Articles tagged with Social Change
Nilabja Guha, a UMass Lowell professor, received a three-year NSF grant to develop statistical tools for analyzing changes in data. The project aims to fill a gap in the analysis of changes in data and will focus on Bayesian change-point analysis.
Researchers found that consumer resistance stems from the disruption of social practices, such as shopping, rather than individual behaviors. To overcome resistance, policy makers should focus on changing these practices, not just individual actions. The study provides a framework for designing practice-based sustainability interventions.
A new study finds that global warming significantly increases the risk of population displacement due to river floods, even when accounting for population growth. The research projects a 110% increase in globally averaged displacement risk by 2100 if climate change is aligned with the Paris Agreement, highlighting the need for rapid ac...
The study found a significant increase in loneliness and a decrease in feelings of friendship during the pandemic. Women reported higher levels of loneliness compared to men, while those with poorer health experienced decreased emotional support.
Research highlights social resilience as key factor in overcoming climate adversity, with aridification sparking development of agriculture and complex social structures. The study shows that population surged around 3,900 to 3,500 years ago due to human adaptations and innovations.
New research finds that social norms and experience with extreme weather events significantly influence professional action on climate change among East African natural resource managers. A study suggests that aligning climate services with social norms could offer a low-hanging fruit for designing more effective interventions.
A Yale-led study found that at least 4% of registered voters in Wisconsin were incorrectly identified as having changed addresses, potentially disenfranchising them. Minority voters were twice as likely to cast ballots using their original address after being flagged as movers.
Researchers found that people's writing styles change when switching between identities, reflecting norms of the relevant group. The ASIA tool kit can assess group identity from writing style, showing promise for mental health studies and policy interventions.
Researchers developed a framework for assessing brand reputation and built a tool to track it in real-time and over time. The tool uses 11 measures, including 'coolness' and 'social responsibility,' to give an in-depth understanding of user feelings towards individual brands.
A recent UK study found that concern about climate change has not decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, public opinion on the severity of climate change showed only slight increases in some areas. This suggests that climate change may now be a permanent part of people's concerns.
In Indian jumping ants, workers duel to establish new leadership after the death of their queen. The winners become pseudoqueens, acquiring new behaviors and roles, and laying eggs, allowing the colony to survive. Changes in gene expression in the brain can accurately predict the winners after just three days of dueling.
A new study by a University at Buffalo researcher challenges the cultural transmission hypothesis suggesting that whales learn their songs from others. Humpback whales' songs are changing in a precise manner, similar to beat-matching in music, contradicting existing research on cultural transmission and social learning.
Scientists discovered that brain activity changes in response to disagreement with group opinion, allowing for future adjustments. The brain retains a 'trace' of past conflicts, influencing future decisions.
Researchers found that maternal immune activation induces sustained changes in fetal microglia motility, contributing to developmental disorders and schizophrenia. Microglial process motility changes remained after birth and were linked to social behavior deficits characteristic of autism spectrum disorders.
In a study of Enga society in Papua New Guinea, restorative justice was found to be the dominant approach, with community members playing a key role in resolving disputes. The village courts prioritize repairing harm and reintegrating wrongdoers into society.
Analysis highlights diverse strategies used to sustain fishing livelihoods in modern era, prioritizing diversity and flexibility. Alternative approaches to management and licensing needed to maintain small-scale fishing operations worldwide.
The article discusses how modeling pandemic infection rates is flawed due to unforeseeable changes in social distancing efforts. Experts argue that plateauing or peaking do not imply predictable future trends. Lockdowns and social distancing reduce infections, but do not cause them to peak.
Research finds significant increase in dengue infections in Thailand due to social distancing, while no change seen in Singapore and Malaysia. The study suggests that reduced human mobility and workplace exposure contribute to the rise in cases.
Researchers found that certain types of nudges, such as social norming and information-based interventions, were more likely to fail. The study suggests that understanding the reasons behind these failures can help develop successful behavioral interventions.
Researchers found that vampire bats with illness associate less with others, spend less time near groupmates, and are less connected to healthy bats. This sickness-induced social distancing reduces transmission rates without requiring cooperation from others.
