Researchers used the friendship paradox to study the 2009 flu epidemic among 744 students, finding that friends of central members were more likely to get sick earlier. This method can predict epidemics before they spread widely, allowing for an earlier and more effective response.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that beliefs and values held sway over rhetoric in the debate about legalizing same-sex marriage. The findings suggest that framing efforts may have limited impact on public opinion, while emphasizing the importance of addressing key issues related to same-sex families.
A study of over 13,000 students found that only children were selected as friends by their peers just as often as those with siblings. The researchers suggest that children learn essential social skills through interactions in school and extracurricular activities.
Research by Stanford University suggests that Internet access is crucial for finding mates, with 82.2% of participants having a partner if they have internet access compared to 62.8%. The study also found that the Internet is becoming increasingly important as a social intermediary for meeting partners.
Researchers at Indiana University found that terminology and framing efforts had no effect on public opinion concerning the ongoing debate over legalizing same-sex marriage. Beliefs and values held sway, not rhetoric or word choice, according to the study.
Researchers found that white population shifted from central city to outer ring suburbs, but minority representation was relatively flat across suburban rings. The study suggests a radial pattern of minority movement out from the central city rather than filling in inner suburbs.
A new study reveals that men who experience stiff competition for female attention live shorter lives, with mortality rates increasing by 1.6% among those with higher sex ratios. The researchers suspect that this phenomenon is caused by a combination of social and biological factors, including stress and embodiment of the social world.
Research from Purdue University shows that obese older adults are more likely to use walkers, canes, and other assistive devices at a younger age, increasing the risk of incorrect usage. Obesity heightens the risk of disability, affecting daily life in multiple ways.
New research from the University of New Hampshire found that rural areas with high unemployment rates are less likely to support environmental regulations. In contrast, areas with population growth and amenity-driven changes are more likely to favor conservation efforts. The study also reveals classic patterns in views on conservation,...
A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that adolescent girls who perceive themselves as overweight but have a healthy weight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than those with actual obesity. Additionally, underweight boys are also at high risk for distress. The researchers suggest that ...
A new study by UAB researchers confirms that states with high levels of defense spending have lower poverty rates, less income inequality, and higher median family income. The study also demonstrates the U.S. economy's increasing dependence on military spending.
A New York University study found that children living in areas where homicides are committed have lower reading and verbal test scores. The research suggests that violence can impact children's cognitive skills, regardless of whether they witness it directly or are personally victimized.
A UAB study confirms a significant link between depression and abdominal obesity, with individuals experiencing high levels of depression gaining weight at a faster rate. The study suggests treating depression is crucial to controlling obesity and preventing related diseases.
A new sociological study reveals that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, with relatively darker-skinned individuals earning less than their lighter-skinned counterparts. The study found that some Latinos attempt to assert a white racial identity, but those with darker skin and higher levels of int...
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, despite efforts to be accepted as 'white'. Darker-skinned Latinos earn significantly less than their lighter-skinned counterparts, with a difference of $2,500 per year.
The American Sociological Association (ASA) has launched the Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology (TRAILS), an online platform offering peer-reviewed teaching resources, syllabi, and class activities. The tool aims to improve the way professors are evaluated and valued for their teaching skills.
A study by LSU researchers found that socioeconomic and physical disadvantages, as well as social isolation, are associated with higher rates of older adult malnutrition death rates across the US. The research highlights the importance of addressing poverty, disability, and limited access to resources in reducing malnutrition-related d...
A multidisciplinary team at LSU has developed maps showing demographics affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The maps highlight impoverished areas, minority populations and workers in the oil industry, helping to pinpoint areas where support infrastructure is needed.
A new UCLA-led study finds that high school seniors from disadvantaged backgrounds who don't apply to college are missing out on significant financial returns. The study reveals that those with lower college probabilities score better financially, with male graduates ranked
A new study from the University of Toronto found that most Americans believe God is directly involved in their personal affairs, with 82% relying on God for help and guidance. Higher education and income levels are associated with lower beliefs in divine intervention, but surprisingly, more religiously active individuals in these group...
