Social Sciences Division

It was 101 years ago that the American public was riveted by the health of the United States president. Woodrow Wilson was described on the Oct. 2, 1919, front page of The Spokane Chronicle as experiencing “restlessness.” It would take months before the public learned the 63-year-old had experienced a paralyzing stroke. Margaret O’Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

An acrimonious American presidential election isn’t anything new, scholars are quick to point out. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

This week at the UW, listen to a discussion on global challenges, join the Herny Art Museum for a roundtable discussion, and more.

A proposal introduced during Seattle City Council’s budget deliberations would allow judges and juries the option to dismiss misdemeanor crimes that were committed because of poverty or while a person was experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or substance-use disorder. Katherine Beckett, professor of sociology and of law, societies and justice, and Alexes Harris, professor of sociology at the UW, are quoted.

Award-winning screenwriter, playwright and novelist La'Chris Jordan, (BA, Communications, 2001), tells a timely and personal story in her debut short film.

“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.