reading "The Lost Generation: Defining a Post-War Era" »

Technology's Impact on Modern Life

Wearable Technology: Convenience and Concerns

Nowadays, almost everyone has a laptop. We also use watches as if they were mobile phones, so technology is something we are used to seeing in our day-to-day lives. It's a fact that technology is no longer confined to our desktops. From my point of view, wearable technology is integrated into all aspects of our lives, making them easier, even though it carries risks.

Benefits of Wearable Devices

• Enhanced Convenience: Streamlines daily tasks and provides quick access to information.
• Health Monitoring: Tracks fitness, sleep, and vital signs, promoting well-being.
• Seamless Integration: Blends into our routines, often unnoticed.

Risks and Challenges of Wearables

• Privacy Concerns:

Regional Organizations and the Chinese Economy

Q5. Objectives of Establishing Regional Organizations

The objectives of establishing regional organizations are:

1. To achieve regional development on par with the rapidly growing global economy.
2. To accelerate economic growth through social progress and cultural development.
3. To promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Q6. Influence of Geographical Proximity on Regional Organizations

Geographical proximity influences the formation of regional organizations because:

1. Countries within a region often face similar challenges. For example, Southeast Asian countries experienced the economic and political consequences of colonialism before and

CCP vs. PRC: The Party-State Relationship

The state (PRC) functions primarily as the administrative agency of the party (CCP).

1. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

   • Based on principles of democratic centralism.
   • China’s current governing system is fundamentally controlled by the CCP.
   • The system allows some minor parties and independents to run, provided they do not contradict the CCP's goals, essentially preventing opposition parties from running.
   • The Chairman of the CCP is the General Secretary and de facto Head of State.

   • Power is concentrated in the Politburo.

     • The Secretariat (the executive branch) carries out the Politburo’s orders.

2. The People's Republic of China (PRC)

   The formal state apparatus that executes the policies and directives set forth by

England's Social Shift Before Industrialization

Before the Industrial Revolution, England was a monarchy with a king and queen at the top of the social structure. They controlled everything in the country and were the wealthiest. That all changed when the monarchy was weakened by a constitution and Parliament. The king's power and wealth were restricted, with someone else making decisions in the country. The nobles of the country were also weakened, losing much of their power.

The Catalyst: James Watt and Mass Production

When James Watt introduced the steam engine, factories could start mass-producing goods, fundamentally changing the social structure forever.

Industrial Revolution Class Hierarchy

During the Industrial Revolution, mass production... Continue reading "Industrial Revolution: Social Structure Transformation in England" »

Safeguards for a New Order

Finally, in our progress toward a resumption of work, we require two safeguards against a return of the evils of the old order; there must be strict supervision of all banking, credits, and investments; there must be an end to speculation with other people’s money, and there must be provision for an adequate but sound currency.

Immediately after his election, Roosevelt began to formulate policies to bring about relief from the economic hardships the American people were experiencing. These programs became known as the New Deal, a reference taken from a campaign speech in which he promised a "new deal for the American people." The New Deal focused on three general goals:

• Relief for the needy
• Economic recovery
• Financial

Young LGBT and Intersex Rights and Protection

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia

Discriminated and made vulnerable: Young LGBT and intersex people need recognition and protection of their rights — International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia — Sunday 17 May 2015

GENEVA (13 May 2015) – Speaking ahead of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, a group of United Nations and international human rights experts* call for an end to discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people and children.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, a group of UN human rights experts*, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the... Continue reading "Protecting Young LGBT and Intersex Rights Worldwide" »

One of the main ideas is what Adam Smith's economy is based on, and it is the division of labour. He keeps the idea that people work because it is good for them. Adam Smith focused on liberal ideas, which is a free-market, where the government doesn't interfere with the market (laissez-faire). He supported that competition kept everyone honest. Smith is also a big supporter of government favoring war-related industries, so that they would be prepared in case of war. He thought about the importance of the risk. His beliefs were related to the relation between interests and rewards, and risk. If the reward is big, investors tend to forget about the risk. But Smith thought that the danger (real) was big capitalism or entrepreneurs cheating on... Continue reading "Adam Smith's Economic Ideas and the Wealth of Nations" »

Historical facts in the 16^th and 17^th centuries are linked to long-term processes:

The fight for European hegemony: Habsburgs (Spanish) fought other kingdoms (France, England, and the Netherlands) to defend their position as the leading power. Charles V inherited a huge territory, and his son, Phillip II, was able to expand. They were defeated, and in 1648, France became the new leading power.

The Ottoman expansion: Spanish Habsburgs and the Republic of Venice tried to stop the expansion of the Ottomans all over the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, Austrian Habsburgs tried to do the same in Eastern Europe. Christians battled Muslims in a crusade.

The Reformation and Wars of Religion: In 1517, Martin Luther initiated the Reformation, which... Continue reading "Historical Facts in the 16th and 17th Centuries" »