Social Sciences Division

Alexes Harris, professor of sociology at the UW, weighs in on the divide between police and communities of color and what she says are the best ways to fix it.

University of Washington faculty member Ian Schnee, associate teaching professor in the Department of Philosophy, was the featured speaker at the UW’s 37th annual New Student Convocation.

Leela Fernandes, an internationally recognized scholar and author on democratic politics and inequality with a focus on contemporary India, officially assumed the directorship role of the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington on July 1, 2020.

The selection of a deeply conservative jurist to replace the late liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is not sitting well with some women on the Eastside. In 2016, they formed an organization in reaction to the president’s election, Plateaupians 4 Peace. This nomination has them riled up. Margaret O’Mara, professor of history at the UW, is interviewed.

Scott Lemieux, assistant teaching professor of political science at the UW, gives insight into how the confirmation process for the Supreme Court will work before Election Day.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, explains the role of environmental issues in elections.

Amazon is launching a new tool to help shoppers select items that are deemed more environmentally friendly. Products will earn the “Climate Pledge Friendly” label if they have been approved by one of 19 certification programs, including Amazon’s own Compact by Design designation. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

With a crucial US election looming, Arts & Sciences faculty are sharing their expertise and insights through online lectures on a range of election-related topics.

During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. 

Asia Jones started a Facebook group to expose racist people and businesses. Members of her group have helped to get dozens of people fired from their jobs. Ralina Joseph, professor of communication at the UW, is interviewed.

While other nations invest in developing poor areas, Beijing doesn’t hesitate to operate on a more ambitious scale by moving communities, like the Yi ethnic minority, and building new towns in its effort to modernize China. Stevan Harrell, professor emeritus of anthropology at the UW, is quoted.

The 2020 Population Health Applied Research Fellows concluded their 10-week program to produce small area population forecasts at the Census tract and Health Reporting Area levels by sex, race, ethnicity and five-year age groups for King County from 2020 to 2045.

"In June, manufacturers of skin lighteners joined other corporations in voicing support for the racial justice movement. Critics quickly pointed out the hypocrisy of voicing such support in the U.S. while continuing to sell skin whitening products globally. Such products, they say, play off of and promote racism and colorism (which is prejudice based on preference for people with lighter skin tones) in Asia and Africa," writes Lynn Thomas, professor of history at the UW.

Strategists on opposites sides of the political aisle co-teach a course on political campaigns.Good thing they're close friends. 

Scott Lemieux, political science lecturer, explains the implications of when governance norms are broken.