Question 1

The &#34;Enlightenment-Modernist&#34; project entailed a commitment to science, and a belief that its application would result in social progress.

Accepted Answer

The Enlightenment-Modernist project was characterized by a commitment to reason, science, and progress. Its proponents believed that the application of science and reason would lead to social and political improvements, and that human society could be perfected through the use of empirical methods and rational inquiry.

Question 2

Although modernist social planning and architecture were prevalent in the capitalist countries of the twentieth century, they were rejected as &#34;bourgeois&#34; by communist governments.

Accepted Answer

Communist governments embraced modernist social planning and architecture as it aligned with their ideology of creating a new socialist society. They rejected traditional and ornate styles, which they considered as bourgeois.

Question 3

In Seeing Like a State, James Scott argues that governments often adopt large-scale projects in order to render their citizens more dependent on the state and to better control them.

Accepted Answer

James Scott's main argument in Seeing Like a State is that governments have a tendency to prioritize their own interests and control over the well-being and agency of their citizens. He contends that large-scale projects, such as agricultural reforms and urban planning schemes, can be effective tools for governments to standardize and simplify complex systems, but also strip people of their autonomy and traditional knowledge. Ultimately, Scott argues that these projects can lead to unintended consequences and social disruption, often at the expense of marginalized communities.

Question 4

In Weapons of the Weak, Scott contends that peasants usually do not openly rebel because in most circumstances they are satisfied with social and economic conditions.

Accepted Answer

Scott argues that peasants often do not rebel openly because they lack the resources and power to do so, and instead engage in forms of everyday resistance to cope with and resist oppressive conditions. Satisfaction with those conditions is not a necessary condition for this dynamic.

Question 5

Postmodern architecture, as in Chicago's Public Library, shuns adornment and stresses strict functional utility.

Accepted Answer

Postmodern architecture, including Chicago's Public Library, often embraces ornamentation, eclectic styles, and historical references, contrasting with the strict functionalism and minimalism of modernist architecture.

Question 6

According to David Harvey, the response of western governments to the Great Depression fundamentally changed the &#34;mode of regulation&#34; by which capitalism was organized.

Accepted Answer

David Harvey argues that the response of western governments to the Great Depression led to the emergence of Keynesianism, which fundamentally changed the way capitalism was organized by implementing state intervention and regulation of the economy.

Question 7

Although Fordism gradually came to an end during the 1970s and 1980s, the incomes of most working people in the United States have continued to rise since then.

Accepted Answer

While the incomes of some have continued to rise, there has been a widening income gap and many working people have faced stagnant or declining wages since the decline of Fordism.

Question 8

By creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs in Mexico, free trade pacts such as NAFTA have had the effect of slowing Mexican immigration to the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of By creating hundreds of thousands of new...

Question 9

Jet transport and containerized shipping created strong incentives for U.S. manufacturers to move their operations to areas of lower wages in Latin America and Asia.

Accepted Answer

Jet transport and containerized shipping made it cheaper and easier to transport goods internationally, leading to manufacturers seeking lower labor costs in countries like Latin America and Asia.

Question 10

According to Harvey, one effect of &#34;flexible accumulation&#34; has been increased reliance on the &#34;turnover time of production and consumption,&#34; which creates the impression of an accelerating rate of social change.

Accepted Answer

Harvey argues that flexible accumulation relies on the quick turnover of production and consumption, which creates a perception of rapid social change.

Deck 14: Postmodern Political Economy and Sensibilities