The Human Society Before the 21st Century - PDF

Lesson 1: The Human Society Before the 21st Century Humans have evolved by using the elements around them to meet their needs, from agriculture to technology. Their curiosity and innovation have helped improve life and ensure survival for themselves and their communities. 1. Initially it took u...

Lesson 1: The Human Society Before the 21st Century Humans have evolved by using the elements around them to meet their needs, from agriculture to technology. Their curiosity and innovation have helped improve life and ensure survival for themselves and their communities. 1. Initially it took us around 12, 000 years to learn to cultivate the land and benefit from its fruits. 8,000 years ago, we discovered how to use metal. We started to write about our experiences only about 5,000 years ago. 2. Human settlement began around 12,000 BC when migration from Africa spread across the planet. As humans moved, they used local resources to build communities and establish familial life. This led to the formation of villages, domestication of animals, and agriculture for sustenance, aiming to preserve future generations. 3. Around 10,000 BC, the global population was under 15 million, resulting in low production rates due to a lack of workers. Fewer people meant limited capacity to build and produce. 4. Around 10,000 BC, humans had shorter lifespans, often not living past 30 due to the dangers of the harsh environment. This limited their ability to learn, achieve, and pass on essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to future generations. 5. 125,000 years ago, humans learned to control fire, which helped them avoid darkness, cold, and the dangers of nighttime. Fire also allowed them to cook food, making it easier to consume the resources around them. 6. 30,000 years ago, humans used stone tools for hunting and protection, but these were crude until 6,000 BC when metal was discovered to create better tools. Humans also domesticated animals like dogs, pigs, and horses through trial and error to aid in survival. Around 4,000 years ago, the wheel was invented to improve transportation, demonstrating human initiative and innovation. 7. Around 3,000 BC, humans developed the ability to write and record experiences through pictures, preserving knowledge from that time. Writing became a crucial skill for record-keeping, allowing future generations to understand their past. TOP 10 GREATEST INVENTIONS OF ALL TIME 1 – Fire Fire was discovered, not invented. The earliest use of fire dates back as far as 2 million years ago. A widespread use of this technology is dated to around 125,000 years ago. 2 – Wheel The wheel was invented by Mesopotamians around 3500 BC for pottery creation. About 300 years later, the wheel was used on a chariot. 3 - Nail Metal fasteners were first used in Ancient Egypt around 3400 BC. Screws have existed since the time of the Ancient Greeks. 4 - Optical Lense They were first developed by ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians. Ancient Greeks contributed key theories of light and vision. 5 - Compass Navigational devices have driven human exploration. The earliest compasses were made in China between 300 and 200 BC. 6 - Gunpowder This chemical explosive was invented in China in the 9th century. A major factor in military technology. 7 - Printing Press Was invented in 1439 by German Johannes Gutenberg It mechanized the transfer of ink from movable type to paper, revolutionizing the spread of knowledge and religion. Before this, books were mostly handwritten, often by monks. 8 - Electricity The invention of the light bulb, credited to Thomas Edison in 1879, significantly extended our ability to harness electricity. 9 - Steam Engine Invented between 1763 and 1775 by James Watt. 10 – Telephone Alexander Graham Bell got the first patent for an electric telephone in 1876. Lesson 2: The Process of Change Change is inevitable. Progress is an expectation we need to achieve. There is a popular adage that states that “nothing is permanent in this world and this life except for change.” SOCIAL CHANGE Social change refers to a society’s evolution driven by economic, religious, political, or scientific forces. It involves significant shifts in cultural norms, leading to movements like feminism after the Industrial Revolution. Theories explain why individuals act or behave differently from others. Structural-Functional Theory Proponents: Weber, Herbert Spencer, and Emile Durkheim. Views society as a complex, interconnected system where each part has a function. Main goal: Maintain social organization, stability, and order. Social structures (e.g., family, community, religious institutions) help preserve order. Educational institutions (e.g., schools) play a vital role in learning and socialization. Conflict Theory Proposed by Karl Marx. Society consists of social classes in conflict due to unequal wealth and power distribution. Highlights the struggle between rich and poor, winners and losers, leading to social change. Example: Civil rights movements, protests against oppression. Evolutionary Theory Societies progress from simple to complex forms. Social change is natural and necessary for development. Émile Durkheim: Societies evolve from minimal to maximum division of labor, fostering organic solidarity. Symbolic Interaction Theory Focuses on language and symbols in social interactions. Max Weber: People act based on their interpretation of the world. Social bonds form through shared meanings of objects, events, and behaviors. The Feminist Movement Definition: Feminism is a series of political campaigns for gender equality, focusing on issues like reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, women's suffrage, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Priorities: Vary by country and community, including opposition to female genital mutilation and the glass ceiling. History of Feminism: First-wave feminism (19th–early 20th century): Focused on overturning legal inequalities, especially women's suffrage. Second-wave feminism (1960s–1980s): Expanded debates on cultural inequalities, gender norms, and women's roles in society. Third-wave feminism (1990s–2000s): A response to second-wave feminism, addressing its failures and continuing its legacy. Criticism: The "waves" framework has been criticized for ignoring historical continuity and focusing only on well- known figures and events. Lesson 3: Trends Evidence of Societal Change Humans are influenced by external factors, including the bandwagon mentality (following the majority). Decisions are often swayed by societal approval, norms, laws, and morals set by the majority. Influence from these movements contributes to dynamism, development, and change in society. Societies are always changing, making it essential to analyze these shifts. Social changes lead to progress, often through adopting or merging innovations with existing practices. These transformations impact both society and individuals. Trend A trend is a movement or inclination followed by a group of people. It involves change or development in behavior, actions, events, and technology. Trends can move upward or downward, showing progression or regression. They can occur over a short or long period. Fad/Craze These are often used interchangeably. Both refer to short-lived enthusiasm for an object, behavior, or activity. They appear suddenly and spread rapidly like wildfire. Popularity declines quickly within days or months. Social Trends It refers to a movement widely participated in by society. Stimuli like music, fashion, or events can influence it. Trends may not start with the majority, but many people eventually join. Relevance varies, but participation continues as part of social behavior. Monday, 3 February 2025 Types of Trends Trend Systematic Seasonal Systematic Cyclical Systematic Irregular Unsystematic Trend Systematic: A persistent upward or downward pattern of movements that happens during a longer period. This may include developments in technology wealth and population count. Seasonal Systematic: A regular and period fluctuation within a one-year or twelve-month period which may include weather conditions in a certain geographical location, changes in social practices, and religious rituals. Cyclical Systematic: Follows repeated ups and downs, moving through peaks of prosperity, recessions, troughs of depression, and periods of recovery Irregular Unsystematic: fluctuations occur due to unforeseen events like natural disasters, economic crises, or political turmoil. WHAT BRINGS ABOUT TRENDS? Fundamental Elements drive change and development, influencing societal trends toward either progression or regression. Three Fundamental Elements Human Needs: drive people to create and follow trends, fostering relationships and positive interactions. Drivers of Change: initiate trends by responding to the need for transformation, whether short-term or long-term. Innovation: drives change, creating trends as people adopt new ideas. First Key Trend The rise of the global middle class – will increase wealth in developing countries, empowering citizens and shaping their views on social risks. As they demand more from governments, responsiveness will be crucial to avoid disillusionment and radicalization. Regions will play a key role in driving government action. Second Key Trend Developing countries will continue growing, while developed countries face aging populations, straining welfare resources. Third Key Trend Migrants, youth, and older adults face job market exclusion (marginalization). Austerity worsens this, making early education investment crucial to prevent a lost generation, radicalization, and unrest. Fourth Key Trend Patterns of migration are changing. There are 60 million displaced people globally and a refugee crisis near Europe. Urbanization is rising, while rural areas are growing more isolated. Fifth Key Trend Interconnectivity is growing all over the world, we will need to address and increasing digital divide between and within countries. Thursday, 6 February 2025 Lesson 1: Trend or Fad Trend Is an emerging phenomenon that lasts for a long period and transmits existing ventures to future generations. Trend is the latest, contemporary, and popular. For example, denim, tea, selfies, phones, and streaming sites. Fad A fad is an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially short-lived and without basis in the object’s qualities, a craze. Something that people are highly interested in for a relatively short period. For example, Aldub, Virtual Pet, Fidget Spinners, and Yo-Yo TREND VS FAD Difference between Fads and Trends, Trends have a much longer lifespan than fads. They can continue to be fashionable for years and even decades. The primary difference between a trend and a fad is that trends have the potential to be long-term influences on the market. Trend A longer-lasting movement or direction in society. It represents a general development or change. Trends have a much longer lifespan than fads. They can continue to be fashionable for years and even decades. The primary difference between a trend and a fad is that trends have the potential to be long-term influencers on the market. In addition, trends often involve altered classics. Fad A short-lived enthusiasm for something. It is characterized by a rapid spike in popularity followed by a swift decline. Are short-lived fashion trends that can last for a season or less than a month. They are novelty-driven and are often referred to as “catching on” with the larger population. They often fade as quickly as they appear. The alliteration “fads fade” helps us remember them. While fun, fads are not worth investing significant money or time in. SIX ELEMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF A TREND 1. Appeal – Degree of attraction that a Fad or a Trend causes and attracts people. 