Social Sciences

Social Sciences

What are Social Sciences?

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Social Sciences

Social Sciences are those that are related to human behavior and society in general. They are known as sciences since, although they focus on the humanities, they carry out their activities, tasks and studies through scientific methods.

Progression #1: Material needs (vital and non-vital): personal, family and community.

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• The income obtained from working allows access to consumer products, which satisfy both vital and non-vital needs. But what is the difference between the two? In this table you can appreciate a brief description of each one, together with some examples:

• This does not mean that non-vital needs are irrelevant, but rather that we are capable of surviving without them, although they contribute to a good quality of life.
• The absence of education, freedom and recreation may not put a person's life at direct risk, but they are considered so "vital" for it to reach its fullness that they are part of the individual guarantees, decreed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Maslow Pyramid - Satisfying human and other species needs

• The Maslow Pyramid, also known as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, is a theory of human motivation developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in the mid-20th century. The theory suggests that human beings have a hierarchy of needs that must be satisfied in a specific order, starting with the most basic physiological needs and progressing to higher-level psychological needs.
• The Maslow Pyramid consists of five levels or tiers, arranged in a pyramid shape, with the most fundamental needs at the bottom and the most advanced needs at the top. The five levels, in ascending order, are:
• Physiological Needs
• Safety Needs
• Love and Belonging Needs
• Esteem Needs
• Self-actualization Needs

Progression #2: Identifies, investigates and defines the production processes and their factors including in this process the relationship established with nature

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• The quality of life is not linked to the level of consumption; however, we are under constant pressure from advertising and things that stimulate us to consume products and services.
• That impulse to acquire goods and services, or to be fashionable for feelings of belonging is called consumerism. Ask yourself:
• + Have you been tempted to buy a new product, even if you don't need it?
• + Have you visited a new clothing, food or service franchise just because it's popular?
• + Have you followed any trend in social networks?

Microeconomics

It studies the choices of individuals and individual entities such as households or companies within a nation-state, and the way in which these impact within the domestic market, as well as the influence of the government on internal politics.

Macroeconomics

Focused on the performance of the economy on a larger scale, both nationally and with respect to world markets and regions or economic blocks.

• Excercise:
• In pairs, investigate in reliable sources -books, scientific articles, specialized magazines and videos from official media- the meaning of these concepts:
• a. Supply and demand
• b. Prices
• c. Consumption
• d. Inflation
• e. Devaluation

Economy

Economics is the science that studies the relationships between variables such as production, prices, consumption, inflation, devaluation, supply and demand, among others, which are determinants to describe the financial situation on a small and large scale (Schettino, 2002). This science is divided into two aspects for its study: microeconomics and macroeconomics.

• The center of economic activities is the consumption of goods and services, which are developed or produced by companies. Have you wondered what the types of production are? There are five types of processes, each with its own characteristics and approaches:
• 1. Project production:
• 2. Batch production:
• 4. Mass production:

• 5. Serial production:
• 3. Artisan production:

• Not all companies or their production processes pollute to the same degree. Next, in general terms, we can point out the most polluting industries, the environmental impact they generate and the alternatives that exist for their consumption:
• Industries:
• Energy
• Fashion
• Food
• Transport
• Construction

Progression #3: Defines, applies and explains how societies are organized, based on the elements that make up the organization of society: family and social subject, classes and social groups, social role, community, institutions and interculturality, as well as the function they have in interior of it, and the interrelationships that arise between these clements to locate oneself within it as a social subject, which at the same time is part of a community in constant interaction with the various communities.

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• The family as a social nucleus has been presented as the best option for the psychosocial development of the individual, since the feeling of belonging is essential to relate to peers and function socially. Parents, who are almost always the heads of the home and in charge of raising children, are also the first attachment figures.
• However, the concept of the “ideal” family has been transformed through time, society and globalization. Many issues have changed in social constructions, and so have families.

• In the following table, we can see some types of families that exist at the beginning of the 21st century:

• Culture and family are determinants in the social adaptation of the individual, who assumes his place in society based on his identity reaffirmation. Many factors intervene in this reaffirmation: the family, socioeconomic, political and cultural context, language, religion, sexual preferences, among others. Society is built of individualities with common customs and traditions.

Assignment

Carry out an investigation on a contemporary social problem where you identify a social problem in its context, integrating:

• What is the problem you selected?
• How does it affect society?
• What disciplines could help to analyze it?
• How does each discipline contribute to the explanation of the social problem?
• And what possible solutions can they propose after the analysis?

