Basque Country Industrialization: Economic Growth and Social Changes
1. In Spain, the first period of the 19th century was marked by coups, revolutions, wars, and changes of government, which made it impossible for Spain to experience significant economic development like England or other European territories. Some territories, such as Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Barcelona, may have seen small development due to Banking laws and the General Railroad Law. However, real economic growth occurred during the restoration process (1874-1930). This was because the government
Read MoreHistorical Materialism: A Theory of Societal Evolution
Historical Materialism
The Foundation of Societal Evolution
Marx and Engels developed the scientific theory of social evolution, known as historical materialism. This theory studies society and its developmental laws. These laws are objective, meaning they exist independently of human consciousness, much like the laws of nature. They are also knowable, and humans utilize them in their practical activities. Through economic, historical, and philosophical analysis, this theory attempts to uncover the
Read MoreUnderstanding Economics: History, Theories, and Factors
The Foundations of Human Economic Activity
Human economic activity is determined by several interconnected spheres: legal (providing a framework), political (regulating and organizing social life), moral (seeking the good), and economic (aiming for the social optimum).
Defining Economics and Political Economy
Economics studies how people in society obtain goods and services to meet their needs. Political Economy, with roots in antiquity (Aristotle), emerged as a distinct field with Antonio de Montchrétien’
Read MoreDefining Your Research: A Guide to Social Relevance
Defining Your Research Field
What aspects of reality will your research focus on? Avoid generic topics; instead, concentrate on specific dimensions within the context of your subject.
Tips for Delimiting Your Research Field:
- Clearly state the reasons for choosing this specific area of social reality, defining key concepts.
- Define the scope: What is included in your study, and what is excluded? What are the boundaries of your research?
- Formulate a key problem: Identifying the core issue is crucial. For
Understanding Politics, Power, and Citizen Participation
Understanding Politics and Power
Politics is popularly understood as the art of governing, a restricted role of the state. The term policy is used to indicate the performance of institutions or segments of society: economic policy, labor policy, environmental policy, education policy.
Politics is the activity that refers to the management of public good. Politics is the set of power relations in society.
Power refers to the power relations that individuals or social groups establish from their position
Read MoreEarth Systems, Economic Geography, and Global Development
Earth as a Natural/Physical Environmental SystemEarth’s Position in Space Earth orbits the sun at 67,000 mph, maintaining a delicate balance between gravity and velocity. Life exists due to Earth’s stable distance from the sun, allowing liquid water and habitable temperatures. Earth as an Energy/Matter System All changes on Earth result from energy: inputs, storage, transformation, or outputs. Two primary energy sources: Solar Energy: Drives photosynthesis, weather, and food webs. Internal Earth Energy: |