Friday Roundup

Hi Friends! We’ve got some exciting news this week: TSP is hosting a contest! If you teach with TSP content, tell us how! Details below. This week we have new content featuring social science research on competitive victimhood and conflict, how student debt is racialized, and the blurred lines between work and leisure. You can also read about the myth of poisoned Halloween candy, sexuality in aging adulthood, and nationalism in Korean ice hockey.

Editor’s Desk:

“The ‘Teach with TSP’ Contest,” by Evan Stewart. Do you use TSP content in your classroom? Tell us how! We’ll publish our favorites and send the winners TSP swag!

There’s Research on That!:

“Competitive Victimhood in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict,” by Mark Lee. Using the concept, “competitive victimhood,” social science can help explain why the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has persisted for so long and how a breakthrough might finally be achieved.

“Why Witchcraft Appeals to Marginalized Groups,” by Allison Nobles and Jacqui Frost. For Halloween we brought back a spooky favorite, examining witchcraft’s long history of empowering marginalized groups.

Discoveries:

“The TANF Tinkle Test,” by Amy August. New research in The Sociological Quarterly finds that states implementing drug testing policies for “Temporary Aid to Needy Families” program applicants were more likely to see recent declines in white labor force participation and have a Republican governor.

Clippings:

“The Racialized Burden of Student Debt,” by Mark Lee. CNBC talks to Jason Houle about how student loans contribute to the racial wealth gap.

“Work + Leisure = Weisure,” by Amy August. In a recent Vox article, Gaby DelValle calls upon the work of sociologist Dalton Conley to describe this latest trend in ‘weisure.’

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“When Science Gets Scary,” by Sofia Lindgren Galloway and Evan Stewart.

“Collective Nightmares Movie Analysis,” by Marshall Smith and Laura Patterson.

Contexts:

“Foraging on the Margins of the Labor Market,” by Kelsey Drotning.

“Of Pigs and Public Sociology,” by Christian Vaccaro.

“Poisoned Halloween Candy: Sociological Debunking,” by Letta Page.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“The Push and Pull of Sex, Gender, and Aging,” by Nicholas Velotta and Pepper Schwartz.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies sounds the alarm in response to the recent Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting.
• Cyborgology ponders Reddit’s revamping of their quarantine function.
• Engaging Sports contemplates nationalism in Korean ice hockey.

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Welcome back! This week we’ve got a new podcast episode featuring Courtney Bell on how she teaches sociology to high schoolers. You can also find social science research on media coverage of immigration, public housing’s mental health benefits, and the trouble with school registration timelines.

Office Hours:

“Teacher Spotlight: Courtney Bell,” by Amber Powell. In our most recent episode, Amber talks with high school teacher, Courtney Bell about how she makes sociology engaging for high school students.

There’s Research on That!:

“Global Media Coverage of Immigration,” by Allison J. Steinke. Immigration seems to always be in the news, so we rounded up social science research on how media covers immigration globally.

Discoveries:

“How Registration Timelines Worsen School Inequality,” by Jean Marie Maier. New research in Sociology of Education finds that public school registration timelines can worsen school inequality.

“Public Housing Provides Children Mental Health Benefits,” by Allison Nobles. New research in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior finds that public housing may benefit children’s mental health.

Clippings:

“Fewer Marriages Mean Fewer Divorces,” by Mark Lee. In a recent article in The Atlantic, Andrew Cherlin provides an unromantic explanation for fewer divorces.

“Gentrification and Toxic Waste,” by Jasmine Syed. The Guardian talks to Scott Frickel and James R. Elliot about current data on environmental hazards and how gentrification has diversified the types of people at risk of exposure to toxic waste.

From Our Partners:

Council on Contemporary Families:

“Housewife Visas and Highly Skilled Immigrant Families in the U.S.,” by Pallavi Banerjee.

