Differentiation and Integration (Analysis of British Social Structure, 1688-1783)

Author: Shu Xiaoyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: 1688 marked the end of a period of intense turmoil in British history, as the country entered a relatively stable era of historical development. In 1983, Britain embarked on the grand industrial revolution. This period was a time of relative peace in British history, where, in reality, a quiet revolution was taking place—social differentiation and integration, which created conditions for the transformation of British society. Social structure is a term used to denote different social groups and their stable connections. Studying social structure involves answering both "what constitutes society" and "how society is constituted." Differentiation and integration are both states and processes. This book aims to cultivate innovative thinking and research capabilities, divided into ten chapters: How to choose a topic, How to gather information, How to conduct social surveys, How to read, How to take reading notes, How to judge the value of information, How to identify the authenticity of information, Essentials of academic methods, Methods of writing papers, and Academic attitudes. The book emphasizes practical examples to analyze problems. Each chapter is followed by exercises and reflection questions, and an appendix includes some reference materials, many of which are students' assignments. The book also includes a "Selected Bibliography." Emphasizing practicality over theoretical discussions is a distinctive feature of this book.