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

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...

Historical Context of the 17th Century

The 17th century was a period of economic and demographic crisis, marked by the Baroque era and the rise of rationalism.

Economic Situation

Several European countries, including Spain and Portugal, established colonial empires. While initially boosting economic development through trade, wars, plagues, and poor harvests led to a widespread economic crisis that impacted society and culture.

Political Situation

During this century, Europe experienced a continued centralization of political power, leading to the rise of absolute monarchy. Kings concentrated all power, supported by the aristocracy (socially) and the bourgeoisie (economically). This era is known as the Old Regime.

Social Status

The 17th century was...

Economic Liberalism

Adam Smith

• Job was the only source of wealth
• Personal interest is in the interest of the community
• Law of supply and demand
• Maximum individual initiative
• Exchange (free trade)

Class Society

Public Sector Management (disappearance of privileges, the rise of the bourgeoisie, and the onset of the proletariat).

Workers' Movement

Labor Conditions: Workers had no holidays or social security (for medical care or to cover leave). Workers were forbidden to join for the improvement of their status.

Trade Unions

Associations of workers of the same trade who were seeking better working and living conditions.

Syndicalism

Labor unions were associated with improvements in working conditions.

Utopian Socialism

Opposing ideological currents to capitalism...

Analyse the relationship between population trends and international security. What factors might determine whether a population issue is a threat to international security? How does the international community tend to respond to such problems?

Intro:

• Several factors can determine whether a population issue is a threat to international security.
• These can be in regards to migration, fertility rates and terrorism.
• International community has tended to respond in accordance with nation-based responses, rather than coordinating a joint approach between themselves.

The State of Human Security

Demographic trends can hinder the achievement of human security, and thus affect the security of a nation. Many country governments have expressed concern about...

Rydgren: Uncivicness and Populist Voting

Neither mass society nor social capital theories explain support for radical right-wing populism in Eastern Europe (EE). Despite EE's historically weaker social capital compared to Western Europe, empirical results don't link rising populism to weak civil society.

Factors Fostering Extreme Right Movements

1. Diminished roles of family, community, and traditional organizations lead to detachment.
2. Decline of the pluralist society.
3. Social isolation leads to joining authoritarian movements offering 'quasi-communities'.

Social isolation, more common in urban settings, explains support for the radical right.

Varga: Hungary's Far-Right Jobbik

This reading examines post-communist far-right parties, focusing on Jobbik's...

Spain's Multilingual Reality

Article 3 of the Spanish Constitution acknowledges the country's multilingual nature, stating that:

1. Castilian (Spanish) is the official language of the State, and all Spaniards have the duty to know it and the right to use it.
2. Other Spanish languages are also official within their respective Autonomous Communities.
3. The richness of Spain's distinct linguistic modalities is a cultural heritage that shall be respected and protected.

Bilingualism in Society

Bilingualism, the proficiency in two languages, can manifest both individually and societally.

Language Contact Dynamics

Language contact situations give rise to phenomena such as code-switching, interferences (including morphosyntactic, phonic, lexical, and orthographic...

The Roman Education System: Foundations

Early education, significantly influenced by Greek practices, often began within the family. Teachers, known as magistri, imparted a variety of lessons. The Roman educational system progressed through distinct stages:

• Primary Education: Taught by the litterator.
• Secondary Education: Led by the grammaticus.
• Higher Education: Guided by the rhetor.

Higher education often involved a year or two of intensive oratorical practice. Young men typically concluded their formal studies upon reaching the age of majority.

Primary Education: The Litterator's School

During the late Roman Republic and throughout the Empire, primary education typically began for children aged 7 to 11. While some wealthy families employed private...

German Pavilion: Barcelona, 1929

Key Information

• Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
• Timeline: 1929
• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Architectural Style: Rationalism
• Materials Used: Stone (marble, onyx, granite), stainless steel, glass

Architectural Analysis

Structural Elements

The structure is supported by eight very small, cruciform stainless steel pillars, chromed on the exterior, which hold the flat roof. The remaining walls primarily serve to define and separate functional spaces, rather than bearing load.

Roofing System

The pavilion is covered by a flat, horizontal roof. One corner is slightly offset, creating a cantilever, while the other side remains open, enhancing the sense of lightness and openness.

Interior Design

The building's design creates a fluid,...

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...

The Fall of the Monarchy

Permanent Crisis of the Political System

• Increased prestige of the king.
• The collaboration led to a dictatorship for the king.
• There was no effective political system; the restoration failed because what Primo de Rivera did did not work.
• The only figurehead was the head of state, Alfonso XIII.
• Alfonso XIII decided whether to appoint a head of government to support the Republicans.
• Berenguer's government grew, and opposition united.

Phase Two: August 1930 - Pact of San Sebastian

• Formed by several Republican parties, nationalists, and some socialists.
• An agreement was made to organize an effort to overthrow the king.
• Upon overthrowing the king, an interim government would be formed, and elections would be called to establish a constituent