Social Sciences Division

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.

This week at the UW, attend the online This is Beethoven festival, join Ann Poulson, the Henry Art Gallery’s Associate Curator of Collections, for a Re/frame event, and more.

New research from the University of Washington shows that for Black youth, having an encounter with police in middle school means a higher likelihood of being arrested by age 20. Annie McGlynn-Wright, who led the study while a doctoral student in sociology at the UW, is quoted.

Some couples have found a way not only to survive but get closer despite all the stresses of this year’s many challenges. Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

"Social media played a significant role in the way that Armenians and Azerbaijanis experienced this year’s brief war. Globally, people could follow military movements, drone footage, respond to statements by authorities and discuss the events. All of this activity provided leaders with instant public opinion that informed decisions," writes Katy Pearce, associate professor of communication at the UW.