Humanities & Society

In her course “Sick Society,” Hedwig Lee, professor of sociology, shows that lifestyle and genes aren’t the only things impacting health.

The current recession created by the COVID-19 pandemic has especially impacted women — particularly Black and Hispanic women — and less educated workers, magnifying existing U.S. employment inequality, according to new research from Washington University in St. Louis.

Washington University’s Ariela Schachter and Linling Gao-Miles share their perspectives on the recent killing of eight people — including six women of Asian decent — in Atlanta and the history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S.

With his new book, “You’re Paid What You’re Worth,” Jake Rosenfeld, associate professor of sociology, challenges the idea that we’re paid according to objective criteria, while placing power and social conflict at the heart of economic analysis.

New research shows that the gender gap between mothers and fathers in the labor force has grown significantly since the onset of the pandemic, especially in states where elementary schools primarily offered remote instruction.

Despite increased state legislation banning pay secrecy, a new study involving a Washington University researcher finds informal policies have increased. The lack of transparency enables employers to discriminate — intentionally or not — against women in the pay setting.

Sociologist John N. Robinson III says President Joe Biden’s executive orders are an important first step in the fight against systemic racism, but to keep fighting because there’s an “historic opportunity” before us.

David Cunningham, chair of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, says Biden’s administration can and should make every effort to defeat the rise of political extremism and white supremacy, but should also be aware of unintended consequences.

Increased funding for Head Start — the largest federally funded, early childhood development program in the United States — is needed to support families during the COVID-19 recession and to ensure a more stable economic recovery, according to research involving a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis.

New federal policies for paid leave, quality and affordable childcare, fair work schedules, and living wages are more important than ever.