Articles tagged with Social Change
A new study by EPFL researchers finds that stress during early adolescence leads to increased body fat and reduced sociability in males, but not females. The researchers identified a biological link between stress-induced fat gain and impaired brain function, specifically the NAD+/Sirtuin-1 pathway.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals in England reduced their social contacts by up to 75% during the most restrictive lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduction in contact was maintained throughout the year, with people only reaching 50% of pre-pandemic levels during less stringent policies.
Glenn Stone's analysis reveals how precision agriculture tools, such as detailed soil mapping and autonomous vehicles, can erode peasants' ability to self-manage their communities. Small farmers may face a paradigm shift in lifestyle and subsistence, with increased dependencies on external commercial services.
A special issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines the effects of the George Floyd protests on the criminal justice system. Studies focus on policy changes, police institutional change, and public attitudes surrounding defunding the police.
Researchers explore the intersection of technology, social sciences, and narratives to combat disinformation. Experts discuss how technical solutions can be coupled with social interventions to effectively address the issue.
This study examines the care conundrum at the intersection of class, access, and health, focusing on kin networks and their impact on children in industrialized nations. The researcher argues that the narrative around choice and maternal investment is false, as parents face significant constraints due to identity and class.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated humanity's transition to a new technological stage, particularly in fields like medicine, biotech, and robotics. This shift is expected to bring about significant socio-political changes, including the development of an e-state and the increasing role of sociotechnical systems in managing society.
A vision for a net-zero Germany in 2050 emphasizes the need for rapid adaptation of the energy system to renewables, as well as technological measures for active CO2 removal and natural sink enhancement. Implementing these measures requires legal, political, economic, and social frameworks.
A VA research team found increased risks of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, in individuals who had COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed medical records of nearly 154,000 patients with COVID-19 and compared them to over 11 million people without COVID-19.
A new study by the University of Southampton finds that skilled overseas workers with families face a higher risk of poverty than UK workers and their net incomes are lower under the UK's points-based immigration system. The researchers warn that this could make the UK less attractive for overseas workers who could fill skills gaps.
A study analyzing over 1 million Swedish Tweets found scant evidence for significant polarization on immigration topics, even after the 2015 refugee crisis. The researchers discovered a shift in sentiment towards more negative tones and fewer neutral tweets after the crisis.
Research finds climate extremes contribute to increased environmental concern and support for Green parties across Europe, with regional differences affecting responses. Economic and demographic factors also play a role in shaping public attitudes towards climate change.
A recent study from the University of Kansas found that college students' self-reported attitudes towards sex on dates do not match their actual behavior. When men initiated dates, sex was more restricted than when women asked for a date. In contrast, female-initiated dates saw genital contact occurring on 63% of occasions, while tradi...
Research from the University of Sheffield and University of Glasgow found that lockdown restrictions led to an increase in drinking at home, particularly among those living alone. The study suggests that these new habits should be closely monitored as restrictions ease, with potential long-term consequences for health.
The Lancet Commission warns of the overmedicalization of death, highlighting vast inequities in palliative care access and high end-of-life medical costs. The commission advocates for a balanced approach, integrating communities and families with health and social care services to provide compassionate care.
A new report warns that current pathways to net zero climate targets in the UK are flawed and may lead to losses in biodiversity, human wellbeing, and cultural knowledge. The study recommends a more inclusive approach to landscape management, involving experts from diverse fields, to achieve sustainable futures.
A study found a significant decrease in social salience of climate change during the COVID-19 pandemic's first wave. Facebook shares and reshares revealed a notable dip in climate change attention.
A study by sociologist Dr. Ansgar Hudde found that city dwellers with high education levels cycle significantly more than those living in rural areas, with a strong correlation between education level and bicycle mobility. This trend is attributed to the perceived status and health benefits associated with cycling.
A new position paper argues that healthful foods for children are the same as those for adults, with age-appropriate adjustments in texture and portion size. Nutrition educators play key roles in shifting consumer demand and social norms to promote healthy food choices.
