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Module 1 Worksheet Assignment – The Social Sciences, Cheat Sheet of Contemporary History

Module 1 Worksheet Assignment – The Social Sciences

Typology: Cheat Sheet

2023/2024

Available from 06/07/2024

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Using the text book Power &Society an introduction to the social sciences Brigid Callahan
Harrison Montclair State University… What is power? What are the four characteristics of
power?
Module 1 Worksheet Assignment – The Social Sciences
Directions: Type the answer to the questions in the spaces provided. Use correct grammar and
spelling. Worksheets that contain repeated basic spelling or grammar errors may be marked
down by up to 5 points. The only source that should be used when filling out this worksheet
is your textbook – NOT the internet, another textbook, or any other source. The text
should always be the basis of your answer unless the question specifically asks for your own
experience or opinion. Any plagiarism of any kind in any answer will result in a score of 0 on
the entire assignment.
Chapter 1
1. What is power? What are the four characteristics of power?
Power is the capacity to influence the conduct of the individuals through the real or threatened
use of rewards and punishment. Power is exercised over individuals and groups by offering
them what they value or threatening to deprive them of those things. Power has the following
characteristics;
i. It is a special form of influence whereby it produces intended effect
ii. Power rest on control of valuable resources e.g. economic, material or information
iii. Power is not equally distributed “There is no power where power is equal”
iv. Power is a form of relationship among individuals and institutions in society
2. Who (what group or type of person) has power and who does not according to the text? Give
an example of each from your own experience.
Elite are the few people in society who have power. The POTUS is considered as part of the
political elite due to their central role in governing the country
Masses are the many in society who do not have power. Blue collar workers such as factory
workers belong to working class or the masses.
3. What is legitimacy and what does it depend on?
Legitimacy is the belief that exercise of power is right and proper and that people are morally
obligated to submit to it.
Legitimacy depends on people believing that the exercise of power is necessary and valuable
to society. People feel obliged to obey laws, follow rules, and abide by decisions that they
believe to be legitimate.
4. What is authority?
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Using the text book Power &Society an introduction to the social sciences Brigid Callahan Harrison Montclair State University… What is power? What are the four characteristics of power? Module 1 Worksheet Assignment – The Social Sciences Directions: Type the answer to the questions in the spaces provided. Use correct grammar and spelling. Worksheets that contain repeated basic spelling or grammar errors may be marked down by up to 5 points. The only source that should be used when filling out this worksheet is your textbook – NOT the internet, another textbook, or any other source. The text should always be the basis of your answer unless the question specifically asks for your own experience or opinion. Any plagiarism of any kind in any answer will result in a score of 0 on the entire assignment. Chapter 1

  1. What is power? What are the four characteristics of power? Power is the capacity to influence the conduct of the individuals through the real or threatened use of rewards and punishment. Power is exercised over individuals and groups by offering them what they value or threatening to deprive them of those things. Power has the following characteristics; i. It is a special form of influence whereby it produces intended effect ii. Power rest on control of valuable resources e.g. economic, material or information iii. Power is not equally distributed “There is no power where power is equal” iv. Power is a form of relationship among individuals and institutions in society
  2. Who (what group or type of person) has power and who does not according to the text? Give an example of each from your own experience. Elite are the few people in society who have power. The POTUS is considered as part of the political elite due to their central role in governing the country Masses are the many in society who do not have power. Blue collar workers such as factory workers belong to working class or the masses.
  3. What is legitimacy and what does it depend on? Legitimacy is the belief that exercise of power is right and proper and that people are morally obligated to submit to it. Legitimacy depends on people believing that the exercise of power is necessary and valuable to society. People feel obliged to obey laws, follow rules, and abide by decisions that they believe to be legitimate.
  4. What is authority?