Present the investigation in a word processor in a maximum of two pages.

2nd Cut

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• There are institutions in charge of guaranteeing security in the exercise of freedom of expression of people, the protection of family and children, non-discrimination against indigenous peoples, the exercise of democracy and transparency, etc. These are government institutions or private initiatives with altruistic purposes. Some examples of these institutions in Mexico are:
• Sistema Nacional DIF
• Instituto Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas

Basic concepts for the study of Social Phenomena

• Society
• Social Class
• Social Group
• Social Processes
• Social Practices

• Society - Other Socierty
• Social Class - Businessmen in Puebla City
• Social Group - Fans of the Puebla FC
• Social Processes - Long hair/dyed hair is slowly being accepted in schools
• Social Practices - Buying eggs by weight

Basic concepts for the study of Social Phenomena - Example

• Society - Puebla City
• Social Class - Businessmen in Puebla City
• Social Group - Fans of the Puebla FC
• Social Processes - Long hair/dyed hair is slowly being accepted in schools
• Social Practices - Buying eggs by weight

Productive activities of your community

1. Economic production is one of the social foundations. There are producing and consumer agents, in which most of us participate. As mentioned in Progression 1, work is the axis of life in society, from this dynamic the goods, products and services that we consume are produced. Production processes have evolved over time; However, the mechanics of production and consumption have been maintained. There are three types of economic activities or Economic Sectors, they are classified as:

Primary Sector

1. The primary sector, groups economic activities that obtain their products directly from nature, without any transformation process. Such is the case of agricultural activities, livestock, forestry, hunting and fishing. Extractive activities (mining, oil exploitation), although by their very nature they deserve a differentiated treatment, are also usually considered as part of the primary sector.

Productive activities of your community

1. The secondary or industrial sector includes activities that involve the transformation of raw materials to obtain a product. The transformation, maquila, food, electrical or construction industries are part of this sector that is characterized by the predominant use of machinery and automated processes.

1. Finally, there is the tertiary or service sector, which includes all activities that do not produce physical merchandise, but are necessary for the economy to function, such as trade, services, and transportation.
2. We can say, then, that the first two sectors produce tangible goods that satisfy specific human needs. The third sector, although strictly speaking it does not produce tangible goods, contributes significantly to economic growth, promoting the exchange of goods, money and information. Likewise, it satisfies human needs, such as health services, education, protection, legal advice, entertainment, among others.

Discrimination in Productive Processes

1. The use of new technologies has facilitated production processes and has helped humans lighten the workload in many sectors, especially in manual jobs that require physical effort; However, they have also displaced workers in other areas. Some examples of this occur with the use of robots to replace cooks and waiters in restaurants in some developed countries, translating artificial intelligences, voice assistants to replace telephone agents, among others.
2. People excluded from production processes swell the unemployment lists, along with other displaced people such as illegal immigrants, racial minorities such as Afro-descendants and indigenous people, people who are behind in school or in vulnerable situations. This sector of the population is not only excluded from production processes, they are also banned or limited from consumption, which is why they face exclusion and rejection.

Characteristics of each sector

Productive activities of your community

1. The preeminence of the primary sector in the economic structure of a nation is usually associated with backward and highly dependent economies, while the predominance of the secondary and tertiary sectors is generally associated with modern and developed economies.

In Mexico there are three types of properties recognized by the State, and they are divided into public property, private property and social property.

Production factors

Production factors are the non-human elements that intervene in the production processes of goods and services. Companies are constantly developing to optimize resources, improve their technologies and innovate their products, to attract as many consumers as possible.

Progression #5: Investigate the meaning of citizenship, characteristics, rights and obligations. Question whether if you are considered as citizens, as well as the rest of the students, and the members of their families. Establishes and contrasts the relationship between the concept of citizenship and human rights.

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Citizenship

Citizenship, broadly speaking, is belonging to the community where one resides; However, the exercise of citizenship goes beyond being born in a specific geographical location. The ties that are formed in societies are the basis of coexistence. These constitute the bulk of feelings of community and belonging; However, there are lines of debate about the points to consider to be a citizen.