Researchers studied male chimps over two decades and found that aging males value more positive friendships than younger males. They also socialized more with important partners, despite being more likely to be alone.
A recent study combining climate modeling and fossil records reveals that climate change played a major role in the extinction of past Homo species. Despite technological advancements, these ancient humans were unable to adapt to changing temperatures, leading to their demise.
The new issue of Daedalus explores climate change through personal narratives from scientists, doctors, and social scientists. Witnessing professionals describe their paths into climate-related work and the need to move beyond disciplinary boundaries.
The US Supreme Court's decision allowed proposed changes to take effect, leading to reluctance among immigrants and their families to apply for benefits. Family physicians can provide outreach education, access to primary care, and referrals to legal services to address concerns and support immigrant health.
A Boston College study found that 95% of Massachusetts high schools altered their mission statements between 2001 and 2019, with a focus on students' emotional development, cognitive development, and civic development. The research also showed an increase in career preparation and environmental challenges as school objectives.
Researchers discovered that cooperative species can maximize their fitness at suboptimal temperatures by working together, but this cooperation comes with a cost: increased vulnerability to habitat destruction. The study used the Asian burying beetle as a model organism and found that cooperative groups had an optimal breeding temperat...
A new study demonstrates how species cooperation influences vulnerability to climate change. Some species can maximize their fitness by working together in suboptimal environments, but this also makes them more susceptible to habitat destruction.
A new study found that playing on soccer teams with Muslim players increased tolerance among Christians towards their Muslim teammates in the league, but not beyond. This approach showed promise for rebuilding social ties and promoting coexistence after war.
A recent study found that Muslim teammates improved Christian players' behavior towards their peers in an Iraqi soccer league, but this effect did not generalize to other social contexts. The research highlights the value of intergroup interventions for achieving post-war peace, but also reveals limitations in building lasting social c...
Researchers found NYC residents are 4 times more likely to frequent stores with 6 feet of distancing. The study also revealed a preference for stores with mask-wearing, although this may change in future studies.
Researchers found that households more socially connected to others taking action were more likely to do the same, suggesting a 'like-attracts-like' effect. Household connections with the marine environment also played an important role in determining responses to climate impacts.
The Dementia Friendly Church programme has had a significant impact, improving interactions between church attendees and people with dementia. The project involves making practical changes to church layouts, worship, and hospitality to create 'friendly spaces' for those living with dementia.
A Simon Fraser University professor's research analyzes CSR impact in forestry, mining, and textiles industries, finding few initiatives translate to improvements for local communities. He advocates for global pressure, transparent reporting, and harmonized labels to promote sustainable production and reduce conflicts.
A survey of 604 UK participants found that over 80% experienced changes to their perception of time during the lockdown, with slower passage associated with older age and reduced social satisfaction. The study suggests that significant changes to daily routine can distort our perception of time.
The journal Public Policy & Aging Report highlights how aging is reshaping politics with policy progress and stagnation, changing cultural views on aging. It offers insight into major trends, generational divides, and the impact of aging on the economy.
A USask-led partnership has been awarded $2.5 million to increase climate change education, training, and public awareness globally. The six-year Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Education project will develop a standard set of quality education indicators and train students and policy makers.
The Hugo Observatory in Belgium coordinates the largest Horizon 2020-funded climate change and migration research project, HABITABLE, worth 6.8 million euros. The project explores how climate change affects migration patterns, introducing a new concept of social tipping points.
Researchers have found that Zika virus infection soon after birth can lead to persistent socioemotional, cognitive and motor deficits, as well as abnormalities in brain structure and function. This study provides clues about potential long-term effects of Zika infection on developing brains.
A conference of over 400 scientists highlights the need for transformative change in energy systems and lifestyles to combat climate change. They emphasize the importance of framing sustainability as a shared goal that benefits health and the environment, rather than just addressing climate change alone.
A German modeling study finds that three social distancing interventions led to a decline in COVID-19 cases, with the full effect only visible after a two-week delay. The study's results emphasize the need for policymakers to carefully consider when to lift restrictions to avoid worsening the situation.
