Articles tagged with Social Change
A group of international scientists transformed a top-down process into one that provides electricity to remote Amazonian communities. The "Inclusive engineering" approach engages with local values and preferences, ensuring the system is maintained by the community.
Researchers created a Facebook-like prototype platform, called Trustnet, where users rate posts as accurate or inaccurate before sharing. This approach showed that people effectively assess misinforming posts and share their assessments with others.
A decades-long effort to lower the US stillbirth rate has stalled, with no progress made in reducing disparities between Black and White women. Despite advances in prenatal care and maternal health, excess stillbirths experienced by Black women have remained unchanged since the mid-2000s.
The INSPIRE project aims to close the gender gap in research careers and promote inclusivity. It will create a sustainable centre of excellence, set the worldwide standard for research on inclusive gender equality, and provide practical support for institutions implementing gender equality plans.
Research suggests that social norms can be harnessed to bring about collective climate action and policy change, but requires deep contextual knowledge to be used effectively. Social norm interventions aim to increase adoption of sustainable behaviors, while social-tipping interventions disrupt unsustainable norms.
A decades-long study found that cash changed the Ju/’hoansi economy, allowing individuals to keep their earnings and fill their own needs. The study also revealed a decline in the traditional system of gifting and sharing, which had previously distributed possessions throughout communities.
A Northwestern University study found that physicians may deny care to people with disabilities due to bias and lack of knowledge about accommodations. The study's results suggest a need for changes in medical education and approach to improve accessibility for patients with disabilities.
A new report highlights the importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' knowledge systems to address climate change. The authors argue that these knowledge systems bring alternative ways of understanding and addressing complex global problems, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
A team of scientists studied how relatedness to a social group changes with age in seven mammal species, finding that incentives to help or harm shift depending on the species' social structure and gender. This understanding can explain differences across species and sexes.
A $1 million NIH grant will help MU researchers analyze the effectiveness of a HIPAA-secure text messaging platform in nursing homes. The study aims to improve quality of care and prevent costly hospital transfers by speeding up decision-making.
Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited decreased neuron excitability in the dorsal hippocampus, which may drive social avoidance, while resilient mice showed increased excitability. This difference was linked to changes in stress hormone receptors and HCN1 protein expression.
A recent academic study found that Facebook's introduction at American colleges was associated with a significant worsening in mental health symptoms, particularly depression and anxiety. The study used a novel research method to establish causality between social media use and poor mental health.
A study found that many people with health insurance still struggle with medical debt, which can lead to evictions, foreclosures, and food insecurity. The analysis of survey data suggests a significant association between medical debt and worsening social determinants of health.
Researchers found that mixed-gender coalitions perform better than single-gender groups in advocating for gender equity issues. Adding men to the coalition makes the message appear more legitimate and signals that it matters to a wider range of stakeholders.
A new study analyzing baby names from municipality newsletters found rising trends of individualism in Japan, with unique names increasing from the 1980s to 2018. The research suggests a cultural shift towards greater uniqueness and independence.
A new study suggests that climate anxiety is a significant driver of climate action, particularly among younger people and those with higher generalized anxiety. Media exposure, rather than direct experiences, predicts climate anxiety, which can motivate individuals to make environmentally friendly lifestyle changes.
A new predictive network model estimates how much dissonance people experience when holding conflicting beliefs about a topic. This approach can help determine who will change their minds about contentious scientific issues when presented with evidence-based information.
A West Virginia University researcher highlights the risks of sharing children's information on social media, including consent and privacy issues, as well as increased vulnerability to online predators. The study suggests that parents should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their children's digital footprint.
Visitors to the Illinois Holocaust Museum reported feeling empowered and motivated to address injustice after experiencing exhibits on human rights and anti-racism. The study found that negative emotions triggered by the exhibits can lead to collective positive emotions, inspiring visitors to engage in social activism.
A study published in PLOS One found that using hand signals, such as waving or raising a hand to show empathy, can improve communication and social connection in online meetings. The research team trained participants to use these gestures, which led to better interaction, increased feelings of closeness, and improved learning outcomes.
The 'Aspire' program has shown significant success in providing stable housing and comprehensive supports to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. After three years, 575 participants have found secure housing and are on the path to a better life.
A cooperative-based organization of various stakeholders helps coastal communities develop without increasing pressure on resources, supporting resilience to stock changes. Northern shrimp Indigenous fisheries in eastern Québec demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in fostering community resilience.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.
Research finds that pre-teen children in Singapore associate brilliance with men more than women, with the stereotype strengthening as they grow older. This bias can lead girls to doubt their abilities, limiting their interests and career aspirations.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that ageing female wild red deer on the Isle of Rum in Scotland tend to adopt a life of solitude as they grow older. They interact with fewer other individuals within their home ranges and shift to less populated areas of their habitat.
Research by American Psychological Association finds a small, gradual increase in cooperation across the US since the 1950s, linked to urbanization and societal wealth. The study's findings suggest that increased cooperation may help tackle global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and immigrant crises.
A recent study analyzed volunteer motivations in invasive species projects and found that motivations fit three broad themes: environmental concerns, social motivations, and personal reasons. Volunteers are driven to protect native biodiversity in their valued areas, such as Scottish seabird islands and South African Fynbos.
A study analyzing U.K. residents' activities during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic found significant shifts in time spent on cultural activities, socializing, and traveling. Despite restrictions being lifted, many respondents continued to engage in online activities, highlighting the lasting impact of the pandemic on lifestyle changes.
A study from the University of Kansas found that social support was crucial in predicting good sleep quality among individuals with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted during the pandemic, revealed that tangible and positive social interaction support significantly predicted better sleep quality.
