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University of Chicago Press Journals


Projecting favorable perceptions of space

Project Man in Space, initiated by social psychologist Donald Michael in 1955, aimed to capture public opinion on space exploration. The program's research revealed strong interest in Sputnik and influenced public support for new initiatives, but also perpetuated utopian narratives that obscured military applications.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateOct 19, 2020

'I'll sleep when I'm dead': The sleep-deprived masculinity stereotype

A new study reveals that sleeping less is associated with being seen as more masculine and positively judged by society, while women are not subjected to the same effects. The research suggests that this stereotype can have detrimental consequences on mental and physical health, as well as contribute to aggressive behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateSep 29, 2020

A rebranding of 'freedom'?

According to recent Gallup polls, socialism is more popular than capitalism among Democrats and young people. A new paper proposes reclaiming freedom as a value by confronting systemic unfreedom in the neoliberal economy. The authors believe that freedom can be realized through disciplined commitment and collective struggle.

The plight of the Kalahari San

San communities are marginalized despite living for thousands of years, with weak land tenure protections in Botswana. In contrast, Namibia recognizes their rights through community-based natural resources management and human rights organizations play a crucial role in advocating for their welfare.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Anthropological Research·DateJul 14, 2020

Running in Tarahumara culture

Researchers study Tarahumara runners to dispel stereotypes about their athletic prowess. They find that traditional long-distance running is a socially vital form of prayer and develops endurance through regular hard work and physical activities like walking and dancing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJul 6, 2020

How exposure to negative feedback in influences goal-directed consumer behaviors

A new study finds that exposure to negative feedback motivates consumers to pursue proving goals, such as demonstrating competence, but reduces motivation for enjoyment goals, like having fun. This phenomenon suggests a complex relationship between self-esteem threats, consumer behavior, and marketing strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateMay 26, 2020

Pro-science vs anti-science debates

A recent survey reveals rich patterns in anthropologists' views on sensitive controversies, with disciplinary subfield, gender, and politics identified as key predictors. The study draws on social intuitionism to interpret the results, suggesting that shared moral intuitions may aid scholars in coming to consensus.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateOct 15, 2019

Sacrificing the climate for reelections

A new study suggests that incumbent politicians often negotiate weak treaties to improve their reelection chances, rather than prioritizing effective climate change mitigation. This analysis from the Journal of Political Economy explores how domestic policymakers' incentives and election fears drive treaty outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMar 4, 2019

Genome doubling, cell size and novelty

A recent study by Doyle and Coate explores the mechanisms of polyploidy in plants, highlighting its impact on cell biology and evolutionary novelty. The authors found that genome doubling can alter cell size, nuclear volume, and cell cycle duration, with many effects attributed to changes in bulk DNA amount.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateJan 15, 2019

The science of studying the effects of extraordinary beliefs on consumer behavior

The study explores the implications of applying utilitarian, deontological, and virtue ethical standards to superstition in the marketplace. It highlights the need for researchers to clearly state the rationality of consumers' behaviors and assess their irrationality to promote consumer well-being.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateOct 30, 2018

Crafting a human niche

Fuentes asserts that humans are distinctive, yet share similarities with apes. He proposes that human ability to alter ecosystems is our most distinguishing feature, enabling creative cooperation, technological innovations, and artistic expression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 24, 2018

How do birds get their colors?

A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateAug 4, 2017