A University of Alberta researcher found that John de Ruiter's silent approach asserts his charismatic authority over followers by projecting their own meaning, discouraging dissent, and forming intimate bonds. This method allows de Ruiter to continually prove himself as extraordinary to his followers.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Cornell a $3.3 million grant to increase the percentage of women faculty members in science and engineering departments over the next five years. The goal is to reach 20% women faculty by 2011, with an ultimate objective of having one-third of science and engineering faculty be women by 2015.
Research from Florida State University shows immigrant children are no more likely to repeat a grade than their American-born counterparts. In fact, first- and second-generation boys are 54% less likely to be held back than their male peers.
Research suggests that women are more likely to graduate from college than men, with a significant lead since 1982. Growing incentives and cultural changes have contributed to this trend, with women from families with low-educated or absent fathers seeing the biggest increase in college enrollment and graduation.
A new study published in Science estimates that at least 200,000 people have died in Darfur, far exceeding previous estimates of tens of thousands. The study's authors used primary surveys and extrapolation to arrive at this revised estimate, which underscores the urgency of the situation.
A new study by Harvard University researchers finds that diversity training programs have failed to increase minority representation in management positions. In contrast, programs that establish responsibility for diversity, such as equal opportunity staff positions or diversity task forces, have proven most effective.
A new FSU study found that high school seniors' educational and occupational plans have become increasingly unrealistic since the 1970s. The researchers attribute this to declining grades, community college as an educational stepping-stone, and parents giving students the message that a college degree is the only way to get a good job.
A recent Italian school study found high rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), with prevalence rates three times higher than previously estimated for Western Europe. The study used active surveillance to identify children with growth and behavioral problems, revealing a significant associati...
A study by Purdue University researcher Ken Ferraro found that women who use religious media resources are more likely to be obese, while men who seek comfort through religion are less likely to be obese. To combat this, religious leaders should encourage physical activity and healthy eating habits.
Researchers found that fans of 'The Bachelorette' were upset when the female contestant rejected potential suitors, despite her honesty about not having chemistry. The study suggests that viewers prefer fantasy and escape over reality, with most able to distinguish between media portrayal and real life.
A Penn State study reveals that embedded reporters significantly impacted war coverage, prioritizing soldiers' personal lives and downplaying the effects of the invasion on Iraqi civilians. The analysis of 742 print news articles found that embedded reporters published stories with soldier sources in 93.2% of the analyzed stories.
A new study found that children from minority groups face higher rates of neighborhood poverty than their white and Asian counterparts. Between 1990-2000, African-American children benefited the most from declining poverty rates, while poor white children were more likely to live in non-poor neighborhoods.
A University of Cincinnati researcher finds that unions effectively serve as allies for the unemployed, providing support and mobilizing action. However, a precarious balance exists between union interests and those of the unemployed, with socio-economic matters dominating the debate.
A nationwide study found that private SAT prep classes and tutoring significantly boost scores, but are unaffordable for many students from lower-income families. The study also showed that higher SAT scores are linked to higher rates of college enrollment, particularly in selective colleges.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that depressed individuals experience greater psychological benefits from marriage compared to non-depressed individuals. Despite lower marital quality and conflict levels among depressed couples, married depressed individuals still report improved mental well-being.
A new study by Rhys Williams and Gira Vashi finds that the hijab provides a clear identity marker for young American Muslim women, allowing them to carve out their own place in the Western world. The research also shows how the hijab symbolizes modesty and moral purity in an American culture perceived as materialistic.
Researchers found that multiracial congregations have dramatically different social ties compared to other Americans. Members in these congregations reported feeling accepted and having cross-racial friendships, which is lower than those in same-race or non-congregation groups.
Research by Phyllis Moen finds that middle class dual-earner couples are stretched thin, with fewer than one in six qualifying as 'super couples' with high quality of life. Women working in insecure jobs often face limited scheduling flexibility and control.
A multi-year study by Texas A&M researchers found that the amount and quality of time parents spend with their children has a direct effect on children's rates of obesity. Mothers' time with children was more strongly linked to lower obesity risks, while fathers' time was associated with higher risks for older children.
A new book explores how primary-care doctors interact with patients, focusing on both physician and patient contributions. The research aims to understand the social organization of medical talk and improve doctor-patient relationships.
