Articles tagged with Social Inequality
The 'leaky pipeline' metaphor oversimplifies the systemic barriers faced by women and marginalized scholars in archaeology. New research highlights multiple forms of inequity that diminish productivity, limit collaborations, and reduce future generations of archaeologists.
A new study reveals that socioeconomic factors and renewable energy adoption significantly influence the risk of mortality related to air pollution in Europe. Regions with lower GDP per capita and poverty rates, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe, experienced a higher risk of mortality associated with air pollution.
A study by UC3M found that children from privileged families show greater cognitive effort, but incentivizing rewards can narrow the gap. Classroom incentives can help reduce socioeconomic inequalities by valuing individual progress and rewarding social recognition.
A new framework, 'just-shoring,' aims to shift focus from competition and security to the rights and interests of local communities whose lands are most at risk. The approach prioritizes accountability and transparency, giving communities a legal right to co-govern throughout the mineral lifecycle.
Multicultural intergroup dialogue improves holistic support for international students at Japanese universities. The approach, based on Intergroup Dialogue, promotes equitable and inclusive university environments, where students from diverse backgrounds interact and learn with one another.
A new study found racial and ethnic disparities in fatal police shootings vary widely between states, with some states having much wider disparities than others. Firearm ownership rates did not explain the disparities, suggesting other factors may be at play.
A new approach for welfare states updates policies to prioritize social investments and effectiveness, combining theoretical contributions and comparative studies. The approach aims to generate long-term benefits for individuals and society, with a focus on targeted solutions and systematic monitoring.
A study published in PLOS found that LGB+ workers in the NHS do not experience pay gaps compared to their heterosexual colleagues. However, those who have disclosed their sexual identity tend to receive higher pay, while those who have not disclosed are at risk of a pay penalty.
A new analysis across 45 years suggests that the disparity in firearm homicide deaths between Black and White Americans has grown, with many thousands of Black lives lost. The study found that Black males faced an eight to nine times higher likelihood of firearm homicide death than White males from 1988 to 2010.
A study found that international guidelines for preterm delivery are often not followed, leading to varying levels of exposure to life-saving medications. In high-income countries, there were significant discrepancies in the use of these treatments.
A new study by Radboud University and the University of Groningen found that PhD graduates, particularly women, experience a persistent pay gap outside academia. Women earn an average of 171 euros less per month immediately after obtaining their doctorate, with this disparity increasing over time.
A new study by RMIT University found that protections in place in Europe can help phase out harmful electricity disconnections without destabilizing power markets. The research highlights the need for evidence-led action to extend disconnection prohibitions and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable consumers.
A growing trend in Holocaust commemoration worldwide is the establishment of museums and exhibitions honoring the Righteous Among the Nations, heroes who risked their lives to save Jews from extermination. These initiatives aim to preserve Jewish heritage, commemorate the memory of the Holocaust, and combat racism and antisemitism.
Residential wood burning accounts for over one-fifth of wintertime exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter, linked to increased risks of heart disease and premature death. By reducing indoor wood burning, Americans could decrease outdoor air pollution and save thousands of lives.
Shadrack Byfield's autobiography offers insight into the suffering and resilience of Britain's homecoming soldiers. The new evidence shows Byfield's tenacious pursuit of veterans' benefits, struggles with pain, poverty, and police, and his determination to design a custom prosthesis after losing his arm.
The study emphasizes the importance of reorganizing work to support prevention rather than perpetual recovery, particularly in the face of climate change and technological disruption. It also highlights the need for gender equity in technology design and governance to prevent job displacement and undervaluation of women's work.
A large Australian survey reveals that LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to be unemployed or report workforce non-participation. The study highlights the need for targeted support and policies to address these disparities.
A study by Binghamton University reveals that most renters in the US are unable to access energy efficiency improvements, leading to higher heating costs and poorer health. The 'split incentive' issue, where landlords prioritize profits over upgrades, is a major barrier to change.
A University of Cambridge-led study reveals that more than two years of war in Gaza has left Palestinian children too weak to learn or play, with some living on as little as a bowl of lentils a day. The report warns of a 'lost' generation emerging in Gaza due to the war's educational, physical and psychological impacts.
