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

Social Norms: Expected Behaviors in Society

Norms are the expected behaviors in a society that tell us how to act in different situations. They are not written down, but we learn them through family, school, and the media. For example, in the UK, it is a norm to:

• Queue and wait your turn
• Say "please" and "thank you"

These behaviors are seen as polite and respectful. Norms help keep society organized and help people understand what is acceptable. They can also change depending on the culture; for example, in some countries, it’s normal to eat with your hands, which may be unusual in the UK.

High Culture: Status, Arts, and Social Class

High culture refers to cultural products and activities that are seen as being of high status and linked to the... Continue reading "Key Sociological Concepts: Norms, Culture, Values, Control" »

United Nations (UN)

The UN facilitates international cooperation in law, security, development, human rights, and peace.

UNESCO

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: Focuses on education, science, and culture.

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization: Leads efforts to combat hunger and improve nutrition.

ILO

International Labour Organization: Addresses labor issues and work relations.

UNICEF

United Nations International Children's Fund: Provides aid to children globally.

WHO

World Health Organization: Coordinates international public health initiatives.

IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency: Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy.

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization: A military alliance for collective defense.

OPEC

Organization

The Great Revolt of 1857: Causes and Impact

The Revolt of 1857 was the first large-scale challenge to British authority in India, occurring due to accumulated anger among different sections of society. The immediate trigger was the controversial greased cartridge issue, which offended both Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.

Causes of the Revolt

• Political Resentment: British expansion through the Doctrine of Lapse, the Subsidiary Alliance, and the annexation of states like Awadh created deep resentment among rulers, soldiers, and the populace.
• Economic Exploitation: Peasants suffered under high taxes, artisans lost their livelihood due to cheap British imports, and overall exploitation led to widespread poverty.
• Military Discrimination: Indian

National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)

1. The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) was first released in 2016 by the Government of India.
2. It is prepared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
3. It provides a framework for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
4. The plan focuses on all types of disasters – *natural* (floods, earthquakes, cyclones) and *man-made* (industrial accidents, chemical disasters).
5. It aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), ensuring international best practices are followed.
6. The plan emphasizes a “Build Back Better” approach during recovery and reconstruction.
7. It assigns specific roles and responsibilities to central, state, and local authorities.

Shudras and the Social Order: Ambedkar's Critique

In Chapter 4 of Annihilation of Caste, B.R. Ambedkar provides a historical and sociological critique of the status of Shudras within the Hindu caste hierarchy. He begins by questioning the traditional Varna system, which classifies society into four major groups—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—arguing that this classification is not based on merit or morality, but on birth-based discrimination. Ambedkar highlights that the Shudras were originally a part of the Kshatriya class, and therefore not meant to occupy the lowest rank in the Varna system. According to him, the downgrading of Shudras occurred due to historical conflict with Brahmins. The Brahmins, who controlled religious... Continue reading "Indian Social Justice: Caste, Disability, and Adivasi Voices" »

Rajputs: Origins, Governance, and Legacy

Theories of Rajput Origin

1. Foreign Origin Theory: This theory suggests that the Rajputs were of foreign origin, specifically from Central Asia or Scythia.
2. Indigenous Origin Theory: This theory proposes that the Rajputs were of indigenous origin, emerging from the local population of India.
3. Mixed Origin Theory: This theory suggests that the Rajputs were of mixed origin, with both foreign and indigenous elements.

Rajput Administration System

1. Monarchical System: The Rajputs followed a monarchical system, with the king holding supreme power.
2. Feudal System: The Rajputs also followed a feudal system, with the king granting land and titles to his nobles and vassals.
3. Council of Ministers: The king was advised by a council

The Victorian Age

Social and Historical Context

The Victorian age covers a wide period and was very productive, literarily speaking. We find the so-called professional writing: writers devoted their lives to writing. Literature became a profession. It constituted an outstanding moment for the development of non-fictional works. Poetry was cultivated, but the novel was the preferred genre.

Queen Victoria ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901. She brought important political and economic development to her country. It was the age of Colonialism, and a new philosophy was introduced. We are speaking about expansion and development. Queen Victoria was very young when she became queen. She was born in 1819 and died in 1901. She was in her teens when she became... Continue reading "Victorian Era: Society, Politics, and Poetry" »

The Rise of Modern America: Industrialization and Societal Impact

Reasons for Industrialization

Industrialization occurred due to several major factors, including the availability of new resources, groundbreaking inventions, and the critical need for reconstruction and improvement in the South following the Civil War.

The growing population spurred the demand for new resources and technological advancements. Furthermore, reconstruction efforts in the South were crucial, leading to an influx of new immigrants. These combined factors initiated significant societal and economic growth in the United States.

Industrialization's Impact on the South

Industrialization profoundly impacted the South during the Reconstruction era. Key impacts included:

• Job

Globalization and Globalism

Globalization is the increasing interconnectedness of people across countries, while globalism refers to the fluctuating level and extent of these connections. Globalism, therefore, is a key component of globalization, constantly evolving based on the specific type of linkage. The authors identify four distinct forms of globalism:

Economic Globalism

This involves international trade, the flow of jobs across borders (e.g., scientists conducting research abroad or relocated customer service centers), and international investment.

Military Globalism

Countries with limited military capabilities form alliances with stronger military powers. This often involves establishing military bases or defense agreements.

Environmental