Articles tagged with Social Change
A physics-inspired model suggests that spending above $1.8 million in US House races leads to increased polarization without changing the election outcome. Below this threshold, social dynamics shape outcomes, while higher spending only deepens polarization.
A new study by Bernard Capp reveals that refusing to doff one's hat was a potent act of political defiance during the civil war era, with elite men both adopting and resisting the practice. In contrast, an 18th-century Englishman's hat remained a powerful symbol of personal protection.
A decade-long analysis reveals a significant gap in solo female Irish artists reaching number one on charts, but data-driven intervention has led to a shift in Brit Awards nominations. The study highlights the impact of commercial mechanisms like airplay on public recognition and industry trends.
A new approach for welfare states updates policies to prioritize social investments and effectiveness, combining theoretical contributions and comparative studies. The approach aims to generate long-term benefits for individuals and society, with a focus on targeted solutions and systematic monitoring.
A new University of Michigan study found that Asian American Olympians Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu were subjected to
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.
A growing trend in Holocaust commemoration worldwide is the establishment of museums and exhibitions honoring the Righteous Among the Nations, heroes who risked their lives to save Jews from extermination. These initiatives aim to preserve Jewish heritage, commemorate the memory of the Holocaust, and combat racism and antisemitism.
A study by City St George's criminologist Dr Tony Karas found that social media, particularly YouTube, was crucial in the radicalization process for 40 PA activists. The platform's autoplay function nudged them towards more extreme content, often with ethnonationalist views.
A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.
Next Steps: Rebuilding Indigenous Law is a new research initiative that empowers Indigenous communities to renew and rebuild their own legal systems. The project, supported by a $10 million investment, aims to rebuild entire Indigenous legal orders and revitalize traditional legal traditions.
A study by the University of Kansas found that Kansas City's zero-fare bus policy attracted 17% of respondents who started using bus service, particularly among younger people and white residents. The policy also increased overall bus use, with new users without vehicle access making more trips per week than those with access.
The world has reached its first climate tipping point, with warm-water coral reefs passing their thermal limit and widespread dieback taking place. Global warming is set to breach 1.5°C, posing devastating risks for people and nature.
A new study by University of East Anglia finds that housing associations are more effective than government work programmes at helping the long-term unemployed in deprived areas. The research suggests a person-centred approach with strength-based and long-term support is key to success.
A new study by the International Center for Journalists and US universities found that Trump was the main source and distributor of disinformation in ethnic and Indigenous press in the US. The research also linked the prevalence of political disinformation to a decline in trust in the news and an increase in violence against journalists.
A new research project found that a global sponsorship programme would improve perceptions of refugees in the UK, providing equal rights and entitlements. The existing three main schemes, Community Sponsorship, Homes for Ukraine, and Communities for Afghans, have shown success despite disparities in scale and approach.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been recognized for its successful initiatives promoting cultural humility and community connections. The First 5 Minutes: Cultural Humility training modules equip healthcare providers with tools to foster respect and empathy in patient interactions.
A new study published in Strategic Management Journal explores how entertainment agencies affect K-pop idol groups' concept categories. Researchers found that high-status producers are more likely to experiment with radical changes, while mid-status producers tend to follow market trends.
A German researcher is investigating Chinese fantasy fiction's role in shaping cultural identity, historical images, and visions of the future. She aims to develop a theory of Chinese fantasy as a mirror of social transformation and create a digital encyclopaedia of contemporary Chinese fantasy.
A new analysis of the gender pay gap in the UK reveals that women in wealthier households earn 25% less than men, while those in poorer households experience a smaller 4% gap. The study highlights the importance of addressing societal penalties for being female and improving job quality to reduce the pay gap.
Researchers call for global hunt to identify 'positive tipping points' that can trigger rapid reductions in emissions and environmental harm. Experts believe a method to find these points can help accelerate the green transition.
A global study of over 100,000 young people found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poor mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood. The study found correlations between early smartphone ownership and symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, and low self-worth.
