Social Values
Articles tagged with Social Values
Rethinking Europe’s nature reserves
Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.
Normative messaging bridges the partisan gap in pandemic risk-taking, study shows
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
The brain region associated with moral inconsistency
Researchers identify the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) as the brain region associated with moral inconsistency. Studies show that individuals with less vmPFC activity are more likely to be morally inconsistent, indicating a failure to integrate moral knowledge into daily behavior.
Why March Madness is a perfect storm for betting
A new study found that people are more likely to place bets during weeks with major sporting events when they believe their friends are doing the same. Researchers say early intervention is key to preventing harmful betting patterns, as it can be associated with depression, anxiety, and increased substance use. The study, led by Univer...
Rebuilding trust in global climate mitigation scenarios
A new IIASA-led study examines critiques of global climate mitigation scenarios' equity and justice, proposing practical ways to advance fairness in climate pathways. The research synthesizes growing evidence that current scenarios fall short, identifying a roadmap for integrating fairness into future climate futures.
British redcoat’s lost memoir reveals harsh realities of life as a disabled veteran
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.
Global first: New Indigenous-led research initiative to revitalize legal orders
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.
New University of Bath research shows ‘trophy spouse’ phenomenon persists into marriage
New University of Bath research shows that the 'beauty-status exchange' between couples continues into marriage, where they trade money and status for attractiveness. As one spouse's income rises or falls, their partner adjusts physically to maintain perceived fairness within the relationship.
The law turns a “blind eye” to the severe financial consequences of being in an abusive relationship, study warns
A new study by the University of Exeter warns that the current laws turn a 'blind eye' to the long-lasting financial consequences of domestic abuse. The research suggests that the law should be reformed to take into account the financial impacts of abuse when dividing assets, enabling enhanced awards for victim-survivors.
Why teens defy—and how parents can help
Research shows that when parents model their own values and show understanding, teens are more likely to heed warnings about risky behavior. However, authentic parental values do not alone lead teens to stop their risky behaviors, but rather reduce defiance. When parents demonstrate their values in daily life, teens experience their wa...
A new book, the structure of fair solutions, reshapes optimization by putting fairness first
A new book introduces a structure that balances efficiency and fairness in optimization models, examining real-world effects of different approaches. It suggests that truly optimal results are fair ones, promoting informed and ethical choices in algorithm-driven world.
Individual merit, not solidarity, prioritized by early childhood education policies
A study published in PLOS One finds that early childhood education policies worldwide favor competition, individualism, and talent over cooperation, solidarity, and luck. Only four countries acknowledge uncontrollable factors like health and climate disasters as contributors to success.
New research says framing protests as fights for civil rights ‘backfires.’ So what might work?
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.
ELSI’s challenges in the era of advanced AI
The ELSI University Summit in Japan brought together experts to discuss challenges and prospects of responsible AI development. Key findings include the need for ethics-driven approaches, collaboration between academia and industry, and the importance of setting evaluation indicators for Responsible AI.
Can social media predict teen health risks?
A study at UT Arlington will explore how social media interactions shape teen mental health and behavior, capturing daily surveys over six weeks. The research aims to identify short-term and long-term predictors of serious health problems.
What values drive tech workers? New study shows they’re liberal– but not uniform
A new study reveals that tech workers' values are complex and diverse, with developers exhibiting a strongly liberal worldview. Non-developer tech workers tend to share more in common with other occupational elites. Understanding these values is crucial for shaping the ethics and impact of the tech industry.
Q&A: What universities can learn about navigating ideological tension from the history of same-sex domestic partner benefits
Researchers found that public universities in conservative states adjusted their policy decisions and justification frames to reduce backlash. In contrast, institutions in more progressive states often cited social justice arguments and framed their decisions around fairness and inclusion. These findings offer valuable lessons on how o...
Study finds Americans do not like mass incarceration
A new study by University of Cincinnati criminologist Francis Cullen found that 40% of Americans agree the prison system is racist and that public punitiveness has declined. The study suggests a shift in 'penal sensibility' as Americans become less favorable towards mass incarceration.
Survey: Does someone with alcohol use disorder deserve a new liver?
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.
New research illustrates the relationship between moral outrage on social media and activism
A new study found that expressions of moral outrage on social media increase post virality but don't necessarily translate to petition signing behavior. Online expressions focusing on agency, group identity, and prosociality are more likely to generate signatures.
New study shows individuals prefer when firms stay apolitical on polarizing issues
A new study finds that individuals generally prefer firms to take an apolitical stance on polarizing issues, rather than taking a partisan or silent approach. The research highlights the importance of firms staying neutral and avoiding perceived biases.