Researchers from UC San Diego and Harvard found that cooperative behavior is contagious and spreads through a social network. When people benefit from kindness, they are more likely to help others, creating a cascade of cooperation.
A recent study by North Carolina State University found that African-American assistant coaches in college football face challenges advancing in their careers due to the nature of their social connections. Building a diverse range of contacts rather than a close-knit network can improve job opportunities for black coaches.
A new national study reveals that having a teacher mentor can nearly double the odds of attending college for disadvantaged students, with a 50% greater likelihood overall. Mentors in the teaching profession played a pivotal role in bridging the college gap.
Researchers aim to reduce isolation and depression among seniors by training them to use the Internet and social media. The study also focuses on increasing access to health information, making it easier for older adults to stay healthy.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has won a two-year grant from the National Science Foundation to train teachers in using XO laptops for math and science education. The goal is to extend laptop use beyond basic tasks and increase the number of minority students entering the STEM career pipeline.
A survey conducted in Ohio found that Latin Americans were viewed most negatively by residents, with poor ratings on characteristics such as wealth and intelligence. In contrast, Asian immigrants received high marks for being self-sufficient and Europeans were seen as the most fitting in with American culture.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that mothers tend to follow their own mothers' parenting practices, such as spanking and affection, but fathers do not. The study also revealed a significant shift in parenting practices over two generations, with increased emphasis on reading and affection shown to children.
Research at the American Sociological Association reveals that highly educated black women are less likely to get married and have children compared to their white counterparts. The gap in marriage rates has grown over the decades, with 45% of black women born between 1955-1960 being childless by age 45.
A new study by University of Arizona professor Alexandra Kalev shows that employee involvement programs can increase both quality and diversity at the same time. Self-directed work teams and cross-training programs are found to give women and minorities more opportunities for career advancement.
A new ethnographic study reveals that unspoken memories of Holocaust survivors find silent expression in everyday family interactions, shaping the lives of their children. Eighty percent of interviewees did not experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contradicting previous assumptions.
A study at Ohio State University found that roommate assignments are crucial in fostering interracial friendships among college students. White students increased their number of interracial friends during their first year, while black students showed a slight decrease. The results support the idea that
Joe Kotarba, University of Houston sociology department chairman, has received the George Herbert Mead Award for his lifetime achievement in symbolic interaction. He will be honored at the SSSI/American Sociological Association meeting in San Francisco this August.
From 2001-2008, the annual number of Ph.D.s awarded to underrepresented minorities increased by 50% in natural sciences and engineering fields. The Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate program has seen significant success in boosting minority participation in science-related studies.
A study by Cedric Herring found that companies with a diverse workforce reported significantly higher sales revenue, customer numbers, and profitability. The research analyzed data from the National Organizations Survey and found that racial diversity was a key predictor of business outcomes.
Researchers found that many Hispanics were misclassified in a 'some other race' category, leading to incorrect projections of racial diversity. The study suggests that Americans may struggle to accurately report their ancestry due to generational memory loss and stigma around interracial relationships.
At-risk teens are more likely to seriously consider suicide if a friend of a friend attempts it, but holding summer jobs can be a deterrent. Summer employment is thought to create self-esteem while reducing isolation and substance abuse, and can even prevent the spread of suicidal thoughts among friends.
Increased schooling across sub-Saharan Africa may lower new HIV infections among younger adults, contradicting previous views of education as an AIDS risk factor. Formal education appears to reduce the risk of HIV infections by up to 34 percent in some countries.
A National University of Chicago study found that elderly individuals experiencing loneliness face higher risks for poorer mental and physical health. Those who adapt to alone time without developing strong feelings of loneliness tend to fare better.
Researchers discover that opera fans learn to appreciate the art form by forming emotional connections and decoding its meaning. Through social interaction and personal experience, fans develop a deeper understanding of opera's nuances, ultimately becoming passionate advocates for the art.
Assistant professor Samantha Kwan argues that the concept of obesity has been overstated and is influenced by cultural beauty messages and health discourses. She claims that women are more closely tied to weight and appearance, and that conforming to norms can bring benefits beyond being healthier.