A new study reveals the personal diaries of teenage boys in Stalin's Russia, offering insights into their daily lives, family struggles, and experiences under Soviet rule. The diaries, written between 1930 and 1941, provide a unique perspective on life during this tumultuous period.
A new study found that teen drivers spend an average of 21.1% of each trip viewing their mobile behind the wheel, with entertainment being the most common distraction. The study also revealed that many young drivers believe they can withstand the pressure to drive distracted and perceive a social norm of the behavior.
Researchers found that public universities in conservative states adjusted their policy decisions and justification frames to reduce backlash. In contrast, institutions in more progressive states often cited social justice arguments and framed their decisions around fairness and inclusion. These findings offer valuable lessons on how o...
Researchers have found that puberty triggers significant changes in brain connectivity patterns in individuals with a rare genetic disorder tied to autism. The study suggests that synaptic dysfunction during development may contribute to the condition's behavioral challenges.
A large-scale program in Turkey reduced disciplinary problems and improved academic achievement among disadvantaged middle school students. The program's success was attributed to buy-in from challenging adolescents who crave status and social recognition.
Researchers found significant decreases in self-reported bias against stigmatized groups, including age, race, body weight, skin tone, and sexual orientation. However, implicit bias trends varied across countries, with some seeing improvements while others experienced increases or stability.
Researchers from Vietnam, USA, Canada and Germany will discuss decolonization, cultural perspectives and daily lives under financial logic. The event features talks, readings and a panel discussion with renowned authors and artists.
A literature review study examines changes in research approaches regarding international students' emotional intercultural adjustment over the past three decades. The findings suggest a shift towards acknowledging and embracing the dialectics and sociocultural complexities of emotional adjustment.
A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that middle-class white-collar offenders face unique challenges during reentry into society, including stigma, anxiety, and fear of public exposure. Despite these challenges, they tend to secure employment and stable housing more easily than non-white-collar offenders.
Researchers found that digital games effective in reducing drinking, smoking, and illicit drug use among adolescents when personalized to individual players, had social components, and included content encouraging behavior change.
A study published in Royal Society Open Science highlights the naturalness of seasonal time change and challenges modern criticisms. The authors suggest that changing the clocks aligns human activity with sunrise and improves mental health. They propose a new start date for clocks, taking into account physiological and social foundations.
Research from the University of Kansas found that social media did not bridge gaps between feminist groups and traditional Algerian thought, instead promoting violence and oppression. Despite having common goals, women faced misogyny and marginalization online.
Wealthy individuals, despite being major contributors to global emissions, possess three positive climate capabilities: investing in green technologies, knowledge about climate change, and social influence. Researchers suggest harnessing their potential to accelerate the UK's transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
The UK's labour market is shifting towards valuing practical skills and industry-specific know-how over traditional university education for AI professionals. According to the new Oxford study, skills proficiency commands a significant wage premium compared to higher education degrees.
A new analysis of social media posts reveals that public support for solar energy remains high, but has become increasingly polarized. The study found that attitudes toward solar energy are largely being driven by politics, with significant differences in support across regions and states.
A comprehensive analysis of Bluesky reveals its structure, polarization, and political leanings. The platform's users, particularly those from X (formerly Twitter), exhibit left-leaning tendencies, as evident in the majority of shared links and content. The study also highlights how Bluesky diverges on the Israel-Palestine conflict topic.
Understanding how dominance and tribal instincts fuel division is critical to addressing global conflicts and economic inequality. Professor Jorge A. Colombo argues that fundamental behavioural drives are hardwired into our species and continue to shape human behaviour today.
A new analysis found a 50% higher rate of hate speech on X after Elon Musk purchased the platform, with bot accounts remaining unchanged. The study contradicts previous claims of reduced hate speech and bot activity on X.
Researchers will examine archival research, media content, and conduct interviews with series creators and experts to understand the show's influence on science education. The project aims to explore how 'The Magic School Bus' worked creatively, educationally, and financially.
Climate change advocate Kelley T. Lê argues that schools are crucial in mobilizing a global response to the climate crisis. Her new book provides practical tools to equip teachers with the knowledge to teach climate science and inspire students to take action.
