Articles tagged with Social Change
People with a stronger global sense of place are more likely to accept that climate change is caused by human activities and perceive it as an opportunity for society, rather than a threat. This study, led by the University of Exeter, found a significant link between global place attachments and climate change attitudes.
A UCLA-Columbia study found that direct conversations with individuals affected by an issue can build lasting support, as seen in a conversation about gay marriage. The study also showed that the effect can spill over to friends and family members, leading to sustained increases in support.
A new study from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute reveals that disruptions in child care negatively affect children's social development as early as age 4. However, the effects of child care instability are not unduly large, and some types of instability appear to have no negative impact on children.
A study by Purdue and Iowa State universities surveyed 6,795 people in the agricultural sector, revealing a significant divide between scientists and farmers on climate change causes. More than 90% of scientists attributed climate change to human activities, while 66% of corn producers blamed natural shifts in the environment.
A new study by Jonathan Marc Bearak reveals that the odds of unprotected intercourse in college hookups increase dramatically between freshman and senior year. The research suggests that lower socioeconomic students initially prioritize condom use but eventually adopt similar rates as their more advantaged peers.
Researchers at the University of Manchester argue that environmental scientists should provide more practical solutions to climate change, but recognize the need for a broader skill-set. They suggest integrating social science and humanities to enrich public debates about responding to environmental change.
A new study by University of Vermont scientists predicts increased precipitation and temperature in the Lake Champlain region, leading to more extreme weather events and potential flooding. The forecast suggests a rise in average temperatures by mid-century, with some ski resorts experiencing a 50% decline in annual snowfall.
A study from the University of Kansas found that people can accurately detect personality traits through Facebook activity. However, recent changes to the social media site may be making it harder to do so, particularly with the introduction of algorithms that prioritize recent posts and limit views of friends' activities.
High CO2 levels, projected to double by the end of the century, impair fish's ability to recognize school-mates. Fish reared under elevated CO2 conditions showed no preference for familiar or unfamiliar schools.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist found that younger evangelical Protestants are closing the social-class gap with mainline Protestants. Younger working-class Americans are increasingly unaffiliated with any particular denomination, a shift that could impact conservative Christian groups' role in U.S. society and politics.
Research by Chong Oh found that Twitter activity has a direct positive effect on movie attendance and online word-of-mouth chatter. Engaging with followers on social media increases the likelihood of higher box office performance.
Researchers found that people's private opinions are influenced by group norms, but this effect only lasts for three days. The study controlled for methodological issues and suggests a neurological explanation for the short-lived impact of social influence.
The EU's unilateral leadership in reducing greenhouse gases can limit the 2-degree target overshoot to 0.2-0.4°C, with lower costs for late-comers who delay action but face higher transitional challenges once they decarbonize. Carbon leakage is estimated to be small.
Researchers found a strong relationship between vulnerability to food shortages before a climate shock and its impact. They used long-term archaeological data to understand changing dynamics in the North Atlantic Islands and US Southwest.
A Dartmouth study finds that communal acequias in the US Southwest are struggling due to reduced snowmelt and socio-economic pressures. The decline reflects changes worldwide where isolated communities integrate into larger economies, altering traditional water management systems.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that rapid improvements in depression symptoms during PTSD treatments are associated with better outcomes. Negative social support from family or friends was also linked to worsening depression symptoms, while transient spikes did not negatively impact treatment progress.
Researchers found that homosexual youth found comfort in messages supporting them and advocating for social change, with such messages being more comforting than those focused solely on social connection. The study highlights the importance of intergroup communication and its impact on targets of prejudice.
Research by Thanh-Lan Gluckman reveals that plumage patterning is labile in both males and females, with changes driven by environmental factors and signalling functions. The study challenges traditional views on sexual dimorphism, suggesting multiple types of dimorphism and adaptations to social and environmental conditions.
In experiments, chimpanzees showed flexibility in their behavior when maximizing rewards, but not when conforming to a majority. The study suggests that chimpanzees prefer persevering with successful strategies over adopting the equally effective strategy of the majority.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered that chameleons change colors to convey important information during social interactions, such as territory disputes and mating. The study found that the intensity and speed of color changes can predict which chameleon will win a fight or approach an opponent.
