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

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet

Nowadays, the ease of accessing information and content on various topics and in various formats seems like a great opportunity, but it can also be counterproductive. Therefore, it is important to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the internet to understand how we can take better advantage of it.

Advantages of the Internet

The internet offers access to a wide variety of content on numerous themes through the web. From news information to highly specialized topics—scientific, humorous, cultural, entertainment, educational, and playful content. The internet has also created new jobs thanks to its creation and evolution.

Disadvantages of the Internet

One of the disadvantages of the internet that... Continue reading "Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet, Social Media, and Technology" »

Comment

In order to comment about sweatshops lets first state the Cambridge definition: a place where people work for long hours and very low pay in an unhealthy situation. Sweatshops or sweat factories, as we have defined them started basically with the industrial revolution in the 19^th century, mainly in GB. Back then of course there were almost no rights for workers and therefore, many companies exploited them in order to produce more and cheaper goods.

As part of the evolution of human and labour rights, in the last two centuries, legislation has been passed to eliminate sweatshops, although obviously, depending on the degree of social development of each country, this goal has been achieved in a higher or lower degree.

It is a fact that in... Continue reading "The Persistence of Sweatshops: A Global Issue" »

Spanish Education Reform (1840-1860)

The 1845 Constitution and Educational Priorities

The 1845 Constitution, a moderate document reflecting the joint sovereignty of the Nation, King, and Parliament, addressed education. However, providing basic knowledge to the population wasn't a priority for Spanish authorities. Census voting, restricted by gender and social class, further limited popular participation. The primary aim of education was to prepare citizens for governance, not for universal enlightenment.

Two Landmark Laws: The Pidal Plan (1845) and Moyano Law (1857)

Two crucial laws shaped education during this period: the 1845 General Plan of Studies (the "Pidal Plan") and the 1857 Law of Public Instruction (the "Moyano Law").

The Pidal Plan

Face-Threatening Acts vs. Face-Saving Acts in English and Spanish

As reported by Yule, in the study of linguistic politeness, the more relevant concept is “face,” described as “the emotional and social sense of self that everyone has and expects everyone else to recognize” (2017: 148). In other words, one’s public self-image. One of the most withstanding differences between English and Spanish politeness is the usage of face-threatening and face-saving acts.

What are Face-Threatening Acts?

Face-threatening acts could be considered statements that represent a threat to another person’s self-image, quite used in direct commands and notably common in Spanish. These direct commands imply a sense of social power and are seen as face-threatening... Continue reading "Face-Threatening Acts vs. Face-Saving Acts: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of English and Spanish Politeness" »

Globalisation is the emerge of a globalized economy based on new systems of production, finance and consumption. There are 4 approaches of globalisation. Fist of all, we have The world-systems approach which is based on the distinction between core, semi peripheral and peripheral countries in terms of their changing roles in the international division. Core countries develop high skills, while the periphery focuses on low-skill and intensive production. This situation favours the dominance of the core over the periphery.It is sometimes considered to be too economistic and not focus enough on the cultural issues. (EX: Nike`s factory in Cambodia). The second approach is the globalization of culture, which focuses more on ideas of an emerging... Continue reading "Globalization, Neoliberalism, and the Future of Work: From Industrial to Post-Industrial Society" »

Understanding the State: Structure and Functions

Defining a State

A state is an organized political community operating under one government.

Key Elements of a State

• Citizens: The people who reside within the state's territory.
• Territory: A defined geographical area over which the state exercises control.
• Laws: A system of rules and regulations that govern the state and its citizens.
• Branches of Government: Typically includes legislative, judicial, and executive powers.

Core Functions of a State

• International Relations: Managing diplomatic and political interactions with other countries.
• National Security: Protecting the state and its citizens from external and internal threats.
• Economic Well-being: Promoting and ensuring the economic prosperity and stability

1. What is Globalization According to A. Scholte?

Giddens aptly observed that „there are few terms that we use so frequently but which are in fact as poorly conceptualized as globalization‟ (Giddens, 1996).

Various Interpretations of Globalization

Let's delve into different understandings of globalization:

• Internationalization:

  This refers to the growth of transactions and interdependence between countries. A more globalized world, in this sense, witnesses increased cross-border flows of messages, ideas, merchandise, money, investments, pollutants, and people.

• Liberalization:

  Globalization, from this perspective, is the process of removing officially imposed restrictions on resource movements between countries. It aims to create an „open‟

Grammar Translation Method

• Based on translation.
• Study of literature in the target language (L2).
• Instruction in the native language (L1).
• Focus on reading and writing.
• Vocabulary taught through word lists.
• Sentence is the basic teaching unit.
• Grammar taught deductively: explanation followed by exercises.

Natural/Direct Method

• Emphasis on spoken language learning.
• Meaning acquired through context.
• Grammar learned inductively.

Advantages

• Classroom instruction in L2.
• Vocabulary through demonstrations (objects, pictures).
• Emphasis on correct pronunciation and grammar.
• Everyday vocabulary and sentences.
• Graded oral communication skills.

Disadvantages

• Requires teachers with high/native English proficiency.
• Time-consuming explanations in L2.

Audiolingual/Oral Approach

Principles

• Selection
• Gradation
• Situational

Key Actors in Public Opinion Formation

The actors involved in shaping public opinion are diverse and influential. Here are some of the main players:

Politicians

Politicians and political parties regularly conduct polls, especially during campaigns. They also use focus groups to understand public sentiment. This research often aims to find ways to influence public opinion in favor of their policies. Politicians are keenly aware of the power of public opinion and work to shape it to their advantage.

Mass Media

The mass media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. It is a major factor influencing how the public thinks about various issues. Media outlets conduct political surveys to create content for their audiences. Larger media organizations... Continue reading "Key Actors Shaping Public Opinion: Politicians, Media, Elites, and the Public" »