Socioeconomics
Articles tagged with Socioeconomics
A study quantifies for the first time in the European population the impact of socioeconomic inequality on temperature-related mortality
Rising stroke rates highlight widening ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities across populations, major study finds
A new study found that stroke incidence is rising again, with higher rates in Black African and Black Caribbean populations, as well as those experiencing socioeconomic deprivation. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to prevent strokes and address systemic inequalities.
Rich more likely to use AI study finds, as experts warn these burgeoning technologies are increasing social inequality
A recent study reveals that individuals with higher education or income are more aware of and use AI tools, exacerbating social inequalities. The researchers recommend increasing engagement with AI-related topics through outreach campaigns, educational programs, and community workshops to reduce this new digital divide.
Breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance among youths
A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.
Examining the impact of sanctioned elites on authoritarian realignment
A study found that economic interests influenced Japanese legislators' behavior, with sanction-hit industries supporting military-backed policies and procurement sectors showing no shift. This challenges the common view of economic beneficiaries as authoritarian supporters.
Older Americans and veterans wait longer for financial justice
A study of over 1.27 million federal complaints found that older Americans and veterans receive slower responses than the general population, with a widening gap over time. The trend is particularly concerning for elderly residents in economically disadvantaged zip codes, who face the widest gaps in response times.
U of A research finds improved weather forecasts could reduce heat deaths as climate warms
Researchers found that more accurate weather forecasts can significantly reduce heat-related deaths. The study suggests that technological advancements in forecasting can offset projected increases in heat-related fatalities due to climate change. In fact, the economic value of saving lives through improved forecasting is substantial a...
The perfect pair: Combining on-demand transport with buses boosts physical activity
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that combining on-demand transport with buses increases daily walking by an average of 1,730 steps. This synergistic effect occurs when DRT reduces the access barrier, leading residents to take buses more often and accumulate more walking through routine movements.
New framework reveals how vulnerable small businesses are to supply chain shocks
A new framework was developed to enable SMEs to systematically assess their supply chain risks and take proactive steps to build resilience. The integrated approach combines expert knowledge with established methods, identifying 11 key hazards across the supply chain.
Skills are replacing age-based labor supply as the engine of economies
A new study by IIASA researchers reveals that China's economic growth is being driven by the skills of its workforce, not just its large working-age population. Improvements in skill composition have become a key driver of economic expansion, and a more favorable age structure enhances economic returns to workforce skills.
Breastfeeding patterns differ between India’s slums and other city neighborhoods, new study finds
A new study found that breastfeeding practices vary significantly between urban slum and non-slum areas in India. Urban slum mothers tend to start breastfeeding earlier, while non-slum mothers are more likely to breastfeed only breastmilk for the first five months.
Your neighborhood may be aging you
Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that people living in neighborhoods with fewer social and economic opportunities have higher levels of CDKN2A RNA, a measure of cellular aging. This suggests that structural conditions may be biologically embedded and influence aging processes over time.
Rivaling Atlas: Unpaid work burdens, nonrestorative sleep, and mental health
A study of 3,959 healthy Japanese workers found that longer working hours, including unpaid care and domestic work, are associated with a higher risk of nonrestorative sleep and poor mental health in women. The researchers call for policy changes to address time poverty and promote gender equality.
Trends and disparities in the use of next-generation sequencing in patients with cancer in the US
Advanced or metastatic cancers often go without tumor genomic testing, with those from low-income backgrounds facing longer wait times. JAMA Network Open highlights the need for targeted healthcare policies to bridge these gaps.
Depression can reduce income for years
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark finds that people with depression experience significant income loss, with losses averaging 17% lower than those without depression. Income loss persists and grows over time, even after diagnosis.
Modest employment gains for people with disabilities in March
The April 2026 nTIDE report shows modest gains in employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities, increasing from 38.1% to 38.5%, and labor force participation rate also increased, suggesting more individuals with disabilities entering the workforce to support their families amid rising prices.
