Two people dresses in suits shake hands.

Trump-endorsed candidates would generally win even without his support – and that’s usually the case with all political endorsements

Jun 17, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

“As a political scientist who studies voting and public opinion, I have my doubts about the true power of Trump’s endorsements,” says Ian Anson, assistant professor of political science at UMBC. “Instead, it is more likely that most of the candidates Trump has chosen to endorse were already on track to win their respective races.” Continue Reading Trump-endorsed candidates would generally win even without his support – and that’s usually the case with all political endorsements

street scene in Gaza City with crash and injuries

Deaths and injuries in road crashes are a ‘silent epidemic on wheels’

May 31, 2022 / 6 minutes of reading

Making transportation systems safer isn’t rocket science. The key is for governments to prioritize safer roads, speeds and vehicles, and to promote policies such as traffic calming that are known to reduce the risk of crashes. Continue Reading Deaths and injuries in road crashes are a ‘silent epidemic on wheels’

Biden on Taiwan: Did he really commit US forces to stopping any invasion by China? An expert explains why, on balance, probably not

May 24, 2022 / 7 minutes of reading

The White House has been left scrambling a little after President Joe Biden suggested on May 23, 2022, that the U.S. would intervene militarily should China attempt an invasion of Taiwan. Meredith Oyen, history and Asian studies, helps explain the background to Biden’s comments and untangles what should be read into his remarks – and what shouldn’t. Continue Reading Biden on Taiwan: Did he really commit US forces to stopping any invasion by China? An expert explains why, on balance, probably not

The Martinican bèlè dance – a celebration of land, spirit and liberation

May 20, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

Camee Maddox-Wingfield, sociology, anthropology, and public health, first encountered bèlè as a graduate student in anthropology, conducting fieldwork in Martinique. As a former dancer, Maddox-Wingfield was drawn to how bèlè drummers, dancers, and singers experience spiritual and cultural freedom. Continue Reading The Martinican bèlè dance – a celebration of land, spirit and liberation

I’m a Black sociologist, and a mom – by listening to other Black mothers, I’ve learned about their pandemic struggles and strengths

Apr 29, 2022 / 7 minutes of reading

It took a pandemic for many to see that Black mothers face impossible choices. A UMBC sociologist centers Black mothers’ lived experiences to learn more. Continue Reading I’m a Black sociologist, and a mom – by listening to other Black mothers, I’ve learned about their pandemic struggles and strengths

Diaper Need Emerges as Health Indicator During Pandemic

Apr 28, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

Researchers found that in households with the greatest diaper need there is also a greater likelihood of other significant concerns, like depression. Continue Reading Diaper Need Emerges as Health Indicator During Pandemic

Local governments are attractive targets for hackers and are ill-prepared

Mar 28, 2022 / 4 minutes of reading

Local governments provide many daily essential services. Disrupting their operations shakes confidence in the government and potentially endangers citizens. Continue Reading Local governments are attractive targets for hackers and are ill-prepared

Older Americans are given the wrong idea about online safety – here’s how to help them help themselves

Mar 24, 2022 / 6 minutes of reading

Two experts find that older adults attempt to draw on personal experience to develop strategies to reduce privacy violations and security threats. Continue Reading Older Americans are given the wrong idea about online safety – here’s how to help them help themselves

Smart devices spy on you – 2 computer scientists explain how the Internet of Things can violate your privacy

Mar 14, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

Two data management and privacy experts find that with internet extended to devices in homes, offices, and cities, privacy is in more danger than ever. Continue Reading Smart devices spy on you – 2 computer scientists explain how the Internet of Things can violate your privacy

Settler Colonialism Helps Explain Current Events

Mar 14, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Chinese actions in Xinjiang share a common background: a previous history of invasion and occupation. Continue Reading Settler Colonialism Helps Explain Current Events

Battles Over Book Bans Reflect Conflicts from the 1980s

Mar 7, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

Fred Pincus, emeritus professor of sociology, shares the similarities between historical and contemporary opposition to teaching books about race, racism, gender, and sexuality in U.S. schools. Continue Reading Battles Over Book Bans Reflect Conflicts from the 1980s

Economic Sanctions May Deal Fatal Blow to Russia’s Already-Weak Domestic Opposition

Mar 7, 2022 / 6 minutes of reading

Research suggests that sanctions rarely generate damage that compels their targets to back down, especially in authoritarian regimes like Putin’s. Continue Reading Economic Sanctions May Deal Fatal Blow to Russia’s Already-Weak Domestic Opposition

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