New York University College of Nursing has introduced an undergraduate honors elective in social entrepreneurship that connects the nursing profession to its roots of social innovation and action for change. Students develop essential tools with non-profit agencies serving homeless individuals, at-risk seniors, and pre-school children.
New research from a global consortium finds that current pledges for greenhouse gas emission reductions are insufficient, putting climate targets beyond reach. The study suggests that adherence to pledges would result in higher emissions than necessary to meet the 2°C target, limiting mitigation options and increasing costs.
Researchers found that publicly observable initial acts of support lead to less subsequent engagement, while private acts stimulate a deeper connection with the cause. Nonprofits can increase token campaign effectiveness by making them relatively private or highlighting value similarity.
Liberals tend to underestimate agreement within their own group, while conservatives overestimate it, leading to different social change outcomes. This is driven by participants' desire for uniqueness and inaccurate perceptions of in-group consensus.
A study by researchers from The University of Akron found that increased spirituality in teens undergoing substance abuse treatment is linked to greater likelihood of abstinence, positive social behaviors, and reduced narcissism. This shift was strongest among teens who reported a spiritual identity at discharge.
A new study predicts that climate change will significantly impact the world's oceans by 2100, affecting marine habitats and organisms. The study reveals that no corner of the ocean will be untouched by changes in temperature, acidification, oxygen depletion, and productivity, with massive disruptions to food chains, fishing, and tourism.
Climate change will have far-reaching consequences for the world's oceans, affecting marine habitats and organisms, as well as human societies that depend on them. The study warns of massive disruptions to food chains, fishing, and tourism, with up to 870 million people relying on ocean goods and services.
The study found that areas in the tropics will experience unprecedented climates first, with a radically different climate projected by 2047 under a business-as-usual scenario. Conservation planning could be undermined as protected areas face unprecedented climates, and rapid changes may lead to extinctions.
Researchers conclude that indigenous peoples' ecological knowledge is crucial for developing scientific solutions to climate change. By rethinking colonialism and embracing tribal expertise, the US can harness effective adaptation strategies.
The Change AGEnts Initiative aims to create change in healthcare practice that improves the health of older adults. The project, funded by a $5 million grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation, brings together researchers, clinicians, and health system leaders to develop and implement evidence-based models.
During the Last Glacial Maximum, extreme climate change led to massive changes in Australia's landscape and human populations. Aboriginal communities contracted into localized 'refuges' with reliable water and food supplies.
A pilot study found that comprehensive lifestyle changes increased telomere length by an average of 10%, while control group telomeres decreased by 3%. The study suggests that such lifestyle changes may significantly reduce the risk of diseases and premature mortality.
A new study finds that climate change affects poor fishing communities differently based on social and environmental characteristics, requiring tailored management approaches. Communities with diverse livelihoods and strong social networks are more resilient to climate-related pressures.
A study found that active television viewing is linked to accelerated language change in Glasgow, using specific features of London English. The authors recommend further research on social interaction's role in influencing language change.
Researchers found that spouses tend to have similar levels of retirement planning, which can lead to more success and less stress when leaving the workforce. Couples can make retirement a more positive experience by preplanning and discussing their expectations with each other.
A new study finds that better-educated middle-aged Americans are more inclined to make healthy behavior changes in response to new medical conditions. The research reveals significant differences in health habits between education levels, with college graduates more likely to quit smoking and engage in physical activity.
A UCLA analysis of over 1.5 million books shows how cultural values have changed, revealing individualism and materialistic values on the rise.
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System faces increasing climate-related stressors, threatening coastal ecosystems and human communities. Climate sensitivity was highest in southern East Coast reserves, which provide ideal locations to assess climate change impacts.
New research suggests that jealousy can prompt people to change how they view themselves relative to competitors for their partners' attention. In studies, participants rated themselves as having personal attributes more like the perceived romantic rival than before.
A recent study found that people with negative feelings towards climate change actively seek out more information, while those with positive emotions tend to avoid it. The researchers suggest that improving risk communication about climate change could benefit from approaches such as arousing curiosity and promoting optimism.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that physicians' word choices significantly impact families' decisions about end-of-life care, particularly the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The study suggests a change in terminology from 'DNR' to 'allow natural death' can lead to a 10% decrease in CPR choice.
