University of Michigan researchers collaborate with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok

University of Michigan researchers William Axinn and Stephanie Chardoul visited Chulalongkorn University’s College of Population Studies in Bangkok to discuss future collaborations in demographic research and innovations in population data survey methods.  Axinn serves as the director of U-M’s International Research Hub, directs the Ford School’s International Policy Center, and is a research professor in… Continue reading University of Michigan researchers collaborate with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok

Sentiment higher than last month but down from a year ago; worries about buying power, unemployment 

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment inched up a scant 1.9 index points from November, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Buying conditions for durable goods fell for the fifth straight month, whereas expectations for personal finances and business conditions rose. The outlook for labor markets lifted a bit this month, though a solid majority… Continue reading Sentiment higher than last month but down from a year ago; worries about buying power, unemployment 

Reported use of most drugs remains low among US teens

Abstention from drug use remains at historic high, U-M survey finds ANN ARBOR—For the fifth year in a row, use of most substances among teenagers in the United States continues to hover around the low-water mark reached in 2021.  The findings are from the latest report of the Monitoring the Future study at the University of Michigan’s… Continue reading Reported use of most drugs remains low among US teens

Poor vision plus unsafe homes drive higher fall risk in seniors

ANN ARBOR—Older adults with severe vision loss are three to four times more likely to fall when they live in homes with hazards such as missing grab bars, tripping risks or broken flooring. A new University of Michigan study, supported by the National Eye Institute, finds that it’s not just that poor vision increases fall risk or… Continue reading Poor vision plus unsafe homes drive higher fall risk in seniors

Survey finds strong sustainability commitment across U-M

The University of Michigan community is showing strong personal commitment to sustainability, according to 2024 Sustainability Cultural Indicators Program, or SCIP, data. Across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, students, faculty and staff report widespread engagement with sustainable behaviors, awareness of climate issues, and belief in their ability to make a difference. Climate change… Continue reading Survey finds strong sustainability commitment across U-M

Births down, wages up: U-M study links historic birth rate drop to closing gender pay gap

University of Michigan - Michigan News

ANN ARBOR—As the U.S. birth rate reaches historic lows in 2025, these declines fuel economic change as the year comes to an end. A University of Michigan study showed that low U.S. fertility has led to gains in pay equity. Eight percent of the narrowing gender pay gap came from women having fewer children. The… Continue reading Births down, wages up: U-M study links historic birth rate drop to closing gender pay gap

Chitwan Valley Family Study 30th Anniversary

Chitwan Valley Family Study team

The Chitwan Valley Family Study (or CVFS) was launched in 1995 and celebrated its 30th anniversary this year with a series of events in Nepal. The CVFS was originally designed by William Axinn, building on deep roots in both Survey Research Center (SRC) and Population Studies Center (PSC). Axinn was trained in the Family and… Continue reading Chitwan Valley Family Study 30th Anniversary

The widening gap between political affiliation and consumer sentiment

Political partisanship has become so persistent in sentiment surveys that some economists say it’s getting harder to accurately measure moods of consumers. Surveys of Consumers director, Joanne Hsu, tells Marketplace that looking at how independents feel is a better gauge of sentiment, Independents’ confidence tends to land somewhere between that of Democrats and Republicans, “and… Continue reading The widening gap between political affiliation and consumer sentiment

Coffee and Donuts with the SRC Director

November’s Coffee and Donuts with the SRC Director was hosted by the d3center. Inbal (Billie) Nahum-Shani and Shiyu Zhang chatted with SRC director Pamela Davis-Kean about adaptive interventions and the integration of human and mobile delivered approaches https://myumi.ch/qZxd4

With end of shutdown and worries over high prices, consumer sentiment shows minor variation

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment was little changed in November with a 2.6 index point decrease from last month that is within the margin of error, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Over the course of the month, sentiment initially fell as the federal shutdown dragged on, then it lifted slightly later in the… Continue reading With end of shutdown and worries over high prices, consumer sentiment shows minor variation