Experts advise governments to use segmented, age-, culture- and geography-specific messaging to curb Covid-19 infection spread. Clear, specific guidance and 'protect each other' principles are key to achieving desired outcomes.
Researchers argue that relying on new technologies to address climate change is delaying action, enabling a cycle of 'prevarication' and inadequate policies. The study maps five phases of climate targets, highlighting how technological promises have downplayed urgency and undermined societal commitment.
A new model developed by Arizona State University researcher Adam Lampert suggests that countries should work together to control the spread of harmful species, including diseases like COVID-19. The model indicates that in some cases, a clear division of labor may be necessary, while in others collaboration is more effective.
A new study found that social movements lose popular approval when action is disruptive. Researchers conducted six experiments to understand the 'activist's dilemma' and how movements can overcome it. The findings suggest that activists should weigh their options carefully to achieve their objectives.
A Michigan State University study found that toxic masculinity can lead to social isolation among aging men, negatively affecting their health and well-being. The researchers suggest an alternative understanding of masculinity can help alleviate social isolation.
Research from Lancaster University found military wives and partners struggle to find employment and enjoy social lives due to frequent relocation. Support communities play a crucial role in helping them cope with the challenges, but these groups can be vulnerable to disintegration when members relocate.
A new study found that vampire bats' social relationships change differently depending on the type of behavior and relationship. The lead author injected the bats with a bacterial extract to make them feel sick without harming their health, observing how it affected their social interactions.
Researchers Justin Gest and Jack Goldstone analyze aging and fertility rates to project population parameters under varying future immigration levels. They examine downstream effects on age distributions, fertility rates, fiscal balances, property values, economic growth, and GDP.
Researchers have created a 'Rosetta stone' for urban scaling, mapping out common ground between cross-sectional and temporal approaches to study city growth. The framework reveals new insights about a city's behavior, including superlinear growth in socioeconomic properties.
Florida Scrub-Jays' social lives reveal that maintaining relationships is crucial for both breeders and helpers, reducing costs of territory defense and predation risk. The study shows that helpers associate with many more individuals than breeders, increasing the importance of connecting individuals in the social network.
The one-child policy increased women's educational attainment, helping to close the gender gap. Women's delayed entry into parenthood allowed them to pursue more education.
A multinational study by University of Zurich researchers found that members of disadvantaged groups are less likely to support social change when interacting with privileged groups, but more willing to work in solidarity. The study suggests that actively acknowledging structural inequalities can prevent perpetuation of group disparities.
A recent study found that positive effects of intergroup contact tend to be weaker among members of historically advantaged groups, such as white people and heterosexuals. However, when members of these groups engage in contact with disadvantaged groups, they are more likely to support social change promoting equality.
A new IIASA study examines how collective behavior patterns emerge from personal, social, and environmental factors. The research highlights the importance of infrastructure in shaping sustainable behaviors, such as cycling, and demonstrates that even minor changes can have significant effects on adoption rates.
The study identifies six social tipping interventions that can trigger rapid change leading to decarbonization by 2050. These interventions include building carbon-neutral cities, divesting from fossil fuels, and increasing climate change education.
A recent study found that climate change NGOs from rich countries in the global north and Oceania are dominating the online conversation on Twitter, leaving those in developing nations at risk of being left out. The research highlights a stark divide in who is leading the international conversation on climate change among NGOs.
An independent group of international experts concludes that transformative action is needed to address the unprecedented impact of human activities on life on Earth. The study highlights the need for a system-wide reorganization across technological, economic, and social factors to achieve sustainability.
Research finds that community reactions to extreme weather depend on political leanings and resources before the event. Discussion about climate change is more likely in Democratic-leaning communities or those with highly educated residents.
A new study reveals that institutional failure, poverty, and social structures hinder women's ability to adapt to climate variability and change. Effective adaptation requires insights into what builds the adaptive capacity of women and men in specific contexts.
The study found Samoan villagers have developed a pragmatic and positive approach to impending climate changes, diversifying food and water sources, being geographically mobile, and strengthening social networks.