The book reveals how science, socio-political, cultural, and biological factors have shaped our understanding of stress since the late nineteenth century. Professor Mark Jackson's work highlights the link between stress and disease, tracing it back to Hungarian scientist Hans Selye's theories.
Research highlights the significant impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on sexuality, including cognitive deficits, medical issues, and relationship changes. Rehabilitation strategies are crucial to address these challenges and improve sexual functioning in TBI survivors.
A study of over 800,000 painted ceramic and 4,800 obsidian artifacts reveals dramatic changes in social networks over a 250-year period in the late pre-Hispanic Southwest. Researchers found that people maintained surprisingly long-distance relationships despite physical distances, using walking as their only mode of transportation.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame examines the impact of bridal registries on traditional wedding rituals and gift-giving practices. The research reveals that these registries have become a lucrative industry, with $19 billion in gifts purchased by invited guests in 2010.
A Stanford ecologist is using social media data to estimate the number of user-days for locations around the world, illuminating where people go and how visitation rates change. This approach can predict changes in recreational value after environmental changes, providing a novel solution to expensive empirical data requirements.
Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding how social and personal norms are influenced by behavior to promote long-term environmental changes. The authors suggest that effective policies can induce changes in norms over time, leading to increased public acceptance of environmental measures.
Climate change is threatening US coastal communities' social, economic, and natural systems, with increased risks of sea-level rise, erosion, storms, and flooding. The report emphasizes the need for coordination and planning to ensure resilience against climate change impacts.
A new study finds sharp differences in school-prayer support between generations and religious denominations. School-prayer support remains lower among Catholics and mainline Protestants compared to evangelical Protestants.
Researchers found that the environment transitioned rapidly between a closed woodland and an open grassland, triggering evolutionary changes. The team used lake sediments and biomarkers to reconstruct the types of vegetation present, revealing a correlation between environmental changes and planetary movement.
New studies discuss the ecology, drivers, and dynamics of zoonoses, highlighting the need for effective collaboration between experts. While there are concerns about predicting zoonotic pandemics, recent advancements in modeling and technology suggest we may be on the verge of improvement.
A new study finds that evangelicals have become more devout since the early 1990s, while Catholics report the lowest proportion of strongly affiliated followers among major American religious traditions. This shift could present challenges for the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in terms of church participation and social support.
Vermilion flycatchers change song lengths in response to urban noise, unlike some other bird species that alter their songs by frequency. This adaptation helps them cope with noisy conditions and improve acoustic communication during breeding season.
A study by University of Illinois professor Amit Kramer reveals that pay satisfaction is a significant factor in determining work-family conflict. The research suggests that even highly compensated employees experience high levels of work-family conflict due to perceived pay inequity among colleagues.
A new study finds that efficient end-use technologies have the potential to contribute large emission reductions and provide higher social returns on investment. However, current innovation efforts are skewed towards energy supply technologies, which may be less effective in mitigating climate change.
The research highlights the need for effective public health leaders to address significant health challenges, citing examples of successful individuals like Jamie Oliver. It suggests that current public health professionals may not be equipped to lead and influence policy, leading to calls for greater leadership training and support.
A recent study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) explores the effectiveness of 'nudge' and 'think' techniques in encouraging citizen participation. The researchers found that nudge techniques, such as doorstep canvassing and public recognition, yielded better results but were not always sustained in the long term.
A new study by University of Chicago and University of Michigan researchers found that the 1996 welfare reform may have made life harder for the very poor, who face multiple barriers to work. The research shows a significant decline in cash assistance for deeply poor families with children, while near poor families receive increased aid.
A new study by the European Respiratory Society found that Christchurch residents increased their tobacco consumption following the 2010 earthquake. The study showed that 28% of non-smokers picked up the habit after the disaster, with many attributing it to anxiety and changes in lifestyle.
A study by Jean Twenge and colleagues found that the use of female pronouns in books increased as women's status rose, particularly after 1968. The analysis revealed a correlation between the frequency of female pronouns and women's educational attainment, labor force participation, and delayed marriage.