Social Studies MN:

““Fake News” and Informational Moral Panic,” by Allison J. Steinke.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies reflects on the politics in naming genocides.
• Cyborgology ponders the gender politics of Doctor Who, part two.

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Welcome back! This week on TSP you can find social science research on xenophobia’s connection to whites’ attitudes about punishment, why people often overlook lies told by political figures, and a post about the sociology of horror films.

There’s Research on That!:

“Defining “Genocide” and The Power of Labels,” by Brooke Chambers. In light of recent debates about whether or not to call the Burmese state’s violence against the Rohingya “genocide,” we rounded up social science research on the meaning, use, and consequences of labels like genocide.

Discoveries:

“Xenophobia and Punitive Attitudes,” by Neeraj Rajasekar. New research in The Sociological Quarterly finds that xenophobia may be a strong predictor of whether whites support punitiveness in the criminal justice system.

“Avoidance and Activism in Response to Policing,” by Ryan Larson. New research in Socius finds that some individuals avoid formal institutions like hospitals after an arrest while others take up activism.

Clippings:

“When Lies are Truth,” by Jean Marie Maier. Vox uses research from from Oliver Hahl, Minjae Kim, and Ezra Zuckerman-Sivan to explain why Kavanaugh supporters appeared unfazed by potentially false claims he made during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Afros and the Branding of Racial Justice,” by Lucas Lynch. A recent article in The Atlantic by Saida Grundy documents how modern uses of the Afro can both further social resistance and reduce the hairstyle to a mere commodity.

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“Horror Films Are Our Collective Nightmares,” by Marshall Smith and Laura Patterson.

Contexts:

“Parenting Without Papers,”by Chandra Reyna.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“Cohabitation and Divorce: The Importance of Accounting for Age at Coresidence,” by Arielle Kuperberg.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies interviews artist Rowan Pope on his recent work on exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
• Cyborgology reflects on the gender politics of Doctor Who.
• Girl w/ Pen! revisits an interview with Jessica Fulton on her work in social policy.

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We’ve had a superb week here at TSP and that means more sociology content for you! This week we’ve got social science research on settler colonialism and Indigenous resistance, digital health-tracking technology, and the role of LGBT-specific international organizations in policymaking.

There’s Research on That!:

“The Rise of Health-Tracking Technology,” by Allison Nobles. Social science research demonstrates that health-tracking technology reflects larger social forces and institutions.

“Settler Colonialism and Minnesota’s “Wall of Forgotten Natives”,” by Brieanna Watters and Caity Curry. In light of the recent homeless encampment in Minneapolis, made up of primarily American Indians, we rounded up social science research on settler colonialism and resistance to it.

“The Long History of “Día de la Raza” in Mexico,” by Lucas Lynch. Día de la Raza — “Day of the Race”– is celebrated today to commemorate Mexico’s history or racial and cultural mixing.

Discoveries:

“LGBT Advocacy Goes Global,” by Isabel Arriagada. New research in Social Forces finds that LGBT-specific international organizations play a key role in whether nations adopt LGBT-friendly policies, more so than international organizations broadly focused on human rights.

Clippings:

“The Emotional Toll of Natural Disasters,” by Jasmine Syed. The Atlantic talks to sociologist Alice Fothergill about her research on the emotional turmoil caused by Hurricane Katrina.

“‘Good Guys’ and Rape Culture,” by Jean Marie Maier. In a recent op-ed for Huffington Post, sociologist Sarah Diefendorf challenges the argument that “good guys” can’t commit rape.

“How White Parents’ Decisions Reinforce Racial Inequality,” by Allison J. Steinke. The Atlantic talks to sociologist Margaret Hagerman about how white parents can reinforce racial inequality by putting their own children first.

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“What’s Trending? Trust in Institutions,” by Evan Stewart.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“Gender, Race, and Girls in California’s Alternative Schools,” by Kenly Brown.

Midwest Sociology

“‘Meet the Midwest!’ A Conversation with Dr. Hlavka,” by Amber Joy Powell and Neeraj Rajasekar.