A longitudinal study of male prisoners' religious beliefs found that stable or increasing religiosity did not improve reentry-related outcomes. In fact, many men with decreasing religious beliefs struggled to reintegrate into society due to structural barriers and substance use.
An analysis of data from 16 US states reveals a major increase in wine and spirit sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by changes in the relationship between alcohol sales and business visits. Sales of spirits and wine increased by as much as 20-40% in some states, while beer sales declined overall.
A 10,000-year-old female infant was buried with beads and pendants, indicating recognition of her as a full person in her society. The discovery provides insight into the early Mesolithic period and challenges previous assumptions about funerary practices during this time.
A new analysis of public opinion data found that Americans' attitudes and behaviors have become more liberal overall in the past 50 years, particularly on issues like gay rights and civil liberties. However, views on polarizing issues such as abortion, guns, and taxes remain unchanged.
A new study analyzing 136 ancient Iberian genomes uncovers a genetic mix of local Chalcolithic ancestry and incoming steppe-related ancestry, with additional signals from the Mediterranean and Asia. The data suggests a structured social organization and early state-like formations during the Copper Age to Bronze Age transition.
A new study found that unique names increased in Japan between 2004 and 2018, with a greater rate of change for girls than boys. This suggests that parents increasingly valued their daughters' uniqueness and independence, highlighting sex differences in sociocultural changes.
A new study suggests that UK plant-based alternative food consumption has nearly doubled over the past decade, with younger generations and women being more likely to adopt this diet. The research found that plant-based milks were the most popular among the UK population, followed by vegan sausages and vegetable burgers.
Research by Binghamton University economists found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a significant improvement in air quality for minority neighborhoods in rural New York, narrowing the existing gap with majority white neighborhoods. The study suggests stronger regulation can improve air quality in polluted areas.
Researchers found that nearly 75% of pregnant women with stretch marks reported moderate to prominent embarrassment, which impacted their social activities, self-esteem, and clothing choices. The study highlights the need for open discussions about stretch marks to normalize them and identify potential mental health issues.
Women face unique socioeconomic barriers that set back their cardiovascular health early in life, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. These disparities can be mitigated through policy changes, community support, and diversification within the cardiology workforce.
Participants preferred policies that used incentives to encourage eco-friendly choices, particularly when they targeted businesses. In contrast, policies that focused on energy alternatives and used incentives were also supported. The researchers found that policy support was influenced by the type of change targeted, who was targeted,...
A study by NYU researchers reveals that participating in arts programming enhances critical consciousness among youth of color and white youth alike, promoting greater awareness of social inequity. This breakthrough finding highlights the significance of arts programming as a site for developing critical consciousness.
A Harvard University study estimates Americans perform about 30 minutes less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily compared to 200 years ago. The decline is attributed to technology, with researchers using historical body temperature records as a 'thermometer' of population-level physical activity.
A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.
A new study found that most people maintain their pre-retirement level of social support after retirement, with women and those with high social support experiencing an improvement in mental wellbeing. The research also shows an increase in life satisfaction for couples where either the man or woman retired.
The study will assess the impact of environmental and economic interventions on health and well-being in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Researchers will enroll 720 adults, half receiving the proposed interventions, and evaluate their overall health and wellbeing, as well as violent crime rates.
A recent study found that HPV vaccine hesitancy has either stabilized or increased in some ethnic and age groups, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns to encourage hesitant families. The study also identified several reasons why parents hesitate to vaccinate their children with the HPV vaccine.
An agent-based study found that a committed minority can influence the majority to overturn long-standing practices. The researchers created an online game where participants voted on a product launch, with a small group of 'activists' able to sway the majority. The study's findings may help stimulate sustainable behavior.
A new study of 51,000 UK adults found that COVID-19 lockdowns had differential impacts on people's income, time use, and subjective well-being based on their gender, ethnicity, and educational level. The study suggests that these inequalities may persist even after lockdown restrictions eased.
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in encouraging COVID-19 vaccination by understanding individuals' thoughts and feelings about vaccination. The study highlights the importance of social experiences and direct behavior change opportunities for effective vaccination promotion.