Money worries and job dissatisfaction drove Europe’s populist boom, research suggests
Research suggests that cost of living and male job dissatisfaction played a major role in Europe's populist surge. Financial insecurity emerged as the strongest predictor of an anti-elite outlook, increasing the chances of voting populist by 17-20 percentage points.
Thirty-year trends in multiple sclerosis prevalence, lifestyle factors, and mortality in England
Multiple sclerosis prevalence more than doubled in England's healthcare system over 30 years, while survival rates increased. Lifestyle factors, including tobacco use and socioeconomic deprivation, were significantly associated with mortality.
Extreme urban heat and emergency department visits in older adults
Research suggests significant heat-health risks observed among socioeconomically vulnerable populations. This study underscores the importance of developing targeted heat warning strategies to mitigate these risks and prevent emergency department visits among older adults.
How the 2008 recession shifted class identity
A recent study found that the 2008 recession significantly altered Americans' class identity, with most people perceiving themselves as a lower class after the event. The research used four longitudinal datasets and found that class identity decreased on average following the recession, even years after the market crash.
Housing displacement, employment disruption, and mental health after the 2023 Maui wildfires
The study found that wildfire exposure and its socioeconomic consequences were associated with increased psychological distress beyond the burn zone. Integrating mental health care, housing stability, and economic recovery are crucial for disaster response and climate resilience strategies.
China’s economists warn of near-term “firefighting” risks and longer-term debt strains
Economists warn of sudden 'firefighting' risks linked to real estate finance, with potential chain reactions triggering financial instability. Long-term systemic risks, including local government debt sustainability concerns, could have overwhelming effects, prompting proposed reforms to address these challenges.
Good Samaritan or Bad: Research supports a more nuanced view of IMF reforms
Research supports a nuanced view of IMF reforms, finding them welcome in autocracies but contentious in democracies. The study suggests IMF programs can align national economic policy with domestic preferences, with implications for global economic governance.
As a whole, LGB+ workers in the NHS do not experience pay gaps compared to their heterosexual colleagues
A study published in PLOS found that LGB+ workers in the NHS do not experience pay gaps compared to their heterosexual colleagues. However, those who have disclosed their sexual identity tend to receive higher pay, while those who have not disclosed are at risk of a pay penalty.
How well are international guidelines followed for certain medications for high-risk pregnancies?
A study found that international guidelines for preterm delivery are often not followed, leading to varying levels of exposure to life-saving medications. In high-income countries, there were significant discrepancies in the use of these treatments.
Access to safe water fails in the face of extreme heat, even in wealthy cities
A recent study highlights the link between water security and adaptability of homes in urban centers of the Global North to extreme heat. Household water security is not universal, even in the wealthiest cities, forcing vulnerable households to limit their water consumption, compromising their ability to adapt to extreme heat.
People’s gut bacteria worse in areas with higher social deprivation
Research found that people living in deprived areas have less diverse gut microbiomes, leading to increased inflammation and poorer metabolic health. The study identified 12 bacterial species associated with deprivation, including those negatively linked to anxiety and diabetes.
Access to dialysis facilities in socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged communities
The study found that increased community disadvantage leads to fewer options for receiving hemodialysis and more likelihood of living without nearby dialysis facilities. Patients with end-stage kidney disease in these areas have limited access to essential care services.
A shift from the sandlot to the travel team for youth sports
Researchers found that youths born in the 1990s spent more time playing formal sports compared to their peers, with those from higher social class backgrounds dominating these opportunities. This shift away from informal play raises concerns about the costs and benefits of commercialized youth sports.
Transplantation and employment earnings in kidney transplant recipients
A cohort study of 3,230 kidney transplant recipients found that transplantation reverses declining employment income, enabling meaningful economic recovery. The findings highlight the socioeconomic value of transplantation and inform policies to support patients during pretransplant vulnerability.
Neighborhood factors may lead to increased COPD-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations
A new study reveals that neighborhood characteristics, including poverty and lower educational attainment, are associated with higher COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Community-level interventions targeting these risk factors can help improve quality of life and reduce acute care use.
