Social Sciences Division

"If we can name physical attacks and deaths as racist violence, why can’t we name the system of racial capitalism that produces the economic precarity of living paycheck to paycheck an issue of violence, as well? Much of the mainstream focus on race and racial violence ignores the intersection of class," writes Linh Thủy Nguyễn, assistant professor of American ethnic studies at the UW.

"We are outraged and deeply saddened by the massacre of the eight people in Atlanta. We give our love, support and deep condolences to the victims and their families. We grieve for their loss and for the violence surging against Asian American Pacific Island communities, especially women, who make up 70% of those victimized in the 3,800 hate crimes reported between March 1, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021," write Connie So, teaching professor of American ethnic studies at the UW; Sutapa Basu of the University of Washington Women’s Center; and Velma Veloria, a former Washington State Representative.

Assistant professor of American Ethnic Studies, Linh Thủy Nguyễn, is interviewed about the recent wave of violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Although LGBTQ+ nightlife venues have existed in Seattle since the 1920s, many of them operated in the shadows amid threats from police and government, and bigoted strangers. Today, these spaces operate more openly but face new threats: increasing property taxes and rents, gentrification, a rise in hate crimes and now, of course, the closure of bars and restaurants due to the coronavirus pandemic. Kemi Adeyemi, assistant professor of gender, women and sexuality studies at the UW, is quoted.

This week at the UW, attend talks about museum curation and the history of the Pacific Northwest, visit the Burke Museum, and more.

This week is Nuclear Remembrance Week, a virtual forum to commemorate the 67th anniversary of “Bravo” being tested in the Marshall Islands. Members of Spokane's Marshallese community share their stories. Holly Barker, a teaching professor of anthropology at the UW, is quoted.

Republicans have systematically undermined a key democratic constituency. Fighting back requires a kind of hardball Democrats aren’t typically willing to play. Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science at the UW, is referenced.

Sarah Lohmann, Acting Assistant Professor at the Jackson School, will be leading an initiative involving collaboration between the Jackson School of International Studies and the U.S. Army War College.

“At first glance, prosecuting current or past top officials accused of illegal conduct seems like an obvious decision for a democracy: Everyone should be held accountable and subject to the rule of law ... [But] if the prosecution of past leaders is brought by a political rival, it can lead to a cycle of prosecutorial retaliation,” write the UW's Victor Menaldo, professor of political science; James Long, associate professor of political science; and Morgan Wack, a doctoral student in political science.

Before March 2020, home was separate from work, school and day care. Now all these things are centered at home. Parents are adjusting to new roles, routines and relationships, and beginning to wonder if their old ones will ever return. The UW’s Julie Brines, associate professor of sociology, and Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology, are quoted.

Dr. Luana Ross, Associate Professor Emerita of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, is featured in this article about her accomplishments, life story, and impact on students.

“We find that Americans are strongly opposed to detaining migrant children. Separating families is also unpopular, but Republicans and people anxious about cultural change support that policy more than others do,” write Sophia Jordán Wallace, associate professor of political science at the UW, and Chris Zepeda-Millán of the University of California at Los Angeles.

While there may be nothing better than cuddling with your pet, should you sleep with your dog in the bed? Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

“National crises, from wars to depressions, have nearly always required big deficit spending. But in many countries, including the United States, for the last half-century public debt didn’t get paid down during times of peace and prosperity. Economists and politicians argue about whether this leads to higher inflation, interest rates or capital flight. That debate ignores a truly dangerous consequence of high public debt: It undermines trust in government,” writes Edgar Kiser, professor emeritus of sociology at the UW, about the growth in public debt due to COVID-19 spending.

A new podcast from the University of Washington’s Stroum Center for Jewish Studies explores issues of Jewish life, with anti-Semitism — at home and abroad, presently and in history — the topic of its first season.