Module 03: How the World is Run
Businessmen, Public domain image
Description: Political and economic systems profoundly shape how people think and behave within different societies. This module examines various ways societies organize themselves through different economic and political structures. We explore how these systems influence cultural values, social behavior, and individual decision-making.
Module Learning Objectives: By the end of this module students will be able to…
- MLO1: Compare how different economic systems influence human behavior (CLO3)
- MLO2: Apply understanding of political systems to cultural analysis (CLO4)
- MLO3: Identify universal and culture-specific impacts of economic systems (CLO1)
Why This Module Is Important: Understanding economic and political systems helps you work effectively in global contexts. International development workers use this knowledge to design culturally appropriate programs. Business professionals apply these insights to navigate different market systems. Policy analysts need this understanding to evaluate cross-cultural impacts of regulations, while humanitarian workers use it to operate effectively in diverse political environments. This knowledge helps you understand how larger systems influence individual and group behavior.
The readings for this Module come from:
Chapter 1 section 4 (An Overview of Economic Systems) in Principles of Economics (3rd ed.) by Openstax, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Chapter 18 section 1 (Economic Systems) in Introduction to Sociology (3rd ed.) by Openstax, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Chapter 3 sections 4, 6, & 7 (Political Ideology) in Introduction to Political Science by Openstax, licensed under CC BY 4.0.