New research from Ohio State University finds that severe heat waves are particularly deadly in neighborhoods without businesses to draw older people out of their apartments. The study analyzed data from the 1995 Chicago heat wave and found higher-than-average mortality rates in areas with run-down, liquor-focused businesses.
A study by Emily Erikson and Peter Bearman found that private trade using company resources in the East India Trading Company contributed to the emergence of modern capitalist markets. The researchers analyzed data from 4,572 voyages between 1601 and 1833, revealing how captains and seamen used their cargo holds to sustain illicit trad...
A new theoretical model explains how cooperation can emerge in a 'cheater's world', where self-interest typically prevails. In this model, group size plays a crucial role in the evolution of cooperation, with smaller groups allowing altruistic individuals to thrive and maintain their numbers over time.
A new study by the American Sociological Association found that Americans have fewer confidants, with a nearly one-third decrease in discussions with non-family members. The study also reveals racial diversity in social networks has increased, but disparities persist, with higher education and non-white groups having smaller networks.
Researchers at Stanford University argue that private investors can help solve global infrastructure problems with secure investments and fair returns. The Collaboratory for Research on Global Projects has discussed ways to improve infrastructure investment security and encourage private shareholders.
A study published in The Lancet found that New Zealand's Maori patients had a higher risk of preventable adverse events in hospital than non-Maori patients. Despite a publicly funded hospital system, Maori received marginally poorer care, with 14% of admissions associated with adverse events compared to 11% for non-Maori populations.
Long-term cancer survivors experience ongoing concerns about cancer recurrence and treatment side effects, affecting their mental health. Research found that these worries are linked to depression and anxiety, with varying levels of concern across different types of cancer.
A new survey at UCSD reveals that sectarianism in conservative religious groups holds back coalition formation on the right. The study found that members of these groups who favor a larger role for religious leaders in politics are less sectarian, bringing good news for supporters of the religious right.
A study by Oregon State University found that housing discrimination can occur based on name, with some landlords reacting more negatively to minority-sounding names. The research used a large sample of e-mail inquiries to landlords in Los Angeles and found significant differences in responses received by different names.
A study found that when participants shared negative attitudes about someone else, they felt closer to a stranger with the same dislike. In contrast, those who learned they shared positive attitudes with another person felt less connected. This research challenges traditional views of gossip and its impact on relationships.
A University of Alberta study found that teenaged girls aged 14-17 viewed cellphones as a means to balance freedom and responsibility, with parents' concerns driving their behavior. Despite advertisements showcasing independence, the girls prioritized staying safe and answering home calls.
Penn State researcher Karen Bettez Halnon finds middle class embracing muscles, motorcycles, and tattoos as new form of gentrification. This symbolic takeover relegates lower classes to the periphery, with extreme measures taken by disaffected groups to defend against encroachment.
In Scotland, attainment levels at 16 have narrowed slightly over the past 20 years, but social inequality in attainment at 18 has widened. Despite this, working-class youngsters consistently outperform their English peers.
Research reveals that boys are emotionally invested in their romantic relationships, with feelings of heightened emotions towards their partners. Girls also outperform boys in decision-making power, contradicting traditional gender roles.
Researchers found that exposure to hurricane-related stressful events can lead to long-term mental health problems, particularly for those with prior stressful experiences or pre-existing symptoms. The study suggests that assessment of prior experiences and psychological well-being is crucial for identifying disaster victims at risk.
A Université de Montréal study found that boys identified as hyperactive, fearless, and not prosocial at age six are 6 times more likely to join a deviant peer group. Family adversity also increases the risk of early gang affiliation.
The American Sociological Association presents several awards to honor outstanding contributions to sociology. These include the Career of Distinguished Scholarship Award, which recognizes a scholar's lifetime work, and the Distinguished Book Award, which honors an exceptional book published in the preceding three years.
Stanford University has a total of 230 scholars in the academy. The newly elected members include Lawrence D. Bobo, Savas Dimopoulos, Margaret T. Fuller, Larry Kramer, and Lawrence Lessig. They are recognized for their contributions to various fields such as sociology, physics, biology and law.
A global study of over 27,500 adults aged 40-80 found that greater gender equality leads to improved sexual satisfaction. The research, led by the University of Chicago, compared sex lives across 29 countries and discovered that countries with more equal partnerships reported higher rates of sexual pleasure.
