Social Sciences Division

“Something I hear all the time is that those who are closest to the pain and to the solution are furthest from the power to make the change,” says De’Sean Quinn, a Tukwila City Councilmember.

“It’s important to take stock of what we’ve accomplished so we can remember that our collective activism, past and present, isn’t in vain,” says LaShawnda Pittman, an assistant professor of American Ethnic Studies.

“Institutions move slowly,” writes sociology professor Alexes Harris, guest editor of Viewpoint Magazine. “But we are at a moment for change and we need to apply and support constant pressure and expect certain outcomes.”

Environmental groups have become some of the biggest spenders in U.S. politics this election. Washington is no exception. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

The final days of campaign season come just as coronavirus infection rates rise, something that likely wouldn’t have a big impact on results in Washington with voters using an established mail-in system. In other states, it’s been a scramble to redesign voting systems and change voting behavior. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

There’s been a massive surge of voting, with less than 48 hours until Election Day. Right now, 72% percent of King County ballots are already in. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Incumbent Democrat Kim Schrier is being challenged by Republican Jesse Jensen to represent the 8th Congressional District, east of Seattle. Unlike a lot of American politics in 2020, one big theme in the race is bipartisanship. But what does bipartisanship mean in a hyper-partisan age? Margaret O’Mara, professor of history at the UW, is interviewed.

When people ask Lin Hongxuan why he studies the history of a community he’s not part of, his answer can be very simple: the history hasn’t been told. But there’s a more complicated answer, too. It’s dangerous for people within this particular community to tell their history.

With Election Day less than a week away, the CEOs of Facebook, Google and Twitter on Tuesday appeared virtually before a Senate panel where lawmakers grilled them over their influence in the election and a once-obscure law that has drawn criticism from Republicans and Democrats. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Everyone seems divided on issues like race, identity, economics, law and order, and public health, and it feels like we’re fractured beyond repair. But take heed, worried nation, we’ve been here before. Sort of. Margaret O’Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

A new UW study finds that denser neighborhoods reach peak infection rate earlier while nearby neighborhoods won’t reach their peak infection until weeks or even years later. Zack Almquist, assistant professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

See all that's going on during UW Global Month, take part in conversations surrounding the aftermath of the 2020 election, and more.

“2020: The Course” gives students an opportunity to hear from UW professors and special guests who will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, race in the United States, the state of the environment, the economic recession, civic participation, citizenship and this election season and outcomes.

While the first known case of COVID-19 was located in Snohomish County back in January, the infection has not spread through the Emerald City’s neighborhoods evenly, according to new research from the University of Washington. Zack Almquist, assistant professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

It’s not even Election Day, but Washington voters want their voices heard. On Thursday, the Washington Secretary of State’s office announced that 60.8% of ballots have been received. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.