Research by University of Arkansas sociologists found increased levels of depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies during the early months of COVID-19's spread. Fear was identified as a key predictor of mental health outcomes, with higher concentrations of confirmed cases and death rates associated with increased individual fear.
Experts say mask requirements protect workers at retail stores and restaurants from COVID-19. Mandatory mask-wearing could normalize in the US like it has in east Asia.
Research using 113,620 women's data found mobile phone ownership increased household decision-making power and HIV knowledge. Worldwide mobile phone adoption also linked to decreased gender inequality and mortality rates.
A Nebraska researcher has developed a smartphone app that uses location and Bluetooth data to track users' physical proximity and notify those potentially exposed to COVID-19. The system provides personalized risk data and insights for individuals making decisions about balancing health and economic risks.
Dr Philippa Tomczak has been awarded a £1.2m grant to reconceptualise prison regulation, including representatives from multiple sectors and stakeholder groups. This will enable a step change in prison regulation and boost potential improvements in prison safety.
A new study from Ohio State University found that children's social skills have not declined due to increased screen time, with teachers rating both generations similarly. The study also showed that even heavy screen users showed similar development in social skills compared to those with little exposure.
New research from Rice University found that Barack Obama's 2008 presidential election improved the mental health of black men, with an average decrease in poor mental health days from four to three. However, this benefit did not extend to black women, who reported a slight increase in mental health problems following the election.
Research from Rice University found that working blacks with high awareness of systemic racism are seven times more likely to pursue self-employment. However, these individuals often experience worse financial situations and lower education levels than their counterparts. The study suggests racism's influence on career choices and fina...
A Michigan State University study found that toxic masculinity can lead to social isolation among aging men, negatively affecting their health and well-being. The researchers suggest an alternative understanding of masculinity can help alleviate social isolation.
A study by UTSA researchers found a significant link between cultural values and how individuals express illness. Participants who identified as stoics or had lower household incomes were more likely to claim being sick. The study's findings have implications for understanding sickness behavior and its relationship with social norms.
Researchers estimate that more than half of African mothers have experienced the death of a child under age five, and nearly two thirds have experienced any child's death. This study highlights the burden of bereavement as a public health threat in low-income regions.
The new book, Competing for Control: Gangs and the Social Order of Prisons, reveals that prison gangs are in a period of transition, varying in organization and structure. The study found that prison violence is concentrated among gang populations and that gang membership does not protect inmates from victimization.
A new study by Portland State University researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment by emergency responders, with Hispanic and Asian patients receiving lower quality care. The study analyzed 25,732 health records and found that odds of pain assessment were 21-31% lower for these groups compared to white patients.
The US is experiencing several simultaneous opioid epidemics, including prescription drug, heroin, synthetic opioids, and a syndemic in counties where the crisis first erupted. These distinct challenges require varied policy responses.
A growing segment of Americans travels farther to worship, but frequent attendance makes them more committed to their neighborhood. Researchers found that attending services less frequently due to distance does not necessarily lead to a stronger sense of community.
A UC study finds that pregnant women rely on their mothers for emotional support and guidance, often valuing mom's advice as equal to or over medical recommendations. This contradicts the narrow perspective of many self-help pregnancy guides, which prioritize medical guidance exclusively.
A study by Ohio State University sociologist Natasha Quadlin found that women tend to choose college majors with lower earning potential than men, even when both prioritize economic returns. Women often opt for majors in fields perceived as more open and available to them.
A study found that mothers have a positive influence on adult children's health, while fathers are often seen as 'cautionary tales' about poor health behaviors. Mothers tend to be supportive and available when needed, whereas fathers may encourage unhealthy habits.
A study by University of Waterloo researchers found that Canadians who consider religion important tend to vote for conservative parties, with a strong link between religiosity and voting behavior. The study also notes a decline in the proportion of people considering religion important, reflecting broader societal shifts.
A new study found that schools are breeding grounds for teenage vaping, with students accessing devices and peer influence playing a significant role. Schools can be effective in preventing teen e-cigarette use if they implement health education programs and restrict access to devices.