Citizenship

All people born under the sovereignty of a country have the right to enjoy the protection and care stipulated by law. In the case of Mexico, children and adolescents have individual rights and guarantees from birth, stipulated by the National Human Rights Commission. Here are some of them:* Right to life, survival and development.* Right to live as a family.* Right to substantive equality.* Right not to be discriminated against.* Right to a life free of violence and personal integrity.* Right to health protection and social security.* Right to inclusion of girls, boys and adolescents with disabilities.* Education rights.* Right to rest and recreation.

Citizenship

• 2 Definitions of Citizenship:
• Sociological
• Legal
• 2 legal views of citizenship
• Ius sanguinis
• Ius soli

Citizenship

The exercise of citizenship entails rights and obligations, just as it is important to receive protection, support and justice from the State, it is also up to individuals to act with civility, respect, proactivity and respect for the laws. Articles 34, 35 and 36 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States stipulate the requirements, rights and duties of citizens. Some of the citizen rights stipulated in these articles are:

• Article 34
• Article 35
• Article 36

Progression #4: Defines and identifies how wealth is distributed in societies? That is, through income, salaries, profits. Reflect on the inequalities that this form of distribution fosters.

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Inequality and Gentrification

• Inequality is a socioeconomic and cultural problem in most existing societies. Some of the causes are: racism, classism, corruption, nepotism and gentrification. These problems cause segregation that causes inequalities; Although lack of equality is often associated only with economic disadvantages, there are other important factors.
• There are different conditions that put some people at a disadvantage; Most of this violence is reflected in the lack of opportunities for socioeconomic advancement. Gentrification, for example, is a problem that is becoming more relevant as globalization homogenizes our cultures.

Progression #6: Observe, compare and reflect on the different combinations between the factors of production (land, work, capital and organization), to explain the origin of inequalities between producers. Depending on the way it is produced, production is determined, and it is possible to observe not only a diversity in the forms of production, but also significant differences. Production can be carried out collectively-community, publicly by the State or by individuals.

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3rd Cut

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Progression #7: Investigate the theories on the origin of the State (Rousseau, Hobbes and Locke), as well as the emergence of founding agreements and Constituent Congresses (which are in force to this day), to explain the need for these governing institutions of social life before the complexity of society and inequalities, considering that the State takes care of the social interest.

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• The idea that power comes directly from God (or Gods)
• That's how the rulers from the ancient world kept control of their societies
• This is going to be dominant view of power for thousands of years, until the 18th century

Divine Right of The Kings

Contractualism

Nation, State and Nation-State

1. When we refer to a country we often use this two terms (Nation and State) interchangeably, however, they have two very distinct meanings that will help us understand what a country is:

1. State
2. Nation
3. Nation-State

• The formation of Mexico as a Nation-State has not been free of problems of formation, divided political interests, foreign interventions, corruption, nepotism and even loss of territory.
• Despite these difficulties, it has managed to establish itself as one of the most stable nations in Latin America. In the video The difficult formation of the State and the nation, you will be able to learn more about the historical moments that have defined the political course of our country:

1st cut 2nd semester

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Progression #8: Characterizes different types of State based on its political and/or economic, territorial organization and government system, to identify and explain its present reality and historical trajectory in its context; and from this to be able to define the functions of the State and some of its institutions

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• Bad forms of government
• Tyranny
• Oligarchy
• Ochlocracy

Forms of Government according to Aristotle

• Good forms of government
• Monarchy
• Aristocracy
• Democracy

Modern forms of government

1. The forms of government that we have just seen are the forms that the Greeks and specifically Aristotle considered as the "general" forms of government, that is, in ancient times any type of government that existed could enter into one of those 6.
2. Today the definitions of some of these forms of government have changed, some forms have disappeared in practice and some others have been added to the list.
3. To complement, we will now see the modern forms of government:

Modern forms of government

1. Democracy
1. Direct and Indirect
2. Monarchy
1. Absolute
2. Constitutional
3. Socialism/Comunism (this one is a form of

government and a form of economic organization)

1. Dictatorship
2. Theocracy

Progression #11: Analyzes and assumes a critical stance towards the three forms of economic organization, such as the market economy (capitalism), with minimal interference from the State, and the centralized and planned economy from the State (socialism), or the combination between economic centralism and free market that gives rise to a mixed economy.

