Articles tagged with Social Issues
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.
Research at Binghamton University found that institutions emphasizing social and political issues have students who participate in activism behaviors. Black and queer students are significantly more likely to engage, while straight and White peers show less engagement.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that employees who frame their arguments in moral language are more successful in getting buy-in from management when the issue aligns with the company's values and mission. The study suggests that using moral language without explicit links to the organization's ...
A new study by researchers at Duke University found that negative portrayals of shooting victims can lead to victim blaming and sympathize with the shooter. The study showed that participants favored lighter sentences for the shooter when given a negative biographical sketch about the victim, regardless of their race.
The global demand for sand is linked to environmental degradation and social conflicts, threatening water and food security. An interdisciplinary scientific approach is needed to identify sustainable extraction methods.
A recent study by Michelle Nario-Redmond reveals that disability simulations often result in feelings of fear, apprehension, and pity towards individuals with disabilities. The study found that short-term experiences can lead to misinformed perceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities.
A new UBC study found that telling stories depicting black individuals positively can reduce implicit racial bias in children aged 9-12. This intervention was more effective than previous research, which showed biased attitudes from as young as five.
New research identifies conditions under which psychophysiology impacts wise judgment, finding greater capacity for wiser reasoning in individuals with more varied heart rates and a distanced viewpoint. This study extends previous work on cognitive underpinnings of wise judgment to include consideration of the heart's impact on the mind.
New research from University of Illinois economics professors Stefan Krasa and Mattias Polborn shows that economic issues have a greater impact on swing voters. Candidates compete for moderate voters in the middle who are virtually indifferent between rival candidates, leading to incentives to cater to their interests.
A new study suggests that government initiatives to strengthen low-income marriages should focus on addressing specific problems rather than promoting the institution of marriage. Low-income respondents reported similar romantic standards and experiences as high-income couples, despite facing unique economic and social issues.
A new report in Perspectives on Psychological Science explores the tradeoffs of reforms to eyewitness identification procedures, finding that reducing false identifications can also lower correct identifications. Reforms aim to minimize suggestive practices and increase reliability, but may compromise accuracy.
A Michigan State University study found that low-income youth are more likely to vote if they are involved in political activism and influenced by friends and family. The researchers controlled for civic knowledge and found discussions with peers and parents to be key drivers of engagement.
African Americans tend to favor their own race and identify with it more than whites, but this difference is reversed when non-conscious feelings are considered. Both groups experience positive gut feelings about themselves.
A Stanford study suggests that a 'stealth' strategy of raising students' awareness of environmental and social issues related to food can persuade them to eat more veggies and less ice cream. The study found improvements in veggie consumption and attitudes towards healthy eating among students taking a 'Food and Society' course.
A study by George Mason University found that watching TV does not significantly improve viewers' knowledge about climate change. In contrast, reading newspapers and using the web are linked to increased concern and education about global warming.
A new study found that multiracial students felt more engaged at school and experienced lower stress levels compared to their single-race counterparts. The research suggests a positive link between embracing a multiracial identity and improved social and personal well-being.
Research reveals juries are often less diverse than surrounding communities due to underrepresentation in key groups. This can lead to a loss of confidence in the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system. In contrast, diverse juries tend to have more thorough decision-making processes.
A study found that children believe women and people of color have been excluded from the presidency due to discrimination. Many children also attribute this lack to a perceived need for specific attributes, such as intelligence or charisma.
A study published in the Journal of Social Issues finds that certain disadvantages experienced in adolescence can lead to lower voter turnout in young adulthood. For example, early pregnancy or being arrested can result in a decline of over 30% in turnout among Whites and Blacks, respectively.
Research shows that exposure to violent media increases aggressive behavior in children, with over 14 scientifically documented effects on physiological and psychological well-being. Despite this, few people take action, and public policy has failed to address the issue.
A study by Yoshi Iwasaki explores the role of enjoyable and expressive activities in promoting quality of life across cultures. The findings suggest that culturally-based leisure-like pursuits can enhance well-being, self-esteem, and resilience, particularly in less-privileged populations.
The Indiana University Center for Bioethics has established a Program in Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Predictive Health Research with a $750,000 grant. The program aims to address the ethical concerns surrounding large-scale health research projects, including informed consent and data ownership.
A growing concern among Americans is the rising cost of healthcare and access to medical services. The Lancet editorial calls for a comprehensive solution to address these issues, with a focus on improving the healthcare system for all Americans.
A recent survey of nearly 2,000 Bengali youths found that parental forgiveness and reconciliation promote adaptive shame management and reduce bullying behavior. The study suggests holding bullies accountable while re-integrating them into social groups where they feel loved.
Researchers found that participants who were primed with thoughts of death were more likely to vote for John Kerry, while those who thought about their own mortality were more likely to support George W. Bush. The study suggests that mortality salience can influence political preference and worldview defense mechanisms.
A mentoring program aims to improve the retention of college students and faculty from historically underrepresented groups. The study suggests that standardized goal-setting and development skills can aid in this process, as well as discussing genealogy to foster a sense of belonging within the discipline.
A recent study by Yale University found that watching more TV increases seniors' negative views of aging. Participants who filled out a television-viewing diary with an additional page to evaluate how older characters were presented developed greater awareness of these portrayals and reported less negative images of aging.
The study found no benefit for women's health-related quality of life from post-menopausal hormone therapy, but increased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular events, and stroke. This has led to a dilemma among stakeholders, including physicians and pharmaceutical companies.
A study of Scottish public opinion finds that Scots are disappointed with the level of political empowerment since devolution. Over seven in ten surveyed in 2000 believe the Scottish Parliament should matter more than Westminster.