A nationwide study reveals that schools serving disadvantaged and minority children teach as much to their students as those serving more advantaged kids. The learning gap disappears when students return to school after summer break, suggesting that schools are neutral in addressing inequality.
A University of Kansas study found that dominant groups in the education system manipulate disability categories to exclude racial minorities and keep them out of most desirable special education programs. The researchers documented how upper-class white students were moved into what was once considered the least desirable category, an...
A new study by Indiana University found that college students who participate in conversation-based activities are less likely to stigmatize people with mental illness. The study, led by Bernice Pescosolido, suggests that such efforts can drive significant reductions in stigma and improve campus climate.
A new analysis of state, county, and federal data shows a significant decline in criminal sentencing racial gaps since the mid-1990s. The overall sentence length gap between whites and blacks in federal courts decreased by more than 80% between 1996 and 2016.
Warner's project will expand her research on multigenerational planning in rural areas by adding public health as a key topic of concern for planners and regional scientists. The team aims to create an econometric model for livability that promotes economic development and public health across rural and urban communities.
Researchers found that teachers' different treatment of black and white students accounted for 46% of the racial gap in suspensions. The analysis also showed that about 21% of the gap could be explained by differences in school characteristics and student behavior, but not differences in misbehavior itself.
A new PSU study found that shifting to renewable energy can increase energy poverty, particularly in nations with increasing inequality. Renewable energy consumption reduces carbon emissions more effectively in contexts of increased inequality, whereas it has a lesser impact when inequality is decreasing.
Research from University of Pennsylvania demographers finds that non-Hispanic white life expectancy has slowed or reversed since 2010, especially among 25- to 44-year-olds and women. The trend is particularly stark in rural areas, where mortality has risen despite progress seen in urban centers.
A multistakeholder study proposes six policy options for governing heritable genome editing, including proactive regulation and broad public engagement. Meanwhile, gynecological surgery reform is urged due to declining OB-GYN skills and lack of transparency, putting patient safety at risk.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that LGBT employees report worse job experiences, less respect from supervisors, and lower job satisfaction compared to their non-LGBT colleagues. Racial/ethnic minority LGBT respondents also face additional challenges.
Actuarial risk assessments can reduce inconsistencies, but also reproduce class-based and race-based inequalities. The use of proprietary algorithms raises questions of transparency and fairness.
Dr Elena Esposito is studying how algorithms predict the future's impact on society, focusing on personalized insurance, precision medicine, and predictive policing.
A new study reveals that nearly half of new mothers and a quarter of new fathers leave their full-time STEM jobs within four to seven years of having their first child. This trend is attributed to cultural expectations and workplace obstacles, with women being more likely than men to switch to part-time work or leave the workforce alto...
A new analysis of 65 million projects found that smaller teams are more likely to introduce new ideas to science and technology, while larger teams often develop and consolidate existing knowledge. This challenges recent trends in research policy and funding toward big teams.
A new study by LSU researchers found that nearly 25% of homicides in Baton Rouge occur within 3% of the city's area, often near blighted buildings and convenience stores. The study uses risk terrain modeling to identify areas with high crime rates and suggests ways to combat crime through community safety.
Researchers analyzed data from third-graders to find that religion positively correlates with social psychological development but negatively affects academic performance in math and science. The study suggests that religion is a mixed blessing for children's development.
A new study highlights the importance of involving all family members in nutrition education programs for children. Researchers found that many mothers face conflicting advice from older female relatives on feeding their babies, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits. To balance family harmony and healthy diets, mothers use strategi...
A study found that racial disparities in student debt persist over time, with blacks having nearly double the debt of whites 15 years after college. The researchers suggest that student loan debt is linked to economic inequalities by race.
A study by Christine Horne and Emily Kennedy found bipartisan support for renewable energy, with conservatives viewing it as financially smart and a step towards self-sufficiency. Democrats strongly link renewable energy to environmental protection and reducing carbon emissions. The research highlights an area of common ground between ...
A survey found that many white Americans assume immigrants from certain countries are 'illegal' due to stereotypes and lack of documentation, leading to discriminatory treatment. The study highlights the impact of social perceptions on immigrant standing in American society, revealing a new source of ethnic-based inequalities.