The economic cost of HIV: New study quantifies impact on work and income
The study found that living with HIV leads to a decline in labor market outcomes, including a 4% decrease in employment rates, a 5% reduction in work hours, and an 9% drop in annual earnings. The impact is most pronounced for individuals diagnosed with late-stage HIV.
Almost half of the world’s aquatic environments are severely contaminated by waste
A recent study analyzing 6,049 contamination records revealed that 46% of the world's aquatic environments are classified as 'dirty' or 'extremely dirty'. The most critical contamination cases are found in mangroves, with plastics and cigarette butts accounting for nearly 80% of the waste.
Socioeconomic status and postpartum depression risk by state trigger laws after dobbs
A cohort study found a disproportionate increase in postpartum depression among women and adolescents in low-socioeconomic status communities following state abortion bans. The legislation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for targeted mental health support and policy interventions.
Study finds banning energy disconnections shouldn’t destabilise markets
A new study by RMIT University found that protections in place in Europe can help phase out harmful electricity disconnections without destabilizing power markets. The research highlights the need for evidence-led action to extend disconnection prohibitions and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable consumers.
Landmark FAU/CSU study: More paid time off keeps US workers from quitting
A landmark study by FAU and CSU found that offering six to 10 paid days off significantly lowers resignations, especially for men. Providing 11 or more days reduces quitting rates substantially for both men and women, highlighting the importance of meaningful time away from work.
'Swiftynomics' explores how women power, redefine economy
The book sheds light on the often-ignored contributions of women in economics, highlighting their role as economic agents throughout history. Heggeness shares robust data and anecdotes about women who have thrived economically, from Taylor Swift to unsung heroes like Francis Perkins.
Medicaid expansion and overall mortality among women with breast cancer
A cohort study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act was associated with lower overall mortality among women with breast cancer aged 40-64. The benefits of expanded coverage were uneven, highlighting persistent disparities in healthcare access for certain populations.
Rushing a major strategy announcement can be a mistake for new CEOs
A new study from the University of Notre Dame suggests that new CEOs should balance swift strategic action with caution to avoid analyst scrutiny. Analysts generally prefer a moderate pace, with longer delays seen as a risk, especially in turbulent situations.
Time warp: How marketers express time can affect what consumers buy
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that the way marketers express time can change how people experience the past and future, influencing real consumer decisions. The 'year-length effect' shows that when time is described as a length, people tend to perceive it as longer than when using years.
Diabetes costs the global economy trillions
The study reveals that diabetes poses a significant challenge for healthcare systems and economies worldwide. The economic impact of diabetes is substantial, with an estimated global cost of up to $152 trillion, equivalent to 1.7% of GDP, when informal care is factored in.
Doing good pays off: Environmentally and socially responsible companies drive value and market efficiency
A global study of 2,636 firms across 31 countries found that stronger ESG disclosure and performance correspond to higher intrinsic value. This aligns with theoretical analysis and signaling theory, highlighting the need for companies to communicate substantive progress honestly.
Pocketbook realities reshape Americans’ commitment to democratic ideals
A new study from Northwestern University found that economic insecurity substantially declines support for democratic principles, even among those who claim strong support. The study's findings suggest that messaging focused on abstract democratic ideals may not resonate with voters unless tied to economic concerns.
From addressing uncertainty to national strategy: an interpretation of Professor Lim Siong Guan’s views
Professor Lim Siong Guan shares insights on how to navigate uncertainty in a rapidly changing world by emphasizing the importance of governance, leadership development, and institutional culture. He stresses the need for proactive planning, trust-building, and adaptability in response to unexpected events.
The suspension of the foreign corrupt practices act generated record gains for companies involved in overseas corruption cases
The suspension of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act generated record gains for companies involved in overseas corruption cases. Companies that had been subject to investigations or sanctions under the FCPA collectively gained around $39 billion, with individual companies recording increases in market capitalization of billions of dollars.
