Contexts

sociology for the public

In Brief

News and notes.

The Hug Treatment

by Cassandra ConlinAt a world economic summit in Cannes in 2011, Barack Obama walked into the room, shaking the … Read More

Food Deserts

by Shirley CannonSince 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama has led the fight against childhood obesity. In “Let’s Move,” an … Read More

Bushels of Misconduct

When ethics violations occur in business, we often hear it is the result of “a few bad apples”—individuals like … Read More

Shaming Obesity

Although many public health experts consider obesity to be among the most serious health challenges in the U.S. and … Read More

War: Unhealthy for Children

“War is not healthy for children and other living things” was a popular slogan of the anti-war movements of the 1960s. But new research shows … Read More

Freeway Fliers

by Ken BruzenakIt is no secret that part-time teaching staff are shouldering a larger percentage of the postsecondary teaching … Read More

Making Food Slower

by Bridget BeorseWe love caramelized onions, but do we have the time to cook them? Slate writer Tom Scocca … Read More

Debating Trafficking

Photo by Sarah DudaWhile activists against human trafficking—the illegal trade of human beings mainly for the purposes of commercial … Read More

Apps for Autism

TOBY Playpad by Autism WestApple’s application marketplace boasts over half a million apps, ranging from games to productivity tools. Read More

Better Helmets, Worse Injuries

by Sayada RamdialLast May, when former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, who had suffered from numerous concussions, committed … Read More