Contexts

sociology for the public

In Brief

News and notes.

Who Participates in Online Political Polls?

After the results of the 2016 presidential election were announced, many big-data political prediction organizations and news sites were left scratching their heads. Their online … Read More

In Public Office, Out of the Public Eye

The 2018 election cycle was hailed as “the year of the woman,” as record numbers of women candidates ran for office. These women defied political … Read More

Perceptions of Police Procedural Justice

It seems intuitive that the neighborhood you grew up in and your past experiences with authority figures would shape your perceptions of police as helpful … Read More

The Marriage Market Gap

“Will they or won’t they?” The popular question is situated in lay beliefs about romantic love and choice, but overlooks the structural hurdles people face … Read More

Politicians: Selfish or Selfless?

What’s more valuable to you: agency or communion? In Social Psychology Quarterly, Kimmo Eriksson considers whether Democrats and Republicans answer this question differently. He … Read More

Justifying Gentrification

Incoming gentrifiers often appreciate the authenticity, grit, and diversity of their new neighborhoods. Many even acknowledge feeling guilty for contributing to gentrification, the process by … Read More

What Does Homeownership Buy?

Regardless of racial or ethnic background, there is a strong American preference for home-owning over renting. While this is found to be true time and … Read More

That’s Not My Size

If you’re a woman, at some point you’ve probably wondered why your clothing size is completely different from brand to brand. Katelynn Bishop, Kjerstin Gruys, … Read More

Foraging on the Margins of the Labor Market

Finding a job is hard no matter who you are. But some people face more barriers to obtaining employment than others, including racial minorities and … Read More

Parenting Without Papers

Scholars of immigration and family have depicted the ways immigration enforcement policies affect Latinx children and families. Much attention has been paid to the long-term … Read More