Federal EITC has unexpected result, researchers say – it decreases domestic violence
Research found that the federal earned income tax credit decreases rates of intimate partner violence, particularly among low-educated and unmarried women. The study revealed a 9.73% decrease in physical and sexual violence and a 21% decline in counts of such violence.
Online platform algorithmic control and gig workers’ turnover intention in China: The mediating role of relative deprivation
A new study reveals that algorithmic control's three-dimensional functions exert significantly different impacts on gig workers' turnover intention. Behavioral constraints and tracking evaluation exacerbate relative deprivation, while standardized guidance mitigates this effect, directly reducing turnover intention.
Legal sports betting linked to sharp increases in violent crime, study finds
Researchers found significant increases in assaults, larceny, and vehicle theft during and after professional sports games in states with legalized sports betting. Stressful game moments, such as close or tied scores, also contribute to aggressive behavior.
Shinshu University finds no price drop in Fukushima flounder after treated-water discharge
Wholesale prices for Fukushima flounder remained stable despite the August 2023 ALPS-treated water discharge, with no significant price decline found in a comprehensive market modeling study. The research provides reassurance for fisheries stakeholders and informs future policy debates on nuclear-water disposal.
Taxing homes in an economic boom and subsidising them in a crash could prevent the next housing crisis
Researchers argue that taxing housing purchases during economic booms and providing temporary subsidies on housing during recessions could help prevent the next housing crisis. The study found that this approach can lift house prices exactly when the system is at greatest risk, preventing fire sales and severe price collapses.
New FAU research strengthens evidence linking alcohol use to cancer
Research from Florida Atlantic University strengthens evidence that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, particularly for breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. Higher intake and specific groups, such as African Americans and those with obesity or diabetes, are found to be more vulnerable to the risks.
New research links health impacts related to 'forever chemicals' to billions in economic losses
A University of Arizona-led study finds that PFAS contamination in drinking water costs the US at least $8 billion annually in social costs, with negative impacts on infant health and long-term economic benefits from cleanup and regulation.
Subnational income inequality revealed: Regional successes may hold key to addressing widening gap globally
A new study visualizes three decades of income inequality data, revealing worsening trends for half the world's population but also 'bright spots' where policy is closing the gap. Regional efforts in countries like India, China, and Brazil show promise in addressing disparities.
Australia’s middle-aged are the engine room of the nation but many risk burnout: Report
Middle-aged Australians are experiencing mounting pressures as they balance work, family, and financial demands, leading to declining life satisfaction and increased stress. Women face sharper declines in wellbeing due to unpaid care and time stress, with one in ten caring for both children and ageing parents.
Why top firms paradoxically fire good workers
Top firms paradoxically fire good workers to maintain reputation and boost profits. Workers accept lower pay temporarily to signal elite status, while those who stay earn higher fees directly from clients. The firm's strategic underpayment of better workers increases profits by creating a stable equilibrium.
Study: Disadvantaged neighborhoods face barriers to access cultural institutions
A new study found that less educated and lower-income neighborhoods are consistently farther away from cultural institutions, such as elite universities and museums. The researchers measured straight-line distances and expected travel times between neighborhoods and eight amenities of cultural capital to quantify the geographic barriers.
A public health strategy with teeth could be a magic bullet for UK government
A new study by Bayes Business School suggests that health inequalities are triggering multiple policy and finance challenges for the UK government. The paper warns that without a major drive to deter unhealthy lifestyles, health inequalities will continue to soar, exacerbating economic and social pressures.
Fair fare
A 7-week randomized controlled trial found that a train fare subsidy program significantly increased daily walking steps among prime-aged adults by 711.43 steps/day for those subsidized with 1000 points. However, middle-aged and older adults did not experience significant increases in step count.
Omega-3 deficit linked to ADHD symptoms in Palestinian adolescents
A new study found a significant link between omega-3 intake and ADHD symptoms among Palestinian adolescents. Lower omega-3 consumption was associated with higher ADHD symptom scores, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting cognitive health.