Articles tagged with Social Change
A University of Manchester study of 2,000 UK doctors found no link between performance-related pay and GP job satisfaction. Despite concerns over its impact on morale, the study suggests that dropping performance-related pay may not increase satisfaction.
A new study by Arizona State University reveals that changes in cooperation among communities and households are more impactful on system connectivity than the loss of key animal species. The researchers used a multiplex network analysis approach to understand how social relationships influence resource sharing and exchange.
A recent study published in INFORMS journal Information Systems Research assesses the impact of Facebook's granular privacy controls on user disclosure behavior. Results show that users increased their use of wall posts and decreased their use of private messages after introducing the new controls.
A new study reveals that male chimpanzees benefit from befriending the alpha male, gaining priority to preferred mates and a greater chance of passing on genes. Subordinate males can also benefit by having social favors, such as support in fights.
A new modeling framework allows scientists to study the impact of certainty on individual beliefs, shedding light on why people reject scientific consensus. The research reveals that underlying beliefs can influence interpersonal networks and shape views on controversial topics.
A study of wild chimpanzees found that female chimps maintain a stable social rank throughout their lives, whereas males' ranks fluctuate as they age. This unique strategy suggests that females consider long-term reproductive success over short-term gains.
A new study identifies rapid changes in social norms that can lead to significant behavioral shifts, such as a shift from smoking indoors to outdoors. The researchers suggest that understanding these tipping points can inform policies aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainability.
Research finds climate change denial correlates with political orientation, authoritarian attitudes, and a tough-minded personality. Climate change is often framed as a threat to the poor or weak, which may not be convincing for those who prioritize hierarchical power structures.
Research published in Psychological Science found that cultural values shape environmental behavior. In individualistic countries, personal concerns drive eco-friendly actions, while in collectivistic societies, social norms are a stronger motivator. The study suggests that tailoring messages to local culture is crucial for promoting p...
When sick, animals alter behavior to reduce social contact and minimize disease transmission, a key finding of the study. By removing themselves from groups, sick animals may protect healthy relatives from infection.
A new study by SDSU researchers finds that DiCaprio's speech sparked record levels of public engagement with climate change, exceeding Earth Day and a major climate summit. The study analyzed news media trends, Twitter postings, and Google search trends to investigate global engagement with climate change since January 2011.
Scientists clarify difference between 'tipping point' and 'critical threshold' in climate system, highlighting potential for social tipping elements to trigger economic shocks. Researchers propose research agenda to study social and economic consequences of climatic tipping elements.
Monkeys' selectivity towards social and non-social information increases with age, similar to humans. Aging monkeys show reduced social interaction but remain interested in their social world.
A UT Austin study suggests teaching teens that socially relevant traits are malleable can help them cope with social challenges. The research found that teens who learned this lesson reported feeling less threatened, exhibited higher cardiac efficiency, and performed better academically.
Bearded dragons partition colour change to specific body parts depending on social interactions and temperature. Colour change in the neck area is linked to social interactions, while darker colours on their backs help regulate body temperature during breeding season.
Research found increasing alcohol affordability in the 1990s contributed to rising mortality rates, while decreasing affordability led to declines. The study also identified a generation affected by economic change in the 1980s as being at high risk.
A study published in Climatic Change found that emphasizing the collective causes of climate change significantly increases willingness to donate, whereas personal responsibility framing has little effect. The researchers surveyed over 1,500 participants and found a consistent increase in donations when framing the issue collectively.
Researchers found that smaller, more interconnected social networks are associated with early signs of cognitive decline. Participants with mild cognitive impairment or dementia had a higher proportion of relatives in their networks and less socialization with friends and neighbors.
A new study found that public understanding of genetics can reduce stereotypes on homosexuality and gay marriage by making same-sex relationships less stigmatized. The researchers discovered that attributing homosexuality to genetics leads to more favorable stereotypic judgments about homosexuals.
