Articles tagged with Social Issues
A survey of Australian citizens reveals growing support for changing Australia Day date due to respect for First Nations people. Reconciliation Day on May 27 is the most popular alternative date, with younger respondents more likely to support a change.
A group of 350 scientists from over 60 countries call for a legally binding global treaty to prohibit the production of hazardous plastics chemicals and adopt science-based approaches. They advocate for an independent scientific body with robust conflict of interest policy and regional representation.
A study found that almost 17% of adolescents experience weight-related bullying online, with the highest rates reported by Twitter users. The survey also revealed a strong association between screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying, with a 13% increase in bullying for every additional hour of screen time.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that employees with volatile work schedules early in their career had worse sleep and more depressive symptoms at age 50. The study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 to examine the impact of employment patterns on health in middle age.
A recent study found that California county agency workers struggle with complex SNAP eligibility criteria, leading to low participation rates among eligible college students. The research suggests simplifying the process to increase access for historically minoritized groups and low-income students.
Researchers have proposed an innovative quantum algorithm that effectively solves combinatorial optimization problems with constraints in a short time. The pVSQA algorithm uses a quantum device to generate a variational quantum state and transform infeasible solutions into feasible ones, achieving near-optimal performance.
A new study reveals that gun manufacturers have shifted their marketing strategy to appeal to women, portraying them as responsible and capable gun owners. The study found that the 'serious student' framing became popular between 2016 and 2020, depicting armed American women as pursuing expertise with firearms through focused training.
A survey-based study found that exposure to news clips of immigrant deaths decreased white individuals' belief in the American dream, while increasing their views on systemic racism. In contrast, Latinx individuals increased their belief in the American dream and decreased their beliefs in systematic racism.
Non-sectarian political parties promote moderation and cooperation between single-issue parties in divided societies. They help represent voter concerns by focusing on key issues that affect diverse groups.
Child marriage declined nationally in India, but one in five girls and nearly one in six boys remain married as children. The practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021.
A new study found that senior physicians in cognitive and procedural specialties see fewer Medicaid patients and those from racial/ethnic minorities compared to junior physicians. This raises concerns about a two-tiered healthcare system and disparities in patient access.
A study of over 12,000 people in the US compares Baby Boomer and Millennial financial outcomes. Millennials with typical middle-class life trajectories accumulated substantially more wealth than their Baby Boomer counterparts, while those with low-skilled service jobs or living with parents struggled financially.
Researchers found that interactive data visualization improves information recognition and recall, leading to attitudinal change and reduced misinformation. The study suggests that journalists play a crucial role in making data accessible and attractive through interactive tools.
A researcher from Göttingen University advises on overcoming difficulties faced by mining communities in transition, suggesting a three-step approach centered around stakeholder collaboration. This approach combines early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments to foster economic and workforce transformation.
A new study from North Carolina State University explores how racism shapes Black motherhood in the US, revealing distinct challenges and stresses faced by Black mothers. The study categorizes these effects into three areas: protective mothering, resistance mothering, and encumbered mothering.
A study found Europeans are more willing to assist Ukrainian asylum seekers than Syrians or Somalis, largely because of the perceived lower threat level associated with Ukrainians. The research suggests that emotional factors and prejudice play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards helping refugees.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that explaining structural causes of inequality can diminish biased views in children. Researchers discovered that when children are told the high-status group created the rules, they report lower levels of bias and perceive the status hierarchy as less fair.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
A game theory study from Dartmouth College reveals that being uncooperative can lead to a more equal outcome, even for the weaker party. By refusing to fully cooperate, players can resist extortion and ultimately achieve a better payoff.
A study analyzing 100+ years of residents' records from various English almshouses found that these communities can reduce health and social wellbeing issues for older population members. Residents may live as long as wealthier peers despite socioeconomic disparities.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found significant racial inequalities in treatment for opioid use disorder, with White patients receiving medication up to 80% more frequently than Black and Hispanic patients. Despite similar numbers of healthcare visits, disparities persist.
A new study finds that Black, Hispanic, and Asian children experienced substantial increases in firearm assault rates, while White children's rates remained the same. The disparity in risk of firearm injury nearly quadrupled between Black and White children.
A recent study suggests that taking pride in one's identity can help protect mental health from online hate, with Asian Americans showing increased resilience. The research found that those who affirmed their identities were more likely to experience better psychological and physical health, as well as stronger personal relationships.
A new study from Brigham Young University found that most people on social media self-censor their comments to avoid conflict, while those on the margins fuel online dialogue. The study suggests a shift towards polarized conversations and encourages users to focus on solutions rather than defending identities.
A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics estimates that access to food pantries provides a value of $600-$1,000 per client household annually. The collective value of food pantry access among pantry client households may be between $19 billion and $28 billion dollars annually.
A University of Cincinnati study explores how anti-immigration policies affect Latinx mental health, finding increased depression, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties among affected communities. The research also identifies coping mechanisms that help individuals overcome these challenges.
Rural and critical access hospitals are inadequately addressing social determinants of health due to limited resources, workforce constraints, and lack of incentives. Hospitals are not utilizing community partnerships effectively, which may be attributed to institutional partnerships and lack of incentives.