A study by Penn State researchers found that stricter law enforcement policies have led to an increase in girls' arrests for assault, not a rise in violence. Despite this, other national sources of information on youth violence show little overall change in girls' levels of aggression over the past two decades.
Research reveals a significant gap in publications between US and non-US groups, with the US trailing behind in human embryonic stem cell research. The study suggests that federal policies may be contributing to this disparity, which could impact competitiveness in the biotechnology industry.
Researchers found that low self-esteem in children aged 11 is linked to an increased risk of developing drug dependence by age 20. The study also highlights the importance of identifying at-risk children and intervening early to prevent addiction.
The ICON-funded study aims to identify current nanotechnology standards and practices, with a focus on enhancing environmental and health safety. The research will provide essential data for companies in the US, Europe, and Asia, shedding light on new safety models and identifying areas where they are needed.
A recent study found that sexual harassment cases governed by the 1991 Act are awarded statistically significant higher damages awards than preceding cases. The inclusion of state law tort and anti-discrimination claims drives up damages.
Community surveys overestimate depression due to flawed methodologies that fail to account for normal life stress reactions. Experts call for contextual criteria to accurately diagnose mental disorders.
A comprehensive report examines the health status and political influence of Hispanics in America, finding rising rates of obesity and diabetes among young Hispanics. The report also projects increased Hispanic political influence, but warns that changes to voting rights laws could limit this growth.
The United States and Venezuela lead the world in national pride, with Americans scoring 17.7 out of 25 and Venezuelans scoring 18.4. Both countries formed their identities through conflicts that bound their people together, creating a shared sense of patriotism.
A recent study by Harvard sociologists found that whites are more likely to experience a significant increase in mortality risk following their spouse's death compared to blacks. The study, which analyzed data from over 410,000 elderly American couples, revealed a stronger widowhood effect among white couples.
A study by Wilcox and Nock found that women's marital happiness is linked to their husbands' emotional engagement, with most caring couples earning an unequal division of income. The research also highlights the importance of commitment, fairness, and quality time in married relationships.
A Penn bioethics researcher explores the intersection of neuroscience and ethics, highlighting potential implications for teaching ethics and forensic outcomes. The researcher's work raises important questions about the balance between individual freedom and the need for scientific understanding.
Experts from climate change, terrorism, sociology, politics, and geography come together to discuss how to effectively translate information into useful policy. The session aims to identify common issues with scientific content, weigh values, and communicate risk and science-based solutions to the public.
A landmark study by Harvard Medical School found that spousal illness significantly elevates a partner's mortality risk, particularly within the first two years. The study also revealed specific illnesses have varying effects on partners' health, with dementia and heart disease being most detrimental.
A new study by Ilana Redstone Akresh found that 39% of US immigrants reported significant changes in their diets, resulting in increased junk food and meat consumption. This can lead to negative health outcomes, as those who consume more junk food have higher BMI and lower levels of education, English proficiency, and social integration.
The gift will support a scholarship fund and establish an endowment for a new professorship in obesity-related research, with the goal of addressing childhood obesity in urban poor and minority communities. The initiative will also test innovative after-school programs like HSPH's Planet Health curriculum.
The study aims to explore how investors value the reporting of social, industry cohort and governance information. UW-Madison School of Business professor Holder-Webb will lead a team to investigate this issue.
Researchers are working on a three-year €2.5 million project to isolate and expand mesenchymal stem cells from cord blood for use in therapies. The goal is to create viable new medical uses for these stem cells, which could be used to repair bone defects and fractures.
Despite increased participation in the workforce, women remain secondary breadwinners in marriages, with a significant proportion earning substantially more than their husbands. The study found that only 24% of wives have an income equal to that of their husbands, highlighting the persistent gender gap in family financial arrangements.
Despite having more free time, women experience a 'family penalty' from childcare and housework responsibilities. A study found that married women with children feel 2.2 times more rushed than single, childless women.
A survey of 14,000 young people found that health indicators worsen with age, except for mental health and exposure to violence, which improve. Disparities increased across all racial and ethnic groups, with significant declines in health from adolescence to young adulthood.
A recent study by Cornell University researchers reveals that Mexican immigrants settling in upstate New York communities are marginalized and often unemployed, with limited access to education and social connections. The study found that those with social ties to community members fare significantly better than those without.