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Capitalism

1. Capitalism is one of the most used economic models, it is based on the Law of Supply and Demand, and is supported by the proposals of the famous Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith. He is mainly recognized for his works The Wealth of Nations and The Theory of Moral Sentiments, in which he exposes the concept of “The Invisible Hand”; Smith proposes ideas on which modern capitalism, economic freedom and work are based.
2. Smith also proposes that the pursuit of self-interest is natural and necessary for economic development, because humanity owes its advances to numerous discoveries and inventions that have substantially improved life in various fields, such as medicine, technology, art; likewise, the author of the discoveries needs a means to support himself in exchange for his contributions.

Adam Smith

Capitalism

1. Capitalism is based on the free market, so that entrepreneurs do not face commercial limitations that the State could impose on them. The greatest exponent of modern capitalism is the United States, which bases its economy and relations on commercial exchange.
2. This economic model represents an opportunity for growth for many nations, but there are also negative aspects to the lack of state intervention during the production process. Production processes require raw materials that are extracted from nature, and the overexploitation of resources causes environmental imbalances such as global warming, pollution, loss of ecosystems, among others.

Capitalism

Socialism

1. Socialism is the opposite of capitalism, in ideology and practice. It is based on the theory of the intellectual Karl Marx, known for his works The Capital and The Communist Manifesto. This economic model is governed by the elimination of private property to cede control of the industry to the State, in order to avoid social inequality and monopolies.
2. This does not mean that the State has the power to expropriate assets such as houses, small family businesses, moderate inheritances or assets for personal use; Expropriation is only applied to large companies that cause social inequalities.

Karl Marx

Socialism

1. Unlike capitalism, where the dominant class is the bourgeoisie, socialism proposes the working class as the only acceptable one; However, in the practice of socialism there have also been corrupt leaders, who led a decent life while the people suffered from deprivation and injustice. The most representative nation of this system of government was the Soviet Union, which was an enemy of the United States during the Cold War.
2. The end of the Soviet Union occurred in 1991, when former president Mikhail Gorbachev decided revolutionize his country in favor of an ideological and commercial opening through Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness); However, these policies only precipitated the strikes, demonstrations and discontent that ended with the dissolution of that country and its annexed nations. Currently Russia has a mixed economy.

Socialism

Mixed Economy

1. The mixed economy, like capitalism, is one of the most used economic models; It is governed largely by the Law of Supply and Demand; However, the State also plays a fundamental role in the regulation of monopolies with entities such as COFECE; Likewise, the State manages some assets, public companies and infrastructure through the collection of taxes.
2. The drive for economic competition is fundamental for social growth, moderate ambitions for socioeconomic advancement are a healthy source of effort and dedication; We also promote entrepreneurship and create a healthy cycle of exchange based on innovation. However, consumerism is harmful to individuals and the environment, as we studied in Progression 2.

It consumes around 70% of the planet's fresh water and causes 10% of carbon dioxide emissions. Alternatives: Reducing meat consumption, buying local, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables.

• Socialism: A system where the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community/state as a whole. It aims to reduce economic inequality through state control or collective ownership of resources.
• Communism: An ideology advocating for a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively, eliminating private property. In theory, it seeks to create a stateless, egalitarian society where wealth is shared equally among citizens.

An institution whose mission is to promote a new relationship between the Mexican State and the indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples, based on the recognition, respect and effective exercise of their fundamental rights as subjects of public law.

Made up of several nuclear families; These are generally divorced or separated parents who join another couple under the same conditions to form a new family.

• North Korea under Kim Jong-un and Syria under Bashar al-Assad exemplify modern dictatorships where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or a small ruling elite.

• A form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or a small group, with no constitutional accountability or legal limitations. The ruler often maintains power through authoritarian means, controlling political, economic, and social aspects of society.

• Absolute Monarchy: The monarch holds absolute power, often inherited through a royal family lineage. The ruler has unrestricted authority over the government and society.
• Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, and the government is often run by elected officials. The monarch's role is largely ceremonial or symbolic.

Preparation of specific and complex products, generally without machinery and to the buyer's liking. Gourmet food, custom-made clothing and shoes belong to this group.

It generates thousands of tons of carbon dioxide annually. The use of chemicals and dyes generates contamination of soil and water. Alternatives: Responsible comsumption, repairing old clothes, etc.

Product development on a larger scale than mass production. It requires large sums of money for machinery and other elements necessary to guarantee production volume. Items that are sold at very low cost in wholesale stores.

This is a couple without children, with or without a marriage union.

A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy, resulting in the purchasing power of money decreasing over time.