Sexism in the City traces history of forgotten pioneers
A new book by Lancaster University historian James Taylor highlights the lives of pioneering female stockbrokers who challenged societal beliefs about women and money. The study reveals how these women fought against exclusion and ultimately won the right to join the London Stock Exchange in 1973.
How could artificial intelligence be used globally to increase fairness in the distribution of public social services?
The AI FORA project analyzed how AI-based social assessment varies across nine countries and four continents, highlighting the need for flexible, dynamic, and adaptive systems that reflect social stakeholders' perspectives. The research aims to improve AI in addressing fairness and discrimination issues in public social services.
Pro-life people partly motivated to prevent casual sex, study finds
A study found that pro-life people are partly motivated to prevent casual sex, contradicting the common assumption that sanctity-of-life concerns drive their views. The researchers suggest that pro-life positions are also influenced by a desire to discourage loose sexual norms and promote social values.
Poll: Most U.S. workers with chronic conditions manage them at work, haven’t told employer
A national poll found that three-fourths of employees with chronic conditions need to manage their health during work hours, but a majority have not told their employer. The poll highlights challenges such as missed opportunities and stigma, as well as difficulties in caring for family members with chronic conditions.
New research can help luxury brands counter the appeal of counterfeit goods
New research suggests that educating low-knowledge luxury consumers about the appeal of counterfeit goods can help combat the trillion-dollar counterfeit market. Consumers with high subjective knowledge in this domain are less likely to partake in counterfeits, while those with lower knowledge are more drawn to them.
Majority support moderation on social media platforms
A global survey of 13,500 people in six European countries and the USA reveals that a majority want harmful social media content restricted. The study highlights differences among countries, with some nations supporting stricter regulations than others.
New study reveals link between workaholism and organizational harm
A recent study by Aston University and University of Leipzig scholars found that workaholism can interfere with moral self-regulation and subsequent ethical behavior in organizations. This leads to employee silence on unethical practices, threatening organizational sustainability.
Brits still associate working-class accents with criminal behavior – study warns of bias in the criminal justice system
A recent study published in Frontiers in Communication reveals that people with non-standard accents are more likely to be associated with criminal behaviour, but perceptions vary between accents. The researchers found a significant link between class or status, negative traits, and expected behavior, particularly when it comes to crime.
New study highlights U.S. public support for eco-social policies over economic growth
A new study finds growing public support for innovative eco-social policies in the US, including reducing working hours and providing universal basic services. Individuals with higher privilege levels and those engaging in sufficiency behaviors show stronger support for these policies.
Study finds parents more open to racially diverse media for children than previously thought
A study of 367 parents found that two-thirds recalled watching diverse media with their children, and their racial-ethnic identity predicted their attitudes but not their beliefs. Parents were more open to diverse content than previously thought.
How job ads shape gender and racial segregation in the UK workforce – new study
A new study by Lancaster University reveals that language in job ads can unintentionally reinforce or disrupt labour force gender/racial composition. Workforces with more women tend to use family-friendly policies in ads, while racial minority workers' ads lack impact, the research shows.
Arts universities have a significant societal role in promoting social sustainability
Outi Niemensivu's research highlights the significant societal role of arts universities in fostering social well-being and diversity through higher music education. However, her study suggests that traditional music education needs a fresh perspective to support social sustainability.
Half of young adults support prison time for non-consensual condom removal
A survey of 1,729 young adults in the UK found that almost nine in 10 believe removing a condom without consent is sexual assault, and around half support prison time as a penalty. The study also explored views on non-consensual condom removal in different relationship scenarios.
Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals
A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.
How America’s elites may hold the key to lowering murder rates
Historian Randolph Roth finds that feelings of empowerment, inclusion, and trust in government drive low homicide rates. Successful nation building is crucial, with four factors contributing to this success: political stability, legitimate social hierarchy, fellow feeling, and legitimate government.
State abortion policy and moral distress among clinicians providing abortion after the Dobbs decision
A national survey of clinicians providing abortion found elevated moral distress among all practitioners, with those in restrictive states facing twice the stress. The study emphasizes the need for structural changes and policy reform to combat widespread moral distress.
Most US voters agree on basic human values – so is polarization exaggerated?
A recent study by the Universities of Bath and Essex reveals that a vast majority of American voters share fundamental values, with only 5% of extreme voters holding differing views. The researchers suggest that highlighting similarities between Republicans and Democrats can increase hope about the future and inspire trust.
