Social Sciences Division

Katherine Beckett, Professor of sociology and law, societies and justice, explains Oregon's decriminalization of drugs, and whether Washington will be next.

Washington state’s Electoral College gave President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris their votes in Olympia today. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

Here's a quick look at some giftworthy books and music created by UW faculty and staff in 2020, and a reminder of some recent favorites.

With one of the biggest gift-giving seasons upon us, here’s a quick look at some gift-worthy books and music created by University of Washington faculty and staff, and a reminder of some recent favorites.

Family estrangement has long been a taboo topic. But that may be changing, as we see more and more research examining why and how estrangement happens. Kristina Scharp, assistant professor of communication at the UW, is interviewed. [This was broadcast on public radio stations nationwide.]

“President-elect Biden’s July 2020 climate plan outlined a zero emission pledge. States, such as California and Washington, and companies, such as Microsoft and Google, have also announced net-zero emission pledges. But there is a catch,” write the UW’s Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs; Aseem Prakash, professor of political science; and Inhwan Ko, a doctoral student in political science.

At its final colloquium, the Henry Art Gallery invites academics from the UW and other institutions "to think beyond species."

Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, comments on the antitrust lawsuits against Facebook, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, comments on Amazon's Climate Pledge.

As chief historian for the National Park Service, Turkiya Lowe (PhD, History, 2010) helps bring history to life.

New research reveals significant changes to the circulation of the North Pacific and its impact on the initial migration of humans from Asia to North America.

It’s cold, dark and wet. The only problem? There’s also still a pandemic. So while last year you may have relied on hygge to get you through, may we suggest this year that you turn your focus from Denmark to Norway? It’s time to embrace friluftsliv. Andy Meyer, a lecturer of Scandinavian studies at the UW, is interviewed. [This is part of the Dec. 9 episode of "The Record."]

Christopher Parker, professor of political science at the UW, talks about the significance of the selection of General Lloyd Austin as U.S. Defense Secretary.

Amazon added to the roster of those signing onto its Climate Pledge initiative Wednesday, as the e-commerce giant works to build support for a corporate environmental agreement that critics say does little to detail efforts to reduce emissions. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Ben Fitzhugh, professor of anthropology, explains the results of a new study he co-authored on human migration.

The Taiwan Studies Program of the Jackson School of International Studies has received a generous sum from the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.