The monetary value assigned to goods, services, or assets, representing their relative worth in a market and determined by factors like supply, demand, and production costs.

• Social property is made up of ejidos, communities, agricultural colonies and commercial companies.
• The most important figure is the ejido.
• Ejido lands are divided into:
• Lands for human settlement.
• Common use lands.
• Land plots.

• Direct Democracy: Direct democracy exists in parts of Switzerland, where citizens can vote on specific laws and policies through referendums.
• Indirect Democracy (Representative Democracy): Examples include the United States, India and many other countries where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

It works in small groups of products that can be the same or different. It is used for the printing of books, newspapers and magazines, in addition to the manufacture of weapons or generic automobiles.

It focuses on a specific product for a particular customer. Common among designers and construction companies, it is used to produce custom airplanes and cars, as well as infrastructure projects such as bridges and roads.

The relationship between the availability (supply) and desire (demand) for a product or service in an economy, which influences its price and quantity traded.

The act of using or utilizing goods and services to satisfy human needs and wants, often a key component of economic activity and GDP calculation.

• It is regulated in Article 27 of the Constitution of the United Mexican States.
• The Nation has direct control of all natural resources: minerals, precious stones, oil and all hydrogen carbides.
• It is also the owner of the waters, the territorial seas, the inland marine waters, the lagoons, the estuaries, the rivers, etc.
• This form of property is constituted by the assets and rights that are part of the national heritage and is integrated with the assets of the Federation, the federal entities and the municipalities.

• Absolute Monarchy: Brunei and Saudi Arabia are examples of countries with absolute monarchies, where the ruling monarchs hold significant power over the government and society.
• Constitutional Monarchy: Countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, Sweden, and Spain have constitutional monarchies where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, and elected officials handle the day-to-day governance.

IIt is the decentralized public body in charge of coordinating the National System of Public and Private Social Assistance. It is also a promoter of the comprehensive protection of the rights of girls, boys and adolescents, under the constitutional imperative of the best interests of children. Another of its main functions is the comprehensive development of the individual, the family and the community, mainly of those who, due to their physical, mental or social condition, face a situation of vulnerability, so that they can lead a full and productive life.

The parents are no longer a couple, but they continue to fulfill their parental obligations. In most cases the children are left in the care of the mother.

According to data from the European Union (EU), transport was responsible for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2018. Alternatives: Vehicle sharing, usage of public transport, more infraestructure for walking and cycling

• Direct Democracy: In a direct democracy, citizens directly participate in decision-making processes. They vote on policies and laws themselves, without representatives. This form of governance is practical in small communities.
• Indirect Democracy (Representative Democracy): Citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. It allows for a broader representation of people in larger populations.

It is made up of the parents, adoptive father or mother, and non-biological children.

Energy production and the use of hydrocarbons generate 60% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Alternatives: Using renewable energies like Solar, Eolic, etc.

It is made up of more members of the nuclear family. Grandparents, uncles, cousins, nephews and in-laws, among others, may be present.

These are two mothers or two fathers who adopt a son or daughter, or conceive him or her through other means, such as surrogacy.

This sector is responsible for 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions. This is due to the materials and processes used in its construction. Alternatives: Promoting sustainable architecture, using environmentally friendly building materials

• It is regulated in Article 27 of the Constitution of the United Mexican States.
• Private property exists when a person, whether physical or legal, is attributed real estate.
• According to the Agrarian Law in Mexico, lands considered small private property are classified into three classes: agricultural, livestock or forestry.

Also called traditional, it is made up of the father, the mother and the biological sons and daughters.

The deliberate reduction in the value of a country's currency relative to other currencies, typically done by a government or central bank, to make its exports more competitive and reduce trade deficits.

Manufacturing a large quantity of the same or similar products at a low cost. Paper items, shoes, staple foods (such as preserves) and water bottles are manufactured in this way.

• Socialism: Nations such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark employ democratic socialism, combining free-market capitalism with extensive social welfare programs.
• Communism: Present-day examples include China, Cuba, Vietnam, and North Korea, although many of these countries have moved away from strict communist ideologies towards mixed economies.

It is only made up of the father or mother and the sons and daughters.

• A government system where religious authorities hold the divine mandate to govern. Laws and governance are based on religious principles, and religious leaders often hold significant political power.

• Iran is an example of a theocratic state where religious authorities hold considerable political power, and laws are influenced by Islamic principles.