Braiding community values with science is key to ecosystem restoration
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
Public acceptance of adoption and surrogacy methods currently prohibited in UK increases if one or both parents are infertile - study
A new study from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham found that the UK public is more accepting of adoption and surrogacy methods when one or both parents are infertile. The research showed significant increases in support for these methods, including planned private adoption and double donor surrogacy.
Human evolution and online morality
The internet exposes users to extreme morally relevant stimuli, causing empathy overload and public shaming. Research is needed on platform design features that sustain attention without inducing negative externalities.
Family learning environments in Scandinavia: dimensions, types and socioeconomic profiles
Researchers identified four types of family learning environments in Scandinavian families, shaped by parental values and socioeconomic status. The study found that family activities, emotional climate, and everyday organisation play a crucial role in shaping children's learning environments. Four categories were developed: Expansive C...
A study by the UMA and the University of California analyzes how lies affect economic decisions
Researchers found that personal lies result in lower rates of deception due to moral costs, while non-personal information leads to higher lying rates. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between morality and economic behavior.
Consistency key to corporate expressions of racial solidarity
Research by Cornell University experts found that companies must demonstrate long-term commitment to diversity and racial equity to convey allyship to Black Americans. Costly actions alone are insufficient, with consistency being the key factor in perceived authenticity.
Millennials aren’t all worse off than Baby Boomers, but the rich-poor gap is widening
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.
Smartphone data shows which neighborhoods police spend most time patrolling
Using anonymized smartphone data, researchers found that police spend more time patrolling non-white neighborhoods, with disparities linked to socioeconomic and crime-driven demand for policing. The study reveals a strong correlation between racial composition of a neighborhood and police presence.
Why childhood adversity impacts how a person’s behavior is judged
Researchers found that childhood adversity can reshape an individual's moral development, leading to a 'deformative experience' that pulls them away from their true nature. This asymmetric sensitivity to life history information affects judgments of praise and blame.
Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research
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.
What math can teach us about standing up to bullies
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.
How good or evil are you when gaming?
A study by Macquarie University researchers explores how players respond to morality meters in games, showing that most ignore clear moral choices but use them when ambiguous. The research provides insights into the impact of morality meters on player behavior and has implications for moral education and awareness.
U.S. consumers judge morality of armed self-protection on case-by-case basis, OSU research shows
Research from Oregon State University shows that Americans judge the morality of armed self-protection on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like perceived threat and background of the person carrying the gun. The study highlights the complexity of consumer views on gun rights and Second Amendment rights.
Robots and Rights: Confucianism Offers Alternative
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University argue against granting rights to robots, instead suggesting a Confucian approach of assigning roles to promote teamwork and harmony. This alternative perspective recognizes the moral status of robots as entities capable of participating in rites and contributing to society.
What makes someone likely to be a first-gen college grad? Money
A new study reveals that first-generation college graduates often originate from more affluent families with greater resources. This challenges the notion of a meritocracy, where success is solely based on individual effort. The research highlights the significant advantage these students have due to their family's socioeconomic status.
Persuading conservatives in pro-environmentalism not as easy as we thought
A recent study found that conservatives are not easily persuaded by traditional pro-environmental messages, even when framed in terms of their own moral values. Instead, messages emphasizing loyalty, authority, or purity were equally effective in promoting pro-environmental behavior among conservatives.
Want to be influential and drive change? Be a woman (on a farm in Indonesia)
A new study finds that women and young people are more influential than older men in influencing others to implement sustainable practices. Women's recommendations often led to real action, despite being less likely to be identified as opinion leaders.
Strengthening ecology and conservation in the Global South
An international research team from the Global South emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in tropical ecology and conservation. They suggest ten actions for researchers living in the Global South to improve their inclusivity and participation in international research collaborations.
In negotiations, hoodwinking others has a cost, study finds
A study by Alex Van Zant and colleagues found that sellers who lied during financial negotiations felt less satisfied with the outcome and more guilty than those who were honest. The researchers also discovered that having a greater incentive to lie did not reduce feelings of guilt, but rather increased them.
Political orientation — not party — predicts political tolerance
A new study reveals that conservative Democrats are uniquely intolerant towards marginalized groups, while liberal Democrats are the most politically tolerant. Independents are also more tolerant than partisans. The research suggests that improving political tolerance is crucial for democracy.
"I'll pay later!" – People promise the stars and moon to charities, but donations remain unsent
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that at least 60 percent of Danes who promised to donate never followed through on their commitments. Digital payment solutions made it easier for people to delay donations, but also led to larger average cash contributions. Social pressure was identified as a key driver of charity gi...