Researchers found that socially isolated bumblebees exhibited an increase in affiliative behavior, unlike expected aggression. The brain development of isolated bees showed similarities with group-reared bees, suggesting controlled chaos in the absence of social environment.
An international research team applied a new dynamical model and exceptional historical data to examine major explanations for cultural complexity evolution. The study found little support for many influential theories, including the transition to agriculture and conflict theories.
Research shows that default options on carbon offsetting websites can lead to faster CO2 compensation, even at higher costs. The study found that as costs increase, the effectiveness of these defaults decreases. This suggests that people are price-sensitive when it comes to high-cost defaults.
This special issue examines how culture influences curriculum, highlighting research on China, Singapore, and the UAE. It discusses topics such as morality development, parental involvement, policy reform, and cultural values in early childhood education.
A Rutgers study finds that race-neutral child-support programs disproportionately harm low-income, non-white families. Fathers with debt report poor health, depression, and material hardship, highlighting the need for more supportive policies.
A commentary in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests using gender-neutral terms to minimize gender bias, while a 'gender-marking' approach can highlight women's success in male-dominated fields. However, this latter approach may reinforce negative stereotypes if used thoughtlessly.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's murder on crime rates in 28 US cities. The study found that homicides and auto thefts increased, while robberies and larcenies declined. The authors suggest that social unrest, economic conditions, and changed police behavior may b...
A new article in BioScience argues that incremental changes are insufficient to address planetary emergencies, and calls for broader system-wide changes to governing interactions between climate, biodiversity, and society. The authors hope their work will inform the setting of biodiversity objectives and targets.
A new 'climate cardiology' specialty is needed to tackle the growing links between climate change and cardiovascular health. Experts warn that the healthcare sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The research highlights the importance of social science in engaging people and societies, ensuring a green transition that promotes wellbeing, equity, and fairness. The study suggests that both profound societal change and technical improvements are needed to meet climate goals.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics explores how genetics influenced an individual's quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research found that some people's genetic tendencies toward better wellbeing became more influential as the pandemic progressed, particularly due to social isolation.
A Cornell-led study found that underestimating people's COVID concerns can have severe consequences, including undermining cooperation and trust. The researchers analyzed over 1 million responses from mid-2020 and discovered significant disparities in concern levels between different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic, Black, and Asian...
A Brazilian study found that inclusion of visually impaired individuals is crucial for effective disaster prevention policy. The research highlighted barriers to their participation and proposed solutions such as smartphone apps and education to mitigate vulnerability to environmental hazards.
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.
A remote Irish community endured a millennium of climate change and ecological shifts without significant disruption, thanks to its adaptable social practices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed peat core data to infer environmental and human occupation changes over 1,000 years.
A recent study by University of Waterloo researchers reveals that Vancouver's commitment to livability does not address its long-standing inequalities. The gentrification of historically working-class and low-income neighborhoods, such as Northeast False Creek and Downtown Eastside, is a major concern.
A University of Gothenburg study found that a single visit to a health coach can deteriorate perceived health in 50-year-olds. After one hour-long session, participants reported worse changes in overall wellbeing, physical and mental health compared to those who received no treatment.
A recent study found that community-based rangeland management projects in Namibia improved resource governance but had limited impact on environmental and economic outcomes. The projects aimed to increase household incomes and improve rangeland conditions through coordinated land use practices, but ultimately failed to achieve signifi...
A new study from the University of Kansas found that effective change agents and realistic timelines are crucial for successful change implementation. The study identified six key organizational change management practices to achieve high adoption of change initiatives in the AEC industry.
Researchers found that favorable local climate change led to chronic warfare in ancient Peru, as neighboring regions experienced droughts and migrants put pressure on the agricultural economy. The study suggests that climate change can harm all populations, either directly or indirectly, through destabilization and refugee crises.
A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.
A study found that the proportion of socially diverse students in European universities increased between 1950-1964 and 2005, but stagnated from 2010 onwards. The research suggests that societal factors such as ethnicity and socio-economic background continue to influence educational outcomes.
People with positive past attitudes and long-term planning skills are less depressed, sleep better, and handle isolation more easily. Those who focus on short-term plans and have negative past attitudes show signs of depression, poor sleep quality, and mental disorders.
A UK study of three birth cohorts found that people born in the 1980s are more likely to move in with a partner later in life and less likely to get married. The study also found that education levels can affect partnership stability, with highly educated individuals being more likely to cohabitate but experiencing shorter relationships.
A new study found associations between older adults' personality traits and their satisfaction with life, income, and leisure after exiting the workforce. Conscientiousness was linked to increased satisfaction with leisure time, while extraversion was associated with lower satisfaction in some cases.
A new study found that 48% of patients with subsidized health care insurance reported one or more social risks, with housing instability being the most prevalent. Patients with social risks were twice as likely to report having poor health, despite being demographically similar to those without social risks.
A study found that 42% of TikTok videos on high blood pressure focused on alternative medicine, while only 5% mentioned exercise. Most creators were not healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for more emphasis on credible sources.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that experiencing racism is stressful for Black youth, while taking action to address racism also contributes to stress. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between racism-related physiological stress and high-risk activism among emerging adults.
The 'Agency for All' project aims to develop social and behavioral research to understand how to promote local voices and agency in health and development programming. The five-year, $38 million grant will fund an international network across Africa, South Asia, and other regions.
A new study surveyed recent theoretical and empirical insights into economic and policy implications of modern infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The survey reveals distinct channels of disease impacts, highlighting the importance of prevention and pandemic preparedness through investments in healthcare systems.
New research found that Black Lives Matter protests led to a surge in online searches for anti-racist terms and topics, with spikes in searches continuing even after the initial protests. The study also showed that these increased search volumes were correlated with higher daily visits to Wikipedia pages on related topics.