2. Result – Pertains to the impact of Fad or Trend and its ability to produce a sustainable movement or change, publicity. 3. Scope – Extend of influence of a Fad or Trend. 4. Support – Structure that enables a Fad or Trend to be sustainable. 5. Sustainability – Length of time a Fad or Trend can continue to exist. 6. Value – Utility or usefulness derived from a Fad or Trend. THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING TREND Trend Analysis Is the widespread practice of collecting information and attempting to spot a pattern, or trend, in the information. Examples: Social Media Engagement, Sales and Marketing, and Crime Rates. Trendsetter Someone or something starts or causes a trend. A person who starts a trend. Examples: celebrities, influencers, artists, colored-denim jeans, and hairstyles. Trendspotting Is the study of trends and the way they develop and affect society. Is the identification of new trends or attempting to see the future. Importance of Trendspotting Trendspotting gives analysts, marketers, product developers, and other professionals the ability to plan by anticipating new business opportunities and demands. Process of Trend Spotting 1. Analysis – Practice of collecting information. 2. Spot – Attempting to see the future in the present situation. 3. Data – Refers to a person. Example: fashion and activities 4. Projecting – Extend current patterns into the future. Trend Spotter A person who notices and reports on new fashions ideas, or activities that are becoming popular. Example: Runway Reports A trendspotter should possess Adopt a beginner’s mind Be sensitive in looking for signals Know why and what you are looking for Look for shifts rather than novelties Move and search in many places Spot for combinations of things Beware of the obvious Find the reason for something Never judge something as good or bad FIVE WAYS TO SPOT AND CAPITALIZE ON TREND 1. Anticipate change The constant thing in this world is change. Assume that change is coming and look for it. 2. See it coming the basic tools of a trend tracker are seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching In other words, every sense that can be used to get information about the world should be employed in seeing upcoming changes. 3. Distinguish between short-lived fads and long-term trends Strive to identify big changes that create lasting problems that many customers will be happy to pay to solve. 4. Make sure your solutions are realistic Again, it’s relevant to target customers. Make sure the solution you envision is one you can see realistically provide with features. 5. Create a competitive advantage Be courageous. It is uncommon for a single entrepreneur to be the only one who sees an opportunity. ELEMENTS OF A TREND Number of Participants It pertains to people who follow a certain trend which is started by an individual or a group of people. The group then grows into a community and eventually swells into a national and international society. For example, the prevailing fashion of a period follows what celebrities are wearing or what fashion designers offer. People often copy the trendsetters and so a new fashion trend develops Pattern of Behavior It refers to a trend that is formed from repetitive actions of people. For example, the simple act of taking a selfie has now become a cultural trend. It is almost impossible not to see someone taking a selfie in any place – be it in a tourist spot, in a restaurant, in a hotel lobby, beside a movie poster in a cinema, in a concert hall, and at an event, among others. Long Period of Time It is one of the crucial elements of a trend which means that a trend must have a long-time frame, sometimes running for decades. A trend may experience some ups and downs in popularity, may fade away, and may recur. Cause It refers to the starting point of a trend which can be an idea, a technology, an event, or a person. All trends have beginnings and someone or somebody started it. The question here is, how did it start? Now, this becomes obvious as all material elements of a culture start with one’s ideas, therefore, it is also conclusive that one starting point of a trend is an idea. Consequence It refers to the considerable impact or influence of a trend. For example, social networking has become an encompassing trend that tends to influence the behaviors of online users. With the popularity of smartphones, users began subscribing to various social networking portals which enable them to post activity statuses and photos and even connect with celebrities. CHARACTERISTICS OF TREND Microtrends These are “little things that happen all around us all the time, the tiny shifts that occur in everything from clothes we wear and the snacks we eat to the way we work, play, and love.” These trends happen right now and are outright observable. Example: Smartphone Apps/Games which are dependent on the capabilities of a smartphone (these apps/games oftentimes lose their popularity over time. Macrotrends These are “aggregated (combined) microtrends or more sweeping changes that are affecting society.” They provide major changes that are perceptible at the societal level for a longer period. Example: Varying Smartphone brands (iPhones vs. Android phones) Battle for the popularity of these smartphones. Megatrends These are macro trends that have grown up and moved out. They are big, bold, and affect the lives of great swathes of humans.” They can last for decades and are “so pervasive as to be generally known.” They have become the prevailing condition that has become too normal. Example: Smartphones which are dependent on the internet. Smartphones are widely used by almost all people in the world. Gigatrends These are “trends that are so general that they affect most areas of human life – or, at least, more than one aspect of life or more than one industry.” They are usually identified to define an era. Internet or the World Wide Web which may be considered as the soul of almost all technology.