Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Gender inequalities in health: A matter of policies

A new study of the SOPHIE project reveals that traditional and contradictory family policies in Europe contribute to gender inequalities in health, particularly among women in Southern Europe. The Dual-earner model encourages labor force participation and redistributes caring work, leading to lower health disparities.

SourceSOPHIE project·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 28, 2014

New model shows moderate resource use & reduced economic inequality keys to sustainability

A new analytical tool, HANDY, incorporates two new variables into the well-known predator-prey model, reflecting the accumulation of wealth and economic stratification between rich and poor. The model suggests that human societies can reach a sustainable steady state when they do not over-deplete natural resources and avoid extreme eco...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEcological Economics·DateApr 2, 2014

The entropy of nations

The study reveals a decrease in global energy inequality, with the distribution of per-capita energy consumption approaching an exponential law. As nations like China move up the curve, energy consumption becomes increasingly concentrated among high-consuming nations.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalEntropy·DateJan 3, 2014

Cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty increase police force size

Research by University of Missouri sociologists found that cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty tend to increase their police forces. The study suggests that the perception of threat is influenced by a combination of large inequalities and severe poverty, leading city governments to boost police force size.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Sociology and Social Policy·DateAug 8, 2013

Labor union decline, not computerization, main cause of rising corporate profits

A new study by Tali Kristal suggests that the decline of labor unions is the main reason for the surge in corporate profits and decline in workers' wages. The study found that industries with high unionization rates saw a large decrease in labor's share of income, while lightly unionized industries experienced little change.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 30, 2013

Schizophrenia linked to social inequality

A study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin found that higher rates of schizophrenia are associated with increased deprivation, population density, and inequality in urban neighborhoods. The research suggests that more equal societies may experience lower rates of serious mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateDec 14, 2012

Want to influence support for redistributive tax policies? Choose your words carefully

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that using a specific frame to describe income inequality can influence people's views on redistributive tax policies. Participants who were told that the rich make more than the poor showed less opposition to raising taxes on the wealthy, while those in control conditions and tho...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 2, 2012

How sexual power can be disempowering

A new study by Dr. Lisa Rosenthal found that social dominance orientation can lead to increased sexual risk-taking and decreased confidence among both men and women, particularly when it comes to using female condoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateOct 1, 2012

Republican strength in Congress aids super-rich, president's affiliation has no effect

A new study by American Sociological Association investigates the rise of the top 1 percent and finds that Republican strength in Congress increases their share of income. The study also reveals a significant link between decreased union membership and higher levels of inequality, as well as a strong effect of financial asset bubbles o...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 1, 2012

Stillbirth rate twice as high among least well off in England

Research published in BMJ Open finds that stillbirth rates are twice as high among the least well-off in England, with the gap remaining constant over eight years. Socio-economic inequalities in stillbirths by cause have been evident across all causes, including bleeding before birth and congenital abnormalities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 25, 2012

Inequality dates back to the Stone Age

A new study by archaeologists from the Universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford found that Neolithic farmers buried with distinctive stone adzes had access to better land than those without. The analysis revealed sex-biased mobility patterns and status differences among early European populations.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2012

Market exchange rules responsible for wealth concentration

Two Brazilian physicists used statistical mechanics methods to study free market models, finding that wealth distribution follows a power law and concentrates among a few agents. New regulations, such as taxes giving poorer agents a higher probability of wealth gain, may help prevent wealth concentration and decrease inequalities.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 7, 2012

Sexism and gender inequality

A new study published in Psychological Science found that an individual's sexism leads to gender inequality in society, with the largest study to date examining 57 countries. The research suggests that changing individual attitudes is crucial for achieving greater equality.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 28, 2011

Virtual water cannot remedy freshwater shortage

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that virtual water transfers are unlikely to equalize water use among nations due to existing inequalities. The researchers concluded that the current amount of virtual water is insufficient to overcome these constraints.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2011