A study of 387 diabetics found that home telemonitoring significantly reduced deaths compared to a non-monitored group. Telehealth provided a safety net, allowing patients to age in place and live where they wanted, with educational resources also being offered.
A new study finds that open access articles experience a 12% increase in usage compared to commercial formats, but have only a small positive impact on attention. Open source publications benefit researchers in developing countries with limited access to research funding and libraries.
A study found that parents of children with genetic conditions are avoiding subsequent pregnancies instead of undergoing pre-natal testing or abortion. This 'ambivalent' response is rooted in a deep-seated concern about the limitations of new reproductive technologies and the risks involved.
A new study reveals how US News & World Report rankings discipline and punish law schools, forcing them to compromise their missions or be excluded. Law schools with public service or disadvantaged student missions are particularly affected, highlighting the transformative impact of rankings on educational institutions.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights the need for improved understanding of ecosystem interactions and long-term data collection. The authors warn that current approaches are limited by discipline-bound thinking and lack a full description of the complex biophysical and social systems.
The study found that popularity and likelihood of friends knowing one another are heritable, while location within the network is also genetically linked. This suggests that genes may play a significant role in determining our social connections and behavior.
A study by University of Miami professor Michael McCullough found that religious people have more self-control than their less religious counterparts. This increased self-control can lead to better school achievement, lower rates of substance abuse, and longer lives.
Research published in American Sociological Review reveals a significant increase in income inequality among US families with children since 1975. The study found that family type and education level played key roles in shaping income disparities, with single-parent families without working mothers exhibiting the greatest inequality.
The study shows that many young adults in their 16-24 age group face emotional turmoil while juggling caring responsibilities with education and personal life. Personal experiences highlight the need for support and awareness to enable these young individuals to succeed.
Employees with high levels of job autonomy are more likely to blur the lines between work and family life, according to new research. The study found that having greater control over schedules is associated with more frequent work-family role blurring, particularly among men.
A study by University of Toronto sociologist Adam Isaiah Green found that gay men deemed less desirable are more likely to engage in risky behavior and experience psychological problems. The research highlights the negative consequences of being marginalized due to low levels of 'erotic capital',
Researchers found that people can cultivate effective online communication strategies by using emoticons, subject lines, and signatures to convey tone and context. Common devices used include capital letters, quotations, emoticons, and punctuation to indicate sarcasm or enthusiasm.
Researchers found that single mothers provide 83-90% of child-rearing time as married counterparts, but with quality time compromised due to limited resources. The study suggests public policy should focus on resources and educational opportunities for mothers, regardless of marital status.
The new journal covers the principles and practice of food security, analyzing it from various disciplines. It aims to define constraints preventing one billion people from accessing adequate nutrition and address means to overcome them.
A new study finds that racial prejudice in Britain has been declining since the 1980s, with younger generations showing greater tolerance towards ethnic minorities. The study also reveals significant generational changes in attitudes, with women and more educated individuals expressing less prejudice.
Researchers found that white participants rated neighborhoods with black residents more negatively than those with white residents or a mix of both. The study's findings demonstrate the ongoing impact of racial stereotypes on social perceptions and neighborhood evaluations.
The Rutgers Center has received a second $8 million NIMH grant to expand its research into co-occurring substance use and abuse. This expansion will allow the center to investigate new areas of mental health services issues that arise when individuals with mental illness interact with the criminal justice system.
A new report from Duke University suggests that U.S. manufacturing is poised to grow in a low-carbon economy, creating significant job opportunities in industries such as LED lighting, high-performance windows, and renewable energy. States like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina are expected to benefit from these green jobs.
A North Carolina State University study has identified five risk factors associated with farm vehicle crashes on public roads, including the use of non-English speaking drivers and young farm vehicle drivers. The study suggests that a comprehensive approach, including driver licensing, training, and monitoring, could reduce the risk of...
Research at Ohio State University found women sexually harassed most often in work groups with a nearly equal mix of males and females. Women in these situations were more likely to experience taunting, patronizing, and predatory behaviors.