Articles tagged with Society
A new scientific review reveals that stress, hardship, and social challenges reshape a person's gut bacteria and brain performance, making it harder to keep weight off. Social determinants of health play a key role in obesity risk, and addressing these conditions is crucial for long-term solutions.
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.
A newly discovered medieval document suggests the Shroud of Turin was not authentic, with a Norman theologian claiming it was a 'clear' and 'patent' fake. The document, published in the Journal of Medieval History, provides historical evidence that even in the Middle Ages, people questioned the Shroud's genuineness.
A new report from RMIT University and the University of Canberra proposes that local news organisations must adapt to their audiences' shifting news habits. The report recommends embracing community-driven content, including hyperlocal news, human-interest stories, and practical information.
A new study suggests that adopting a 'mixed services transition approach' can improve the ability of collaborative groups to deliver their stated goals. This approach involves starting with small-scale implementation activities while formal planning is finalized, securing additional funding and outlining changes in structure.
Dr. Kathleen Preble is creating a comprehensive resource guide to address human trafficking in Texas, building on her previous work in Missouri. The project aims to strengthen the state's response to human trafficking and provide a framework for other states to follow.
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 new study says the international community must reverse cuts to Rohingya humanitarian aid and work with Dhaka authorities to improve conditions in refugee camps. The research emphasizes that both options – returning to Myanmar or remaining in camps – amount to social death, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Research from the University of Birmingham finds that party tourism creates an environment for sexual assault by normalizing extreme behavior and prioritizing economic revenue over women's safety. The study highlights how destinations silence victims to protect their reputation, reinforcing a culture of silencing survivors.
A new study has found a strong correlation between the sentiment of Instagram images and user sentiments on social media, particularly for anti-war images. The research suggests that social media images can significantly influence public opinion on sociopolitical events, with notable effects observed in comments from users.
A global study on early childhood education policies found that social skills are rarely included in educational programs, despite their importance for personal and professional lives. The study highlights the need to promote citizenship skills and address structural factors influencing educational success.
Research found passing rates peak at noon, lowest in early morning and late afternoon, with implications for high-stakes evaluations like job interviews. Strategies like quality sleep and mental breaks can help counteract time-of-day effects.
A team of researchers from Waseda University investigated the effects of new communication media, including video-conferencing and embodied virtual reality, on self-disclosure. They found that embodied VR, especially with unrealistic avatars, resulted in higher self-disclosure of personal feelings compared to face-to-face conversations.
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.
A new study by Dr. Ekaterina Kolpinskaya found that Anglicans are disproportionately stable in their affective and electoral support for the Conservative Party, acting as a 'pocket of resistance' to changes in partisan politics. This suggests that religion continues to be socially and politically influential in modern Britain.
A new study emphasizes the importance of increasing transparency about how countries use AI to manage migration, as overuse may perpetuate biases and errors. States should ensure responsible AI use respecting migrant rights and dignity, while complying with international human rights law.
A Dartmouth study reveals distinct patterns associated with offshore secrecy, tied to home country governance. Elites from authoritarian countries use a 'confetti strategy,' while those from transparent democracies employ 'concealment' and 'hybrid' strategies to hide assets.
Researchers from the University of Surrey investigate how senior citizens are targeted by cybercriminals due to societal biases, including ageism and stereotypes that portray them as frail and gullible. The study highlights the need for educational initiatives and support systems to empower older adults to protect themselves online.
A comprehensive analysis shows that sports fandom stems from evolutionarily ingrained tendencies which enhance social unity and therefore survival. The study highlights the role of cognitive biases, emotional connections, and heuristics in sustaining fans' beliefs.
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 resolves why male-female power asymmetries vary across primate societies, finding that contests between males and females are common. The research reveals that female empowerment often relies on alternative pathways, such as reproductive strategies to gain control over matings.
A new study by Tel Aviv University's Moshe Dayan Center finds that 73.2% of Israel's Arab citizens support the inclusion of an Arab party in the government after elections, leading to a potential increase in voter turnout. This optimism is seen amidst low mood in Arab communities due to recent conflicts and violence.
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.
A new study explores how cousin marriage traditions shape informal businesses in Africa, finding that firms operating in areas with a historical tradition of cousin marriage prioritize hiring relatives and experience greater employment increases but smaller gains in revenue.
Researchers found that firms set overly optimistic goals for the next period after missing their target, and surprisingly, this tactic often pays off. However, large institutional shareholders and female directors can restrain such behavior by demanding accountability and compliance with rules.
Researchers found that cool people have similar personalities, with traits such as extraversion, hedonism, and power being universally perceived. The study explored how cool people differ from uncool and good people, finding some overlap in traits but also distinct characteristics.
A new study published in JAMA found that youth who become increasingly addicted to social media, mobile phones, or video games are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The research suggests that limiting screen time may not be effective in reducing the risk of mental health problems.
Concordia researchers find that sharing animal photos and videos creates digital affective networks, fostering parasocial relationships and positive interactions. The study explores the phenomenon of sharing cute content, using a framework to explain its journey from creation to circulation on social media platforms.