Researchers adapted the IMPaCT model to an outpatient setting, introducing a new manual, staff hiring, and training. The approach reduced readmission rates and improved health outcomes for chronically ill patients.
A new study by Wellesley College and University of Kansas researchers suggests people are drawn to those who share similar values, attitudes, and personality traits from the start. The findings could lead to a shift in understanding relationship formation and suggest that social influence may be limited when partners are already similar.
Research from several personality and social psychologists show that positive entertainment media can contribute to positive relationships between different ethnic groups and genders. Sohad Murrar's studies found reduced prejudice when participants watched a sitcom with relatable Arab/Muslim characters, while Yeshim Iqbal's work demons...
A study found that individual risk-taking propensity is subject to change throughout life, especially in domains of work and recreation. Women are less prone to take risks than men across the lifespan, while openness to experience and extraversion are associated with increased risk-taking propensity.
Researchers found that DNA methylation plays a key role in regulating social dominance in cichlid fish. By altering gene expression, these fish can change their social status, which is linked to better health and quality of life.
A new study in PLOS One analyzes tens of millions of tweets surrounding specific social protests and finds that a critical periphery of 'slacktivists' greatly amplify a movement's message, doubling its reach. The researchers argue that these peripheral players are essential to give protests resonance.
At COP21, researchers from six European universities discuss the importance of political conditions and economic structures in shaping people's decisions to stay or migrate due to climate change. The main message emphasizes that drastic emission cuts can prevent projected climate migration.
A University of Washington researcher argues that people should pay more attention to how climate change affects ocean and coastal environments globally. The review paper looks at scientific understanding of ocean changes and responses from people around the world, highlighting potential for local action and interdisciplinary research.
A University of Virginia psychology study shows that apologies are crucial even in childhood, repairing relationships despite not easing hurt feelings. Children who received an apology shared more stickers and felt better when helped rebuild a knocked-over tower.
Research from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that climate negotiations are more complicated than previously thought due to strategic reasoning. However, the study also suggests that eliminating extreme bargaining positions can increase the possibility of reaching an agreement.
A Purdue University-led survey of nearly 700 scientists from non-climate disciplines found that an overwhelming majority believe in anthropogenic climate change and are highly certain of their beliefs. The study suggests that cultural values, political ideologies, and personal identity influence scientists' views on climate change.
A study found that online support forums for people struggling with suicidal thoughts experience a shift in language and behavior after celebrity suicides. Redditors become more inwardly focused, posting about their own life struggles rather than seeking support from others.
Researchers found that young black men who feel powerless are more likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence. These individuals often experience racial discrimination, institutional biases, and limited opportunities for social change.
A study by University of Iowa sociologist Ion Bogdan Vasi found that local screenings of Gasland led to increased anti-fracking mobilizations and influenced policymakers to ban hydraulic fracturing. The documentary film reshaped public perception and sparked significant interest in the topic among the general public.
A University at Buffalo research team proposes new measures for savings and asset accumulation to promote lasting economic security. The study estimates monthly savings amounts required to meet various goals, such as retirement and education savings, and highlights the need for policy changes to encourage saving among low-income families.
Most social surveys in the US conflate sex and gender, ignoring current gender theory and lived experiences. Researchers suggest changing binary categories, incorporating self-identified gender, and asking separate questions for sex at birth and current gender identity.
A new study finds African-Americans are disproportionately affected by the coverage gap in Medicare Part D, with older blacks facing significant challenges affording their medications. Social workers can play a crucial role in connecting individuals to available resources and helping them navigate the complex enrollment process.
A new analysis reveals that society has been discussing climate-related effects like heat waves and droughts since well before the climate changed. This social evidence counters attacks on climate science and presents a useful argument for climate action.
Observing white Americans engage in small nonverbal acts like smiling and making eye contact increases positive attitudes towards Black Americans. This study found that positive micro-nonverbal behaviors can be contagious, reducing racial bias and stereotypes.