Authority refers to power that is exercised legitimately. Not all power is legitimate e.g. if a thief force to get money at a gun point he/she is not exercising authority but for an IRS officer who forces tax defaulters to pay taxes or face jail and penalties is exercising authority

  1. What role do symbols play in authority? What is a modern symbol of authority you can think of that’s NOT in your text? Symbols play a significant role in conveying and reinforcing authority in various contexts, including politics, organizations, and societies. Symbols are visual, auditory, or tangible representations that carry meaning and are widely recognized within a particular culture or community. They help establish and legitimize authority by signifying the importance, legitimacy, and identity of those in positions of power. Example of a modern symbol will be Digital symbol e.g. "verified" badge on social media platforms, signified by a blue checkmark, is a symbol of authority and authenticity, indicating that an account or profile is legitimate. What are the three sources of legitimacy? Explain AND give an example (from the text or not) of each.
  2. Tradition: Legitimacy rests on established beliefs in the sanctity of authority and the moral need to obey leaders. Example; The British monarchy is an example of traditional legitimacy. The monarchy has been a part of British history for centuries and is deeply intertwined with the country's cultural identity.
  3. Charisma: Legitimacy rests on the personal heroic qualities of a particular leader. Example: Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, is an example of charismatic legitimacy. Mandela's leadership during the struggle against apartheid and his message of reconciliation and unity earned him widespread respect and legitimacy.
  4. Legality: Legitimacy is based on a commitment to rules that bind both leaders and the people. Example: The government of the United States is a prime example of rational-legal legitimacy. The U.S. government is founded on a constitution and a system of laws, and its authority is derived from the democratic election of officials who operate within the boundaries of these laws

ii. Anthropology is the study of people and their ways of life. It is the most holistic of the social sciences in that it studies all aspects of a society Within the discipline of Anthropology are four subfields. These include linguistics, archaeology, biological and physical anthropology, and socio-cultural anthropology.

iii. Political science is the study of government and politics. Governments possess authority, a particular form of power. Governments exercise power over all individuals and institutions in society

iv. Economics is the study of the production and distribution of scarce goods and services. Economists study how individuals, businesses, and nations make these choices about goods and services

v. Psychology may be defined as the study of the behavior of people and animals. Behavior, we know, is the product of both “nature and nurture” i.e., a product of both our biological makeup and our environmental conditioning.

vi. Sociology is the study of relationships among individuals and groups. Sociologists describe the structure of formal and informal groups, their functions and purposes, and how they change over time.

  1. The text list five areas of inequality due to discrimination. What are they? What other type of discrimination might you add to this list? i. Inequality based on race refers to disparities in opportunities, treatment, and outcomes experienced by individuals or groups due to their racial or ethnic background ii. Inequality based on ethnicity refers to discriminations in opportunities, treatment, and outcomes experienced by individuals or groups due to their ethnic background or cultural identity

iii. Gender inequality, refers to disparities in opportunities, rights, and treatment experienced by individuals due to their gender identity. iv. Inequality based on sexual orientation involves discrimination and bias against LGBTQ+ v. Disability discrimination, refers to disparities in opportunities, treatment, and access to services experienced by individuals with disabilities. vi. Religious Discrimination: Discrimination based on an individual's religious beliefs or practices.

  1. Have you or has anyone you know encountered discrimination of any type? In what way? In my workplace, I have this friend who is highly skilled individual however, she uses a wheelchair due to a disability. She often faces discrimination including lack of accessible facilities, exclusion from crucial meetings and events held in non-accessible spaces, an unfair workload and social isolation. All these factors create significant challenges in her work and overall output.
  2. According to the text, how is power related to 1) poverty and 2) crime and violence? In the context of power, poverty is a state of powerlessness. This implies that individuals who are poor in the society are also powerless as they have no influence nor control any resources. Crime and violence are examples of social problems that affects the excise of power those in position of authority must use force where necessarily to curb crime and violence in the society.
  3. Think of a question you believe would be a good addition to this worksheet. It cannot be a yes/no or one-word answer question. It cannot resemble any question already on this worksheet. It must be related in some way to the concept of power. Why did you choose the question you did? (2 points) Question: "How does the concept of 'soft power' differ from 'hard power,' and can you provide examples of each in international relations?" I chose this question because it explores the detailed aspects of power in the context of international relations. Soft power and hard power are important concepts in the study of power dynamics among nations, and understanding their differences and real-world examples can provide valuable insights into how countries exercise influence and control in the global arena. This question encourages critical thinking about the various tools and strategies used by states to exert power beyond just military force, which is a fundamental aspect of modern geopolitics.