Comparative survey data from over 25,000 respondents highlights workers' concerns about technology-related job risks and expectations for funding for training and continuing education. Governments are advised to take a balanced policy approach, investing in social investment and social transfer measures.
A new algorithmic approach predicts strong leaders by analyzing shared traits and attributes associated with effective leadership. The study identifies liberators and explorers as the most effective leaders, while media celebrities are seen as lacking in leadership qualities.
Rising temperatures are projected to decrease outdoor recreation during summers by 18% over the next 30 years, but increase winter recreation by 12% in mid-century. This shift may lead to a decline in popular winter sports like downhill skiing and an increase in winter mountain biking.
A new study found that Republican control of state legislatures is associated with increased infant mortality rates, especially among Black infants. The research suggests that the party's influence on social determinants of health, such as safety-net programs and minimum wage, contributes to these disparities.
A new study analyzes millions of Twitter posts during three major hurricanes to develop a method for measuring social cohesion. The researchers found that monitoring social media chatter can help decision makers understand how communities communicate during disasters and identify areas for improvement.
Research from Lancaster University finds that low-earning and high-earning women are taking more control of their finances, with high-earning women 'going solo' in money management. Meanwhile, low-earning women are seeing a relaxation of male control over household finances.
A new study found that the public generally opposes repressive policing of protesters, but certain tactics by protesters increase fear and support for police repression. The goals of protests also impact support for police repression, with racially resentful individuals more supportive of repression.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that first-year college students reported decreased alcohol use and binge drinking during the pandemic. Social factors such as social distancing and reduced social support were associated with these decreases, while stress-related factors played a lesser role for most students.
A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.
A new study led by Adam Pearson and Jonathon Schuldt found that family values are a stronger predictor of climate opinions and policy support among US Latinos than political views. Familism, or cultural values representing commitment to the family, was the most important predictor, even more so than politics.
A new study published in the Social Bulletin of Psychology found that right-wing authoritarianism is more closely tied to how people acquire positive attitudes than changing them. The researchers suggest that individuals with RWA tend to be more sensitive to negative information, leading them to stick to positive information and avoid ...
A new £40k project at the University of Huddersfield aims to improve diversity in the screen industry by studying social media influencers. The researchers will analyze how these creators use multiple platforms to build their brands and collaborate with legacy media organizations.
A new metric, 'mortality cost of carbon,' quantifies the impact of climate change on human lives. The study finds that current carbon emissions could lead to 83 million excess deaths by 2100, with most fatalities occurring in Africa and South Asia.
Researchers found that individuals born in the mid-1990s were less likely to be classified as an offender compared to those born in the 1980s. Older cohorts were more likely than younger cohorts to have adolescent-limited or chronic arrest trajectories into adulthood.
A study published in Nature Communications found that people with limited connections within a network are most effective at spreading new ideas and behaviors. Targeting small groups on the 'outer edge' of a social network can stimulate shifts in thinking, rather than relying on prominent influencers.
The article discusses how counselors can promote environmental justice during the Anthropocene era. Counselors can use their skills to educate communities on the climate crisis, process environment activists' grief, and advocate for marginalized communities. This framework of environmental justice helps counselors understand the dispro...
Researchers analyzed over 300 bronze objects to map trade networks for copper in Bronze Age Scandinavia. The study found that metal supplying networks and trade routes changed several times during the Nordic Bronze Age.
A field experiment involving 100 students showed that soft smartphone bans can increase efficiency for standard routine tasks, but have no notable impact on more complex tasks. The success of soft bans also depends on employees' perceptions of social norms and freedom of choice.
Researchers urge the study of collective behavior to rise to a 'crisis discipline' due to its impact on global crises like pandemics and climate change. Social media platforms prioritize engagement over accuracy and sustainability, posing significant threats to public health and ecological stability.
The conference focused on resilience, relocation, and climate justice in areas affected by climate change. Key findings highlighted the importance of environmental justice in managed retreat strategies.
A longitudinal study by Harvard sociologist Robert J. Sampson and Ph.D. candidate Roland Neil found that the era in which adolescents came of age significantly influences their chances of arrest, with older cohorts facing nearly double the risk of arrest compared to younger cohorts born in the 1990s.