A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.
A study published in The BMJ found a 25% decline in diversity language in NIH grants from January 2024 to June 2025. Researchers analyzed 17,701 grants and found that words related to diversity, equity, and politics were deleted at a 10-fold higher rate in 2025.
Next Steps: Rebuilding Indigenous Law is a new research initiative that empowers Indigenous communities to renew and rebuild their own legal systems. The project, supported by a $10 million investment, aims to rebuild entire Indigenous legal orders and revitalize traditional legal traditions.
A new study visualizes three decades of income inequality data, revealing worsening trends for half the world's population but also 'bright spots' where policy is closing the gap. Regional efforts in countries like India, China, and Brazil show promise in addressing disparities.
Researchers found that complexity can lead to bias in AI models, highlighting the need for better modeling of real-world complexities, input from diverse groups, and ground truths. By addressing these factors, developers can create more accurate and fair AI systems.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that 8 in 10 Irish people identifying as LGBTQI+ have experienced at least one form of identity abuse. Over half have faced multiple forms of abuse within their lifetime. The Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland study highlights the need for improved support and protection for these vulnerable communities.
A study by the University of Kansas found that Kansas City's zero-fare bus policy attracted 17% of respondents who started using bus service, particularly among younger people and white residents. The policy also increased overall bus use, with new users without vehicle access making more trips per week than those with access.
A new study from the Complexity Science Hub finds that belonging to more than one marginalized group can significantly harder forming social connections. The researchers developed a mathematical model and tested it using friendship data from around 40,000 U.S. high school students, revealing how overlapping disadvantages can interact.
A pilot program at University of Missouri-Columbia's emergency department connects rural families with community resources, improving their health and stability. Nearly half of participating families reported unmet essential needs, with food insecurity being the most common.
A cross-sectional study in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Parisian suburb area found that 1 in 3 university students reported being unable to access desired food. This food insecurity was significantly associated with academic dropout, highlighting the need for targeted support.
The book highlights the risk of 'scope creep' and emphasizes the need for strong data protection frameworks to preserve trust. It argues that collaboration between humanitarian actors, academics, regulators, and affected populations is crucial to ensure technology serves humanity.
A new study reveals that middle-class Mancunians, including doctors and engineers, lived alongside working-class residents in the same buildings and streets. The research found that over 60% of buildings housing wealthy occupational classes also housed unskilled laborers.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that 7.8% of U.K. households experience food insecurity, with Black/African/Caribbean/Black British households facing higher rates. Food insecurity is also associated with longstanding mental health conditions, particularly among Asian/Asian British respondents.
A new study by University of East Anglia finds that housing associations are more effective than government work programmes at helping the long-term unemployed in deprived areas. The research suggests a person-centred approach with strength-based and long-term support is key to success.
A new study warns that dental shame can lead to lower self-worth and unfavourable oral health care behaviours, exacerbating existing oral health inequalities. Researchers emphasize the need for non-judgmental environments where patients feel empowered to prioritize their oral health.
A new study published in the British Journal of Political Science found that open communication is more effective than debate-style approaches in reaching polarized audiences. The study showed that exposure to information and minimal intervention can lead to depolarizing people with extreme conspiratorial views.
A new study by the International Center for Journalists and US universities found that Trump was the main source and distributor of disinformation in ethnic and Indigenous press in the US. The research also linked the prevalence of political disinformation to a decline in trust in the news and an increase in violence against journalists.
A model study explores how carbon pricing paired with redistribution can help the energy transition and climate globally, increasing welfare and reducing economic inequality. The research team developed an integrated assessment model to map relationships between economy, income distribution, and climate policy in 179 countries.
A cohort study found that poverty and social disadvantage are associated with lower fecundability and increased risks of subfertility in both women and men. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind these findings.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that women from lower-income countries with non-English first languages publish 70% fewer papers than men, while non-native English speakers at early career stages outperform native English speakers. The authors call for an effort to consider these factors when assessing scientists' performance.
