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

Congresses Cons. Powers: Treaty Making, Appointment Powers, War Powers, Commerce Powers.

The Industrial Revolutions

The First Industrial Revolution lasted from the mid-18th century to about 1830 and was mostly confined to Britain. The Second Industrial Revolution lasted from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century, spanning Britain, continental Europe, North America, and Japan.

The Second Industrial Revolution

This period refers to the interrelated changes that occurred approximately between 1850 and 1914. During this time, industrialization accelerated, and economic growth models began to diversify.

Marxism and Social Change

Marxism is a set of political, economic, and social ideas created in the mid-19th century by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It focuses on modifying the social order and criticizing capitalism, significantly... Continue reading "Industrial Revolutions, Imperialism, and World War I Impact" »

Thomas More's Utopia (1516)

The Concept of Utopia

Utopia explores the idea of a perfect society, a concept that, by definition, cannot be achieved in reality. Moore coined the term "utopia" to describe this ideal.

Social Criticism and the Emerging State

The book applies reason to social criticism and examines the emerging state. The first half of Utopia describes an unjust society grappling with issues like enclosure, monetary policy, and rural emigration (dissolution of feudal mores). These problems, prevalent for generations, reflect the challenges faced by English society at the time.

Zeitgeist and Dystopias

Zeitgeist, or spirit of the time, refers to the dominant assumptions shaping a particular era. In the context of Utopia, it encompasses the... Continue reading "Thomas More's Utopia: A Renaissance Ideal of Society" »

1. Journalism as Modern Cartography

Guiding Citizens Through Society

Journalism acts as a modern form of cartography, creating pathways and bridges that help citizens navigate the complexities of society. It provides a map for understanding current events, issues, and diverse perspectives.

2. The Responsibility of News Providers

A Duty Beyond Personal Opinions

The importance of news comes with a significant responsibility for those who provide it. Journalists have a duty to present information accurately and objectively, going beyond personal opinions or biases.

3. Defining Journalism and the Role of a Journalist

Beyond Simple Questions

Instead of asking "What does a journalist do?", we should delve deeper into the core principles and purpose of journalism.... Continue reading "Understanding Journalism: Roles, Responsibilities, and the Pursuit of Truth" »

Goals of the Progressive Movement

The primary objectives included protecting social welfare, creating economic reform, fostering efficiency, and promoting moral improvement.

Women's Organizations

• NACW (National Association of Colored Women): Managed nurseries and kindergartens with a mission to ensure education for African Americans.
• NAWSA (National American Women’s Suffrage Association): Focused on securing the right to vote for women.

Economic and Labor Reforms

• Roosevelt and the Coal Strike: This marked the first time the federal government intervened as a neutral mediator in a business dispute. The United Mine Workers of America in Pennsylvania struck for union recognition, shorter workdays, and higher wages.
• Clayton Antitrust Act: Legalized

Rustow's Definition of Democracy

For Rustow, democracy is fundamentally about the way decisions are made. Considering its genesis, Rustow thinks differently from modernization theorists, arguing that democracy generates democratic education and behavior as a consequence of its institutions and procedures. These provide a certain education and lifestyle to society. Democracy is viewed as a learning process and a problem-solving device. It is not about values or moral standards, but rather a set of rules and instruments for comfortable coexistence. As Rustow states, “Democracy is a matter of procedure and not substance.” This is why we embrace and apply it, not because human beings are born tolerant, egalitarian, or similar. Without a democratic... Continue reading "Rustow's Theory of Democratic Development" »

Core Enlightenment Tenets

The principles discussed were applied to all areas of life. Critics targeted certain aspects of absolutism, specifically the privileges of the nobility and clergy.

Natural Rights

Individual liberty belonged to all human beings.

Tolerance

Tolerance was the basis of coexistence.

Knowledge and Reason

Using reason was considered the key to happiness. Great importance was placed on education and experimental sciences, which were deemed vital for human progress.

Key Thinkers

• Voltaire: Defended a strong monarchy that respected civil liberties.
• Rousseau: Sovereignty resides in the people, allowing a higher authority to govern in their name.
• Montesquieu: Advocated for the separation of powers: legislative, executive, and judicial.

The

1954 Supreme Court Decision

In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that separate facilities were "inherently unequal" and therefore unconstitutional.

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Arrest, NAACP Work, and Voting Efforts

On the evening of December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was tired after a long day of work and decided to take a seat on the bus on her ride home. She was an active member of the NAACP: among other roles, she advised the NAACP Youth Council and worked with the Voters' League to prepare Black people to register to vote. Because she sat down and refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, she was arrested for disobeying an Alabama law requiring Black people to relinquish seats to White people when the bus was full. Blacks... Continue reading "Rosa Parks, Montgomery Bus Boycott and Civil Rights Leaders" »

Defining Globalization

Globalization is widely considered the dominant paradigm today. However, the term holds different meanings for different people. Some view it as another word for 'Westernization,' referring to the spread of Western culture worldwide. Others interpret it as internationalization, leading to a homogenization of global culture.

Scholarly Definitions of Globalization

• The spread of transplanetary connections between people.
• A fundamental shift in the nature of social space, encompassing markets, emotions, ideals, music, and more.

Historical Development of Globalization

• The European discovery of America.
• Magellan and Elcano's circumnavigation of the globe.
• The era of European imperialism.

Key Period: 1870-WWI

• Rapid industrialization,

First Industrial Revolution

Industrialization: a revolution in the way work was done — from work performed by hand at home or in a workshop to work done by steam-powered machinery in factories.

Factors of Production

Factors of Production: land, labor, and capital resources — the basic resources that are combined to create useful goods and services.

Laissez-faire and Labor Conditions

Laissez-faire: a free-market approach that eases the process of obtaining resources but can also reduce protections for workers. Effects during the Industrial Revolution included:

• Greater population density in industrial areas — more people, more jobs, more products
• Long working hours with few breaks
• Reliance on unskilled labor and minimal safety regulations

Classical