ANN ARBOR—A single conversation with a close family member may not change a young woman’s views on policies protecting their rights, but it can strongly influence young men’s attitudes. A University of Michigan study found that family opinions heavily shape male youth’s views on women’s rights, while female youth are less affected. This finding builds on evidence… Continue reading Talk to him: How a conversation can shape public support for women’s rights
News Tag: Family & Relationships
Declining Fertility Rates Key to Narrowing U.S. Gender Pay Gap, Study Finds
A new study revealed that a decline in the number of children among U.S. employees has played a significant role in reducing the gender pay gap. University of Michigan Professor of Sociology Alexandra Killewald and Harvard University PhD Candidate in Sociology Nino José Cricco published their findings in Social Forces in November. “Having children leads… Continue reading Declining Fertility Rates Key to Narrowing U.S. Gender Pay Gap, Study Finds
State program significantly reduces homelessness, utility insecurity, U-M report reveals
ANN ARBOR—The pilot of a Michigan program created to help improve health outcomes for pregnant parents and their children shows positive impacts on families, including food and financial security and housing stability, according to a new report from the University of Michigan’s Youth Policy Lab. The report revealed that families participating in the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies pilot project,… Continue reading State program significantly reduces homelessness, utility insecurity, U-M report reveals
Family matters: Living near relatives makes us heroic and harsh
ANN ARBOR—Many of us will soak in the merriment and drama that family gatherings bring during Thanksgiving. But beyond the Thanksgiving dinner table, new research suggests that living and being around family more often affects our psychology in some surprising ways. Are you willing to go to war for your country? Do you support the… Continue reading Family matters: Living near relatives makes us heroic and harsh
Double duty: Multiplex helpers are key to older adults’ health and happiness
ANN ARBOR—Having a multiplex helper is essential for enhancing the well-being of older adults. Recent findings show that 76% of older adults with at least one confidant and one caregiver have at least one multiplex helper—a person filling both roles—which has the potential to improve their overall health and happiness. Married or partnered seniors more… Continue reading Double duty: Multiplex helpers are key to older adults’ health and happiness
New Research Sheds Light on the US Shift toward Smaller Families
The national fertility rate has been in steady decline in recent decades, but the fundamental transition from high to low fertility in the United States occurred between the mid-nineteenth century and the 1930s. New research just out in Demography sheds new light on how fertility decline began in late nineteenth-century America, sparking the historic shift… Continue reading New Research Sheds Light on the US Shift toward Smaller Families
Why study the social sciences? To improve the lives of children
Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Why study the social sciences? Researchers at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) and elsewhere often face versions of this question when the social sciences are compared to some of the “hard” sciences. The answer can come in many forms, as the Consortium of Social Science Associations attempts… Continue reading Why study the social sciences? To improve the lives of children
Couples with similar drinking habits may live longer, according to a new paper
Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — The couple that drinks together might live longer together, too, at least according to new research. Findings in “Alcohol Use and Mortality Among Older Couples in the United States: Evidence of Individual and Partner Effects,” published recently in The Gerontologist, suggest that couples who are concordant in their… Continue reading Couples with similar drinking habits may live longer, according to a new paper
China announces population decline for second year in a row
EXPERTS Q&A ANN ARBOR—China’s recent population data release reveals that the country’s population has dipped for the second year in a row. University of Michigan social demographer Yun Zhou and Mary Gallagher, an expert in Chinese politics, discuss what’s behind the decline and what it could mean for China’s economy. Zhou is an assistant professor… Continue reading China announces population decline for second year in a row
New paper explores the impact of family ties on older adults
Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Family connections draw special attention around the holidays, but there may be more to holiday gatherings than spending time with relatives. New research indicates that family ties in older adults have a positive impact on their mental health and social participation. “Family Ties and Older Adult Well-Being: Incorporating… Continue reading New paper explores the impact of family ties on older adults