A recent study found that middle-aged men with strong masculine beliefs are almost 50% less likely to obtain preventative healthcare services. The research suggests that deep-seated masculinity beliefs reduce compliance with recommended health services, and even education level can moderate this effect.
Research shows that temporary workers are susceptible to declining mental health due to unstable employment. Contingent workers report more symptoms of depression and psychological distress than similarly employed workers in stable positions.
A new study by Michael Hout and Claude S. Fischer of the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that the growth in number of Americans citing no religion may be slower than previously reported. The researchers found that the trend continued through 2008, with a possible stagnant growth period in late 90s and early 2000s.
A large-scale longitudinal study found that nearly fifty percent of women supervisors reported sexual harassment in the workplace, compared to only one-third of women who do not supervise others. The study also revealed that male co-workers and clients used harassment as a means of control against women in power.
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 widely publicized analysis found a near tripling in reports of Americans' social isolation between 1985 and 2004. However, sociologist Claude S. Fischer questions the findings, citing anomalies in the data and contrary results from other studies. Researchers defending their work argue that Fischer's proposed artifact is not credible ...
Research in the American Sociological Review finds that neighborhood violence plays a role in intergenerational transmission of disadvantage. Family and religious environments also deter delinquent behaviors among teens and young adults.
Research finds that grades and parents' education play a significant role in determining abortion decisions among young unwed women. The study also reveals that conservative Protestant classmates may have an 'abortion-limiting effect' on women in their 20s, but not in their teens.
New studies by sociologists reveal that African Americans are more likely to be sanctioned by the US welfare system than whites. The research found a 29% higher risk of sanction for black clients with a prior sanction, and a 14% higher risk for first-time sanctions. In contrast, Mexican immigrants were more likely to exit welfare withi...
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.
A growing trend of outsourcing military labor to private contractors has led to a shift in accountability, with the human toll and costs being externalized. This raises concerns about holding foreign contractors accountable for crimes and protecting their welfare.
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.
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.
A study found that many US women are unaware of the significant source of daily personal chemical exposure from their homes. Researchers discovered that people who learned about chemicals in their homes and bodies were not alarmed, but eager for more information about typical household products.
Research by Mark Levels and colleagues reveals that economic development in an immigrant's home country positively impacts their child's academic success. Immigrant children from small communities or politically unstable countries face educational disadvantage, emphasizing the need for targeted programs to support their potential.
The September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior reports findings on mental health and household crowding, barriers to care, workplace dynamics and caregiving. Women in crowded homes are more likely to be depressed than men, while white men attach greater stigma to mental health care.
Research reveals that breast cancer survivors must navigate the vulnerabilities of loved ones as they share their diagnosis. Women typically face challenges in asking for help from others while also being perceived as caregivers.
A sociologist's analysis reveals that new prescription drugs are twice as likely to harm patients as to provide benefits superior to existing drugs. The study identifies institutional flaws in the FDA's review process, including under-funding and industry influence.
Research suggests that homeownership promotes political involvement, particularly among those living in distressed areas. Homeowners in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to vote than renters and those in privileged communities.
Research by Marlese Durr and Adia Harvey Wingfield reveals that black professionals engage in 'emotional performance' to fulfill white colleagues' expectations, strengthening race/ethnic group solidarity. This emotional labor can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration among African American women.
Research finds that male college students are more likely to commit property crimes than their non-college peers, defying the common association between education and reduced deviance. The study, which analyzed data from over 9,000 adolescents and young adults, reveals an increase in crime rates among college-bound youth after enrollment.
Sociologist Hiromi Ono's study reveals that children in step-families and other non-traditional families spend similar amounts of quality time with their parents as those in traditional families. However, married stepfathers are less involved with their stepchildren than biological fathers.
A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that individuals with personal connections to victims of the Iraq War or 9/11 terrorist attacks are less likely to approve of President Bush's performance, affecting both Republicans and Democrats. The pattern holds true across all demographics.
Research finds women whose husbands work long hours are more likely to quit their jobs, exacerbating gender inequality. Professional women with children are disproportionately affected, highlighting a potential return to the 'separate spheres' arrangement.
Researchers identify three genetic predictors that gain predictive precision when considered with social influences like family, friends, and school processes. Positive social influences reduce the effect of certain genetic variants on delinquency.
A new study finds that women can make significant gains in male-dominated management ranks after companies downsize and restructure their workforces. Women accounted for nearly 36% of managers after restructuring, but made less headway into top levels of management.
