Recurring Themes Throughout The History Of Man Political, Social, and Economic Issues

Introduction No matter the period, era, century or decade – mankind has always had to face the realities of political, social, and economic issues. Every event in history will always have a mixture of these three issues. While one may be more prevalent of others, they will all exist. Political thought, changing economies, and personal values have changed over time. While one era may experience major political issues, another era may have just minor political problems. As with time, issues tend to flux and change.

Rationale Why do we have these recurring issues throughout history? It may seem simple, but political thought, social ideals, and economic beliefs can range greatly in how we interpret just one term. For example, the word “secured” has 4 different meanings in the military. Air Force – to inquire about a property and buy it. Navy – to close all building doors and windows and lock them. Army – to surround the building and allow nobody to enter. Marine Corps – to enter the building and eliminate all threats by use of force.

Political (Political Philosophy) Political philosophy is the study of such topics as personal freedom,  civil liberties, property rights, law and justice, and the enforcement of a legal code by an authority or government. What rights and freedoms it should protect and why, What form it should take and why, What the law is, and What duties citizens owe to a legitimate government? In contrast with Political Science – political science is the study of the relationship between government and its people whether this be in theory or practice.

The relationship – (Politics & Economics) Political Issues can be directly related to Economics— The old saying goes, “where there’s government, there money tends to follow it.” The classic dilemma is that what type of government to have AND what type of market should the economy be. See “Two Cows” Handout

Economic Issues Economics is the production, exchanging, consumption, saving and/or investing of goods and services. However, with the inequality distribution of wealth in the world, we are forced to make decisions based on or wants and needs while utilizing the resources we have on hand. Economists (one who study economic issues) claim today the middle class is shrinking along with the working class; moreover, this declining population is creating a “two-tier” society. What is this creating is a widening between the “haves” (the rich) and the “have nots” (the poor).

The relationship – (Economics & Social) Despite government trying to provide equality to its people, economics can create an inequality among it’s citizens. For example, some believe that money creates mobility on the social ladder of status. Thus, stereotypes and biases are created among citizens on certain issues.

Social Issues Social issues are matters which directly or indirectly affect a person, group, or culture of a society and are considered to be problems or controversies related to moral values. Currently, a moral value that is subject to debate today is if abortion is a “privacy right to choice” or if it is “murder.”

POLITICAL ECONOMIC From this point on, always keep in mind for future lessons how Unit topics and Chapters in the book address the Political, Social, and Economic aspects of History (i.e. The French Revolution).

Example – The American Revolution was about political, economic, and social issues. In groups, using the pie chart as a diagram, list three issues for each (political, social, and economic) in how the American Colonist struggled with England and King George.