Social Studies MN:

“Local News is Not What it Used to Be,” by Allison J. Steinke.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Cyborgology contemplates academic hoaxes.
• Girl w/ Pen! introduces powerful, young female writers.

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Happy Friday and welcome back! This week we’ve got a new special feature on diversity and wealth in the U.S. Congress, social science research on the migration of unaccompanied minors, and how social media can be a double-edged sword.

Special Feature:

“Diversity and Wealth in Congress Today,” by Richard Zweigenhaft. In our latest feature, Zweigenhaft examines how the diversity of Congress and the wealth of its members has changed over time.

There’s Research on That!:

“The Rationale and Risks of Child Migration,” by Lucas Lynch. In light of recent media attention on unaccompanied minors who migrate to the United States, we rounded up social science research on the difficult decision to migrate and the experiences of those who do.

Discoveries:

“Spelling Bees to Secure Straight ‘A’s’,” by Neeraj Rajasekar. New research in The Sociological Quarterly finds that a belief in the need to competitive in the modern world drives many Asian-American parents to emphasize educational success for their children.

Clippings:

“How Class Privilege Shaped Kavanaugh,” by Caity Curry. In an op-ed for The Washington Post, Shamus Khan provides his take on how class privilege shaped many of Brett Kavanaugh’s actions.

“Social Media is a Double-Edged Sword,” by Allison J. Steinke. In an article published by MIT Technology Review, Zeynep Tufekci uses her research on political upheaval and social media to show how digital connectivity can enable large-scale movements but also has a “dark side.”

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“Who Gets to Change the Subject?” by Evan Stewart.

Contexts:

“Nonviolent Protests and the Formation of Democracies,” by Hannah N. Kleman.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“How Marital Transitions Affect Perceptions about Family Caregiving Responsibilities,” by Lawrence H. Ganong and Marilyn Coleman.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Cyborgology ponders the potential consequences of ZOZO’s custom-fit clothing app.
• Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies remembers Fern Badzin.
• Girl w/ Pen! interviews Tasia Clemons.

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Welcome back! This week at TSP we’ve got research on the rise of data journalism, prison labor, and the Portuguese punk scene. You can also find sociologists’ takes on vegan social movements and how natural disasters increase racial inequality.

There’s Research on That!:

“The Rise of Data Journalism,” by Allison J. Steinke. Data journalism is on the rise at media outlets worldwide and social science research shows how social forces contribute to this shift.

“Pushing Back on Prison Labor,” by Isabel Arriagada. In light of the recent nationwide prison strike, we rounded up social science research on the dynamics underlying this struggle.

Discoveries:

“Performing Resistance through Portuguese Punk,” by Brooke Chambers. New research in Cultural Sociology finds that small-scale and handmade products are a key element of punk culture in Portugal.

Clippings:

“Part-Time Vegans May Not Help the Movement,” Caity Curry. The Atlantic highlights research by sociologists Corey Wrenn, Nina Gheihman, and Elizabeth Cherry on the many obstacles that can thwart veganism from blossoming into a large-scale social movement.

“Natural Disasters May Worsen Racial Inequality,” by Mark Lee. Recent research reported by Mic reveals that non-white households tend to lose wealth after a natural disaster, while white households often profit.

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“The Tennis Dress Code Racket,” by Amy August.

“Take a Look at Lobbying,” by Evan Stewart.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“The Immigrant Grandparents America Needs,” by Stacy Torres and Xuemei Cao.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Cyborgology ponders the discourse of the internet.
• Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies reflects on false narratives in Myanmar and provides a guide to this year’s Twin Cities Arab Film Festival.

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Here at TSP headquarters, we’re settling into the semester and the cool fall weather. This week we’ve got social science research on race and social assistance in the United States, how the internet changed the dating game, and the lives saved and lost by incarceration.