A study analyzed police data in Atlantic City, NJ before and after the start of the pandemic, finding a temporary reduction in dispatched calls for mental health services. Police-initiated contact also decreased slightly after restrictions began, but no long-term trend was found.
The new book, 'Peace by Peace: Risking Public Action, Creating Social Change,' tells the stories of ordinary individuals who took small steps to make big changes in their local communities. Drift, a feeling of detachment and disconnection, is identified as a major challenge, but practical wisdom is proposed as a tool to counteract it.
Researchers found a 28% decline in social acceptability of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, with attitudes changing after tax increases and media attention. The shift in social norms has major implications for public health efforts.
A review paper suggests that MDMA-assisted therapy can benefit military personnel with traumatic brain injuries, improving emotional and cognitive challenges. The drug may facilitate social connections, increased self-esteem, and neural plasticity, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Residents of Senboku New Town in Japan transformed vacant buildings into supportive housing, community restaurants, and group homes to address aging population challenges. The Senboku Hottokenai Network Project showcases the importance of community-led co-creation in creating Healthy New Towns.
Research reveals UK households are 'wishcycling' instead of recycling due to confusing product labels and differing recycling facilities. The study recommends standardization of bin collection services and uniform labelling to make recycling more effective for consumers.
The We-ID project aims to understand the conditions for resilient democratic communities and develop practical recommendations for local stakeholders. Researchers will analyze the effects of migration on host communities and explore strategies to utilize the potential of a diverse population.
A new study suggests that the study of Arab tribes should not be abandoned due to their ongoing relevance in daily life. The term 'tribe' has been discredited by researchers but holds resonance for many citizens in the Arab world.
A new study provides a clear definition of late-life homelessness, which is shaped by age-based structures, social relations, and intersecting forms of oppression. The researchers argue that policy makers and professionals need a comprehensive understanding of this issue to effectively address it.
A pilot study by NCCN Cancer Center demonstrates the usability of HERC in advancing equitable cancer care delivery, with all participating sites strongly agreeing on its applicability. The tool features 19 practice evaluation and change recommendations to address disparity and bias in care delivery.
A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid reveals that indirect social connections have a significant impact on the adoption of innovations, influencing about two-thirds and one-third of direct contacts for the second and third circles of influence, respectively.
The publication of the Malleus maleficarum in 1487 played a crucial role in spreading persecution across Europe, with each new edition leading to an increase in witch trials. Social influence, particularly from neighboring cities, also contributed to the spread of witch-hunting practices.
Researchers argue that stigma can play a huge role in health outcomes, leading to disengagement from care, coerced sterilization, and lack of informed choices. Addressing stigma through evidence-based approaches, such as staff training and relationship building, can improve healthcare services.
A study by University of Cambridge historian Emily Rhodes found that 17th-century foster carers were entitled to payment from the parish and had significant authority over the authorities. They often accused local authorities of mismanagement and dishonesty, leading to increased funding for their care.
Researchers found that people perceive immigration growth rates as larger when presented in a non-numerical format, such as '1 in 40', compared to numerical formats like '2.5%'. This highlights the importance of clear and accurate communication when discussing sensitive topics.
A new INSEAD study finds that the #MeToo movement led to a significant decrease in demand for high-heeled shoes and stockouts of stereotypically feminine products. The researchers surveyed over 1,000 women in the US and found a rebellion against traditional gender stereotypes drove this shift.
A new study by economists at the University of Zurich finds that engaging in public discourse increases socially responsible market behavior regardless of participants' social norms and values. The researchers conducted three lab experiments with over 2,500 participants and observed a significant increase in trade with fair products wh...
A study reveals that shrinking Japanese cities are often medium-sized or small, and that urban policies should be tailored to their specific needs. The research found correlations between population changes and social, economic, and urban-planning factors in cities of varying sizes.
A team of researchers from UMass Amherst debunks the idea that Facebook's algorithms successfully filtered out untrustworthy news during the 2020 election. The study found that temporary changes to the algorithm were not accounted for, leading to misperceptions about the platform's reliability.