Professor Shalom Lappin argues that tech companies' dominance in AI development poses a threat to public benefit and environment. He calls for comprehensive international regulation, intellectual property reform, and preparation for workforce disruption to address these challenges.
A Cambridge criminologist has uncovered evidence suggesting a vengeful noblewoman, Ela Fitzpayne, had a priest, John Forde, assassinated in 1337. The records, published for the first time, reveal a complex web of relationships and motives that may have led to the murder.
Russian leaders use museums and digital collections to portray Ukraine as inseparable from Russia, framing the invasion as a fight against Nazism and NATO. Researchers urge prioritizing non-Russian sources for balanced approaches.
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.
A new USC-led study finds that a focused intervention combining storytelling, peer support, and provider incentives can reduce provider bias in family planning clinics and improve care for young women. The intervention expanded contraceptive access for the most marginalized groups.
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.
This book sheds light on <em>d</em>ōchō atusryoku</em>, a defining force in Japanese society that shapes politics, governance, and the legal system. It also explores how social conformity influences behavior through expectations rather than laws.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased by 35%. The research team tracked changes over time in each child to accurately assess the link between social media and depression. Experts suggest using digital habits tools to create healthier online behavior...
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 national study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that cyberbullying, including exclusion and rejection, can lead to significant trauma in youth. The study found that almost 9 in 10 students experienced at least one form of victimization, highlighting the increasing ubiquity of digital aggression.
A new study finds that emphasizing widely supported public service efforts and redefining what it means to be part of a group can increase the perceived legitimacy of controversial civil organizations. The research tested different messaging strategies on over 1,600 Jewish Israeli participants, using real-world examples from a delegiti...
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.
A new study found that AI-driven reminders can significantly reduce overdraft fees, especially for users with fair to good credit. The research also highlights the importance of designing interventions that are both behaviorally informed and grounded in real-world financial constraints.
A new study from the Hebrew University explores middle-class parents in Israel who choose to live car-free due to personal values like promoting children's independence and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These 'outlier' families offer valuable insights into reducing society's dependence on private vehicles, highlighting instrumental ...
A study analyzing 2,750 Barbie dolls found that the percentage of dolls with tip-toe posture decreased over time, while employed versions were more likely to have flat feet. Fashion-focused dolls were more likely to have tip-toe posture. The study suggests changing workforce roles and laws may reflect in Barbie's foot posture.
A new book edited by Subramanian Rangan explores how flawed assumptions in business theory are cleaving apart performance and progress. The authors propose new ways to integrate performance and well-being, such as a revised profit function considering harm.
A study found that Reddit is being used by people with second thoughts to openly share and seek advice before getting married. Researchers discovered that users are more comfortable expressing their unease on the platform than with family or friends, sharing topics from major red flags to smaller frustrations.
A study of over 1,500 participants found that actively engaging with Nazi atrocities strengthened people's confidence in their ability to act and led to increased motivation for memory projects. This participatory approach also raised awareness of other historical injustices and promoted intergroup relations.
A study by the University of Zurich found that respondents prioritize present AI risks over hypothetical future threats, highlighting the importance of addressing actual problems. The research suggests a need for concurrent understanding and appreciation of both immediate and potential challenges in public discourse.
A new analysis of job applicant data from a large employer found that Ban-the-Box policies had little impact on employment rates for individuals with criminal records. Despite initial hopes that these policies would improve job prospects, the study suggests that any benefits may be reversed during subsequent candidate assessment.
A global study of over 66,000 participants reveals that younger digital natives, conservatives, and those with lower education levels are more likely to fall for misinformation. The research underscores the importance of understanding who is most at risk to develop effective strategies for counteracting fake news.
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.
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.
A study published in Royal Society Open Science highlights the naturalness of seasonal time change and challenges modern criticisms. The authors suggest that changing the clocks aligns human activity with sunrise and improves mental health. They propose a new start date for clocks, taking into account physiological and social foundations.
A new study published in JCOM found that humor can aid scientists' communication efforts, but only if people think they're funny. The research shows that humor can simplify complex concepts, making them more relatable and easier to understand, and has the potential to dispel misinformation in a friendly manner.
A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.
A recent MSU study highlights the challenges of diagnosing episodic disabilities like epilepsy, where symptoms fluctuate and can be unpredictable. The research found that 52% of participants experienced delayed diagnoses, while others faced quick confirmations within days of their first seizure.
A George Mason University doctoral student, Talley Bettens, is conducting two studies to investigate interrogation practices and perceptions of student confessions. Funding from the National Institute of Justice supports her research, which aims to improve understanding of these critical issues in education.
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.
Research by PLOS found that labor market immigrants in Germany are less likely to choose their preferred region of residence when faced with stronger xenophobic attitudes. This suggests that hostile environments may discourage migrants from choosing areas they would prefer.
A study by Technical University of Munich finds that digital violence discourages political participation, particularly among women, who experience sexualized online attacks. The survey shows that more than half of those affected modify their behavior, including giving up on politics entirely.
A new megastudy tested 25 treatments to reduce partisan animosity and antidemocratic attitudes. The research found that 23 of the 25 efforts led to statistically significant reductions in partisan animosity. While the effects were not huge, they suggest it is possible to mitigate some of these issues.