The consumer price index was released Thursday morning, showing a continued decline in inflation. Joanne Hsu says, “Consumers have absolutely noticed that inflation has slowed, and they do expect this slowdown to stick.” However, consumers continue to be frustrated by high prices, “Consumers remain quite frustrated by the persistence of high prices, despite the fact that inflation… Continue reading Inflation is falling, but consumers aren’t celebrating yet
Project: Survey Research Center
Sustainability Survey launched on October 7
The University of Michigan launched its latest Sustainability Cultural Indicators Program (SCIP) surveys on October 7. These surveys aim to assess sustainability knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes among students, faculty, and staff. Managed by the Institute for Social Research and the Graham Sustainability Institute, SCIP has provided valuable insights for campus operations since its inception in… Continue reading Sustainability Survey launched on October 7
Consumers’ support for trade and immigration declines, small change on higher taxes for wealthy
American consumers view the economic impact of both trade and immigration more critically now than in 2020, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Surveys this year since May have asked consumers whether the economic policies debated by the presidential candidates would benefit or harm prospects for future growth in the overall economy. The… Continue reading Consumers’ support for trade and immigration declines, small change on higher taxes for wealthy
Trauma at Life’s Beginning Can Mar Its End, Study Finds
The U.S. News & World Report discussed new research finding early life trauma, especially physical abuse by parents, is strongly associated with end-of-life pain, loneliness, and depression. Kate Duchowny said, “We know that trauma is associated with depression and anxiety, which may promote a pro-inflammatory environment that is associated with chronic conditions. If stress is persistent, it can… Continue reading Trauma at Life’s Beginning Can Mar Its End, Study Finds
Genomics for Social Scientists – Epigenetics, applications open
Researchers from the University of Michigan invite you to apply to the Genomics for Social Scientists – Epigenetics workshop, which will be held virtually, January 6-9, 2025. The purpose of this NIA sponsored workshop on epigenetic research is to familiarize researchers with epigenetic data and to provide instruction on best practices for incorporating these data with social science… Continue reading Genomics for Social Scientists – Epigenetics, applications open
Sorry, Harvard. Everyone Wants to Go to College in the South Now
Jason Owen-Smith talked to the Wall Street Journal about the benefit to local and regional economies when universities experience growth in student populations: “Growing universities create a snowball effect for local and regional economies—especially research universities. More undergraduates means more customers to patronize local businesses. They can also help underwrite graduate programs that support researchers who bring in… Continue reading Sorry, Harvard. Everyone Wants to Go to College in the South Now
Food inflation: As grocery prices continue to soar, see which states, cities have it worse
Joanne Hsu talked to USA Today about how high grocery prices continue to erode consumer living standards: “A lot of consumers, they’ll tell us that things are painful specifically because of continued high prices. I think that is understandable. There are a lot of things that remain quite expensive for consumers and are a higher… Continue reading Food inflation: As grocery prices continue to soar, see which states, cities have it worse
Joanne Hsu on Michigan Public’s Stateside
Joanne Hsu discussed the August results of the Surveys of Consumers on Michigan Public’s Stateside. Listen to the interview.
Almost 30% of Michiganders over 50 are caregivers, survey finds
Michigan Public reported on new results from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging which find that almost 30% of Michigan adults over the age of 50 are providing care for a person with a disability or health condition. This caregiving comes with emotional, physical, and financial burdens. Sarah Patterson said, “If the older adult didn’t have a… Continue reading Almost 30% of Michiganders over 50 are caregivers, survey finds
When Elder Care Is All in the Stepfamily
A 2022 study led by Sarah Patterson found that stepchildren provide less care to aging adults, creating “a substantial ‘step gap’.” Almost half of older adults with only biological children received care from them, but fewer than a quarter in stepfamilies did. Sarah Patterson told the New York Times, “Even older adults themselves are less likely to expect stepchildren to help them… Continue reading When Elder Care Is All in the Stepfamily