A study of 10 years of UK Labour Force Survey data shows that those from professional backgrounds are 6 times more likely to become doctors than those from working class backgrounds. The researchers call for greater efforts to boost social mobility and understand the impact on patient care.
A comprehensive study assesses decarbonization's ramifications on global poverty and inequality, revealing the potential for redistributing domestic carbon revenues to alleviate poverty. However, careful policy design and international cooperation are crucial to address social development issues in developing countries.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
A new analysis of the gender pay gap in the UK reveals that women in wealthier households earn 25% less than men, while those in poorer households experience a smaller 4% gap. The study highlights the importance of addressing societal penalties for being female and improving job quality to reduce the pay gap.
Participation in Finnish youth sports clubs has significantly increased since the 1980s, particularly among girls. However, rural areas and low-income families continue to face significant barriers to accessing sports opportunities due to rising costs and limited accessibility.
A new national study finds that African American and Latin American households pay significantly higher percentages of their income on energy, even when accounting for income. The study attributes this to factors such as older homes and higher rental rates, which exacerbate energy burdens and make it harder to access affordable upgrades.
A study examining Italian medical academia over the last decade reveals a persistent 'leaky pipeline' of women not advancing to senior roles. The research highlights significant gender disparities in academia, affecting women's career prospects and opportunities.
Researchers identified counties with vulnerable populations susceptible to longer-term power outages in the five-state region. Findings showed that hurricanes/tropical storms and heat waves were associated with the longest power outages, clustering in coastal and riverside counties.
A recent study found that immigrants in the US face a 10.6% pay gap compared to native-born workers, primarily due to restricted access to high-paying jobs. The research highlights the need to address structural barriers limiting immigrant employment opportunities.
A comprehensive new study examining data from 71 countries suggests that perceiving high levels of economic inequality significantly undermines individual well-being. The research demonstrates that awareness of economic disparity negatively affects overall well-being and widens the gap between current and desired feelings.
A new study by Pusan National University researchers found that middle- and upper-income households in South Korea are disproportionately affected by inflation, challenging conventional views. The study suggests that policy responses need to evolve to address the unique needs of different household types.
A new study published in the American Sociological Review finds that framing modern social issues as attacks on civil rights decreases public support for government action. The researchers surveyed 7,500 California voters and found that civil rights framing was counterproductive across issues and beneficiaries, including Black people.
A new study challenges long-held beliefs about how to win public backing for social change. Researchers found that Americans generally support the idea of civil rights in abstract terms but are less likely to support government action when contemporary issues are framed as civil rights problems.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that two-thirds of UK gig economy riders and drivers experience anxiety over ratings and pay, with over half risking health and safety while working. The study also revealed that local workers spend an average of ten hours a week waiting for jobs to come through on the app.
A study by University of Cologne researchers reveals that parenthood is associated with a greater sense of meaning in life, despite lower life satisfaction. The analysis of over 43,000 participants from 30 countries found that people who have children tend to feel their lives carry more value and worth.
A new computational model shows that structural inequalities, including wealth inequality and social segregation, accelerate the spread of infectious diseases through society. In a hypothetical 'ideal' scenario without segregation, infection rates were lower in most metropolitan areas.
A new study from Oxford University finds that people in poverty are more likely to feel lonely than those with higher incomes, despite similar socialization patterns. Strong social connections were shown to have the greatest symptom-reducing effects for those living in poverty.
A comprehensive study found that the public generally supports individuals with black lung disease and genetic kidney disease over those with COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder. However, a lingering stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder led to it being considered least deserving of a transplant.
The study found that patients who used lecanemab were more likely to be male, white, from urban areas, and with higher socioeconomic status than those who did not. Uptake rates of lecanemab were also significantly higher for patients with these characteristics.
The study highlights the growing reliance on unregulated private tutoring in Lebanon, driven by government neglect of public education. This is particularly affecting disadvantaged families who are forced to sacrifice their children's well-being to secure their future opportunities.
A systematic review of 21 studies involving 9620 children in eight countries reveals high levels of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among those held in immigration detention. The review highlights the need for alternatives to detention, especially for children and families seeking asylum.