There’s Research on That!:

“Immigration, Welfare, and the Role of Race,” by Neeraj Rajasekar. In light of Trump advisor Stephen Miller’s plans to bar documented immigrants from citizenship if they use social assistance, we rounded up social science research on race and social assistance in the United States.

“Not so Natural Disasters, ” by Erik Kojola. Hurricanes – so called natural disasters –  are not simply the result of the weather but become “disasters” because of how society shapes people’s risks and how people prepare, adapt, and respond.

“Policing the Behavior of Minority Girls,” by Amber Joy Powell. Serena Williams’ recent experiences made us think about how discipling women of color’s behavior starts from a young age.

Discoveries:

“Counting Incarceration’s Lives, Lost and Saved,” by Ryan Larson. New research in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior finds that incarceration saves lives through decreasing the homicide rate, but also loses lives through increasing the infant mortality rate.

Clippings:

“How the Internet Changed the Dating Game,” by Allison Nobles. The Economist examines social science research about how the internet has changed dating.

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“Stories, Storms, and Simulations,” by Evan Stewart.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“Parenting and the Gender Trap,” by Emily Kane.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Cyborgology reflects on what defines an internet celebrity.
• Dispatches with a Dean highlights City Lab‘s article about bridging the rural-urban divide.

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Welcome back to another week of sociology at TSP! This week you’ll find new research on graffiti as a subculture, how the term, “white trash” reinforces white supremacy, and reflections on why U.S. women’s soccer fans are mostly White.

There’s Research on That!:

“Restorative Justice in the Classroom,” by Sarah Catherine Billups. Back to school means back to important discussions about disciplinary action in the classroom.

Discoveries:

“Graffiti and Social Control in Urban Spaces,” by Caity Curry. New research in The British Journal of Criminology finds that graffiti is a complex subculture.

Clippings:

“How the Term “White Trash” Reinforces White Supremacy,” by Lucas Lynch. NPR’s Code Switch talks to Matt Wray about why “white trash” remains a powerful insult against poor whites and people of color alike.

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“Schools’ Selective Screening,” by Jean Marie Maier.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“Not Just Kid Stuff: Becoming Gendered,” by Heidi Gansen and Karin A. Martin.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Cyborgology reflects on Miquela Sousa, an Instagram influencer who is also a robot.
• Feminist Reflections discusses the perils and possibilities of all-Black male schools.
• Engaging Sports examines why most U.S. women’s soccer fans are white parents and their daughters.

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Happy Friday! We’re glad to have you back. This week at TSP we’ve got social science research on why public breastfeeding is stigmatized, the gender of your favorite beer (and who can drink it), and why sociology needs science fiction. Enjoy!

There’s Research on That!:

“Breast is Best (But Not in Public),” by Allison Nobles and Jackie Austin. To recognize how long it took public breastfeeding to be lawful in all 50 U.S. states, we rounded up social science research on why the practice still faces stigma.

Discoveries:

“Gender on Tap,” by Allison Nobles. New research in Social Currents finds that consumers consider certain beers masculine and others feminine, and women often face stigma when choosing a beer, while men rarely do.

Clippings:

“Recognizing Racism and Implicit Bias,” by Lucas Lynch. In a recent article in the Washington Post, Megan R. Underhill calls for Whites to take their own implicit racial prejudices seriously and speak up against such bias.

From Our Partners:

Sociological Images:

“The Role of Replays,” by Evan Stewart.

Contexts:

“Why Sociology Needs Science Fiction,” by Daniel Hirshman, Philip Schwadel, Rick Searle, Erica Deadman, and Ijlal Naqvi.

“Students and University Growing Up Together,” by Irenee R. Beattie and Roger J. Wyan.

Council on Contemporary Families:

“Gender Matters in Every Aspect of Our Lives – And What You Need to Know to Keep Up,” by Virginia Rutter.

And a Few from the Community Pages:

• Cyborgology reviews the book, Bullshit Jobs: A Theory.
• Dispatches from a Dean highlights a recent Wired article about software meant to slow us down.

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