A study by Christine Percheski reveals that professional women's employment levels have made steep gains over time, especially for mothers of young children and women in historically male professions. The study shows a shrinking employment gap between mothers and childless women, with more women working full-time year-round.
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.
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.
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.
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 sociological study found that parenthood is not associated with improved mental health, contrary to cultural beliefs. Parents with minor stepchildren and single parents report more symptoms of depression than childless individuals. Married parents residing with their own minor children actually experience less depression.
Disaster research presented at the American Sociological Association Centennial Meeting challenges the common perception that minorities are disproportionately affected by disasters. The study finds patterns in human behavior and societal organization that mirror these disasters, highlighting that disaster is a normal part of life.
A recent study by Dr. Firebaugh found that relative income is more important than absolute income in determining individual happiness in the US. The hedonic treadmill hypothesis suggests that continued income growth can lead to an ongoing consumption race where individuals consume more to maintain a constant level of happiness.
A recent study found that African-American and Latino youth are more likely to perceive the criminal justice system as unjust, with perceptions increasing as integration levels increase. However, schools with higher proportions of white students show a decrease in perceptions of injustice.
The US healthcare system exhibits both strengths and failings, with private market competition driving inequality, inefficiency, and high costs. Researchers explore the role of corporate interests in shaping health care markets, organizational forces, and clinical practice guidelines.
Researchers found that Whites perceive significantly more disorder than Blacks, Latinos, and Asians, even when living in the same neighborhood. The study suggests implicit bias in perceptions of disorder contributes to continued racial segregation in the US.
Research by Kathleen Gerson and Jerry Jacobs found that combined work hours of families, not individual work experience, reveal the time squeeze. Parents in two-income households cut back on joint working time to cope with pressures, but fathers actually work more hours when children are home.
A new study by researchers finds that Native American lands are disproportionately located near extremely dangerous military sites contaminated with unexploded ordnance. The research, published in the American Sociological Review, examines the role of militarism in environmental inequalities affecting Native Americans.
The US economy is rapidly decelerating due to record deficits and stagnant wage growth. Globalization has led to underconsumption trends in developing countries, while developed nations like the US struggle with low savings rates and rising debt.
The traditional definition of adulthood is shifting, with education, employment, and financial independence becoming key markers. Researchers found that it takes longer for young adults to become self-sufficient, with many living in their parents' homes or requiring financial assistance from their families.
Nonstandard work shifts negatively impact family stability, childcare arrangements, and parent-child relationships, leading to marital unhappiness and divorce rates. Policy solutions such as higher wages for late shifts and childcare subsidies are proposed to mitigate the social and health costs of these schedules.
According to the study, 20% of all black men born from 1965-1969 had served time in prison by their early 30s, compared to less than 3% of white males. The risks of prison incarceration rose steeply with lower levels of education, affecting 30.2% of non-college educated blacks and 58.9% of black high school dropouts.
A marriage promotion plan should prioritize social science research, acknowledging that single-parent families can be beneficial for children with adequate support. Cherlin's research highlights the limited value of traditional programs and the importance of addressing underlying factors such as lower income and mental health issues.
A sociologist has developed a 10-category scale to measure disasters and terrorism events, helping researchers and practitioners distinguish between appropriate mitigating efforts. The scale assesses the degree of social disruption resulting from an actual or potential disaster, with categories ranging from everyday emergencies to anni...
A study published by the American Sociological Association finds that campaign contributions and lobbying have limited impact on policy, with party lines and ideology playing a greater role. The average PAC donation to candidates is $1,700, which is not enough to win significant influence.
Research by Professor Erickson suggests that having a variety of casual acquaintances can improve job prospects and overall well-being. People with diverse social networks are more likely to feel in control and have access to valuable information, leading to improved health and happiness.
The repeal of the estate tax may lead to increased wealth inequality, particularly among minority groups, with potential costs for most American families. The tax reduction is expected to decrease philanthropic giving by up to 12 percent annually due to lower inheritance donations not being taxed.
Research suggests that felons and ex-felons could have voted differently in several presidential elections, including the 2000 Bush vs. Gore election, which might have reversed the outcome. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects working-class poor and African Americans, traditionally voting Democratic.
A researcher challenges the idea that generations drive attitude changes in America, arguing instead that individual life experiences, aging, and historical events play a significant role. Alwin's study suggests that social change is more complex than previously thought, with multiple factors contributing to generational differences.