A new report by The Lancet suggests that climate change could wipe out health progress over the past 50 years, but effective climate action may improve global health. The report highlights positive co-benefits of reducing emissions, such as lower incidence of respiratory diseases and obesity.
A new study suggests that climate change will lead to declines in plant growing days by 2100 due to warming, drought, and limited solar radiation. Tropical regions are expected to face significant reductions in suitable climate ranges, potentially affecting food security and human societies.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet create perceptual illusion of having an invisible body, reducing social anxiety responses. The study demonstrates the 'invisible hand illusion' can be extended to an entire invisible body, affecting brain processing of social cues.
High mountain regions are warming at a faster rate than previously thought, according to an international research team. This accelerated warming can lead to dramatic changes in ecosystems, including glacial melt and vegetation shifts, posing significant social and economic risks.
A commentary published in American Journal of Public Health argues that health awareness days have not been evaluated adequately. The authors recommend researching the effectiveness of awareness days and developing resource guides to improve public health initiatives.
A recent study in Nature Climate Change analyzed how Twitter, TV, and newspapers reported the IPCC's latest climate evidence. The researchers found that different media sources used distinct frames to emphasize or downplay various aspects of climate change, with some frames being more engaging for audiences than others.
Researchers report that aligning work schedules with employees' biological clocks can improve sleep duration and quality, as well as social jetlag and general wellbeing. The study found that flexible work schedules reduced stress and improved satisfaction with leisure time.
Polyculturalism rejects traditional models of cultural understanding, instead viewing cultures as networks. It offers new ways to select and train employees for culturally diverse roles and provides insight into how cultures change through intercultural knowledge and relationships.
A UCLA-led study analyzing over 270,000 Chinese-language books found rising individualism in concert with growing urbanism, increasing wealth and higher education levels. Words like 'choose,' 'compete,' and 'innovation' demonstrated a growing prevalence of individualistic values.
A survey by TUM found that two-thirds of Germans support democratic management, with employees seeking more autonomy in work life. However, managers believe implementing such systems is challenging.
A Concordia University study found that chronic illness is often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, even in people with long-term partners. The research suggests that self-protective strategies can reduce stress and prevent feelings of loneliness.
A new study suggests that increasing individualism in the US over the last 150 years is systematically correlated with socioeconomic trends, particularly the rise of white-collar occupations. The research found that only changes in occupational status appeared to precede changes in individualism.
US culture shifted towards individualism over a century ago, driven by social class structure and economic changes, according to researchers at the University of Waterloo. The study found that as Americans gained education and wealth, they became more self-directed and less reliant on family ties and conformity.
Researchers found that chimpanzees can adapt their 'food calls' to refer to specific objects after social interaction and learning. After three years of living together, the chimps' grunt calls for a particular food item changed to match those produced by other group members.
A new study found that climate change sceptics and believers share integrated expressions of self, forming specific social identities. The researchers suggest building support for mitigation policies requires approaches beyond science education, focusing on changing relationships between groups.
A new study reveals that US liberals and conservatives think differently due to cultural influences. Researchers found that conservative Americans are more likely to engage in holistic thinking, similar to East Asian cultures, whereas liberal Americans tend towards analytical thinking.
Research at University of Sussex finds humans are susceptible to 'temperature contagion', experiencing a drop in body temperature when watching someone else shiver. This phenomenon may aid empathy and cooperation in complex communities.
A new study found that some employees respond positively to change in the workplace by implementing new methods or techniques, coaching team members, or establishing new goals. Experts say organizations should review their recruitment and selection processes to ensure compatibility between employees' values and work environment.
Researchers used virtual bodyswapping to decrease white people's unconscious biases against black individuals and adults' childlike stereotypes. The results suggest a potential method for approaching phenomena like racism, religious hatred, and gender inequality.
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.