A UC San Diego study found that cancer patients experiencing housing instability had a significantly increased risk of mortality. The research suggests that integrating health and social care can improve patient outcomes by identifying and addressing underlying social risk factors.
Mandated PDMP use in US states reduced opioid prescriptions by 6.1% but led to a 50.1% increase in heroin-related deaths, according to researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Recent US life expectancy increase does not correlate with better end-of-life health outcomes, research reveals. Disparities in disability at the end of life persist among black and less-educated women.
A recent study by Renmin University of China found that a good media reputation consistently reduces the risk of termination for administrative agencies. The research analyzed over 4.95 million articles published between 1949 and 2019 in the People's Daily, an official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.
A study found that Black adolescents experienced high rates of online racial discrimination, which predicted worse mental health outcomes. The researchers suggest that recognizing online spaces as impediments to mental growth and well-being is crucial.
Research led by the University of Otago found a strong association between skin infection and rheumatic fever, highlighting the importance of treating skin infections in young children to prevent rheumatic fever. The studies also revealed barriers to accessing primary health care and a family history of rheumatic fever as risk factors.
A new report highlights the nation's race and ethnicity data shortcomings, recommending federal leadership on standardizing demographic data collection and reporting across critical issue areas. The report aims to help policymakers craft solutions that take into account where resources should be concentrated to address racial disparities.
The proposed ban on menthol cigarettes aims to address health inequities in the Black community. The Rutgers Center for Tobacco Studies has found a strong link between menthol use and higher smoking rates among young people and reduced success in quitting.
A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.
An expert analysis of Russia's foreign policy statements since the USSR collapse finds Putin masking invasion policies with 1990s humanitarian propaganda. The study highlights how the Kremlin has used narratives from the 1990s to claim Russian minorities need protecting with military support.
A new screening tool has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of eating disorders, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, created by WVU researchers, uses a 12-question screener to assess symptoms and emotions associated with eating disorders.
A new study found that a brief befriending-themed meditation can reduce affective polarization between Remain and Leave voters in the UK. The meditation increased perceived commonality between sides, suggesting a potential strategy to address polarization.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that only about one-third of infants enrolled in WIC meet the daily recommendation for vitamin D by 13 months. Experts recommend increased education and supplementation to address this issue, which can lead to diseases like rickets and Type 1 diabetes.
A new survey study finds that COVID-19 may have amplified prejudicial attitudes towards ethno-racial minorities in the US workforce. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that workplace discrimination can exacerbate prejudice and have long-term impacts on minority groups.
Studies of in-prison work programs and vocational training lean positive, but several issues require further research to determine their true effects on re-entry. Inconsistent program characteristics and definitions, as well as multiple participants' involvement, complicate the assessment of outcomes.
A University of Kansas study analyzed 451 news articles from major publications and found that media worldwide reported on the pandemic as a racial threat, often blaming China or Asia. The study highlights the importance of responsible language in media coverage to avoid perpetuating xenophobia and discrimination.
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.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 adolescents across 80 nations and found consistent sex differences in career aspirations, with boys dominating 'things-oriented' occupations and girls preferring 'people-oriented' roles. The study also revealed larger differences in gender-equal countries, such as Finland, Norway, or Sweden.
Researchers found that prisoners in buildings located in green areas are less likely to engage in self-harming or violent behaviours. The study, published in Wellbeing, Space and Society, suggests that surrounding greenspace has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing alongside prison walls.
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 study found a significant increase in requests for anti-racism books and materials following police brutality events and BLM protests, particularly among teachers of younger students. The demand for inclusive curriculum materials also rose sharply, with over $3.4 million worth of books acquired for half a million students.
A study of four US states finds that Black people are more likely to be nonfatally shot and injured by police, with disparities greater than seen for fatal shootings. The research highlights the need for comprehensive data on police shootings to draw reliable conclusions about racial disparities.
A new study explored how prosecutors think about race in criminal justice, finding that a color-blind approach can entrench racial disparities. The study suggests that changing prosecutor views on race and core beliefs is necessary to achieve justice.
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.
Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.
A study by Columbia University found that recreational cannabis laws led to increased past-year and past-month cannabis use among Hispanic, Other and non-Hispanic white individuals, but not among non-Hispanic Black people or those aged 12-20. The researchers also highlighted persistent racial disparities in cannabis arrests and incarce...
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.
A national study of 75,000 US adults found a near 18 percentage point increase in those willing to get vaccinated, but also a rise in skepticism among certain groups. Disparities persist in vaccine confidence, particularly among younger adults, non-Hispanic Black or multiple races, and lower socioeconomic status.
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.
Research found that longer and more frequent night shifts increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. Genetic predisposition did not affect the link between night shifts and AF risk.
A new study reveals that adults in five Southern cities hold similar views on school assignments and the importance of diversity in K-12 schools, despite varying policies. Participants were concerned about uncertainty and disruption to children's learning and friendships due to school reassignments.
The Black in Geoscience Week aims to increase representation and raise visibility among Black researchers, fostering networks and connections worldwide. The event has generated discussions on the importance of community and awareness among Black geoscientists, highlighting severe underrepresentation in the field.