A study by Indiana University sociologist Jessica Calarco found significant gaps in the quality and reliability of technology owned by college students. Students from low-income families and students of color were more likely to experience issues with their devices, leading to stress and negatively impacting academic performance.
A new study by Lancaster University highlights the issue of men's invisibility in fertility research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that surveys like the Demographic and Health Surveys often exclude or unfairly represent men's experiences, leading to gender inequalities.
Kenneth Ferraro and Frank Infurna received the award for their innovative publications on aging and life course development. The research highlights the complexity of resilience in the face of spousal bereavement, challenging previous assumptions.
Research from Rice University and the University of Pittsburgh finds that damage from natural disasters and FEMA aid increases wealth inequality between races in the US. Whites accumulate more wealth after disasters, while residents of color accumulate less, leading to an increase in racial wealth gaps.
A UC Davis study found significant variation in how water managers engage with climate information, with perspectives clustering by cultural terms. The researchers identified three types of manager's temporalities, from those who closely model futures to those who disregard climate change.
A University of Kansas study suggests that food prices in ethnic enclaves impact assimilation rates and consumer spending patterns among Mexican and East Asian immigrants. The researchers found that Mexican immigrants spend less on food, while East Asian immigrants spend more, which could explain the difference in assimilation rates.
Research by a University of Arizona sociology doctoral student finds that young people who self-select their news are more likely to engage in high-cost forms of activism and campaigning, such as attending meetings or donating money to campaigns. In contrast, those relying on elite-selected media or social networking sites have lower l...
Minh Nguyen, a Bielefeld University sociologist, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to study the welfare systems of China and Vietnam. Her research aims to understand how global factories impact the lives of migrant workers in these countries.
A new study found that white mass shooters are 95% more likely to be described as mentally ill in media coverage compared to black shooters. The research analyzed 219 mass shootings and found that whites were often framed as sympathetic characters, while black shooters were portrayed as dangerous and a menace to society.
Research found people selectively identify with ethnicities they view as positive while disregarding others. White respondents were more likely to embrace new racial identities if they felt others would still accept them.
A new review suggests that lion conservation research should consider the environment, wild prey, and domesticated livestock to develop effective policies. Interdisciplinary research teams with expertise in biology, ecology, economics, sociology, and more can help address the complex issue of human-lion conflict.
A new study by UTSA researcher Christopher Ellison analyzes the impact of religious involvement on sleep quality, concluding that people with higher levels of religious involvement tend to have healthier sleep outcomes. The research suggests that religion benefits mental health by reducing stress, promoting social engagement and provid...
New research finds a causal relationship between whites' attitudes towards welfare and their perceived threatened racial status. Whites who fear losing their socioeconomic standing oppose government anti-poverty programs they perceive as benefiting minorities, while not affecting views on programs benefiting themselves.
A recent study published in Sociology of Religion found that the religious left mobilized in solidarity for the 2017 Women's March Chicago, a secular event. Progressive religious groups and congregations from denominations like Episcopal Church and Unitarian Universalist Association participated in large numbers.
Researchers found that a person's cross-sectional annual earnings taken at one point in time have greater predictive power of their 20-year long-term earnings, ahead of occupation-based classifications. A person's level of education also had slightly better predictive power.
A Baylor University study reveals that living arrangements have a more significant impact on shaping racial attitudes than congregational composition. The study found that attending white-only churches decreases comfort with non-white individuals, while living near diverse neighborhoods increases friendships across racial lines.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt explore cryobiology's social and biological impacts, including 'suspended life', and study immune defense mechanisms to understand pathogens' evasion strategies.
Research published in City and Community found that straight people living in traditionally gay neighborhoods often practice subtle forms of discrimination against their gay and lesbian neighbors. Despite claiming to support gay rights, many interact with their neighbors on the street in ways that contradict those sentiments.
A study found that three key factors contributed to collective action in rescuing Tutsi during the genocide: biographical availability, socialization, and situational context. Many rescuers were older, had higher socioeconomic status, and came from families with a history of saving Tutsi.
A new study found that medical expansion and increased specialization are associated with longer life expectancy and less mortality, but pharmaceutical industry growth is linked to negative health effects. The study suggests that the growing drug industry may be contributing to the rising costs of healthcare.