sociology

May 1, 2017

The Brave New World of Social Media Screening for New Hires

As social media has proliferated, employers have increasingly been using online information to evaluate job candidates. Steve McDonald, an associate professor of sociology at NC State who studies social networks and labor markets, takes a look at the practice and potential problems of social media as a new employee evaluation tool. 

Mar 20, 2017

Money, Not Access, Key to Resident Food Choices in ‘Food Deserts’

A new study from NC State and Campbell University finds that, while access to healthy foods is a significant challenge, the biggest variable limiting diet choices in so-called food deserts is limited financial resources. 

Nov 28, 2016

Parenting Influences Childhood Cognition – But Public Policy Can Help

In a study of factors that influence childhood cognition in the United States and Great Britain, researchers from NC State and California State University, Northridge find that the role of parents is more important than far-reaching public policies — but that public policies can make a difference. 

Aug 29, 2016

‘Contested Tastes’ Shines Light on Politics of Foie Gras

NC State sociologist Michaela DeSoucey captures arguments for and against foie gras, why they matter and what they mean in "Contested Tastes: Foie Gras and the Politics of Food" (Princeton University Press). Shining a light on multiple issues that comprise the charged debate, DeSoucey reveals the political systems and moral arguments that increasingly influence food and taste. 

Aug 24, 2016

Alum’s Pack2Pack Project Connects Those in Need with Household Goods

An alumna's sustainability project is helping connect hundreds of students with lightly used furniture and household items. 

Jul 27, 2016

Alum Bridges Language Differences in Des Moines Hospitals

A love for Spanish and desire to connect with others brought sociology and Spanish alum John Redlin to his current occupation as a Spanish language interpreter for major hospitals in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Jul 25, 2016

Study: Young Adults Have Various Levels of ‘Independence’

New research from an NC State sociologist finds that the concept of being either dependent or independent doesn’t apply to almost half of young adults in the United States. Instead, the study finds that young adults can fall into any of four categories that span the spectrum from full independence to being wholly dependent on parents. 

May 9, 2016

Research Highlights Opposing Narratives to Mountaintop Removal

A new study from an NC State doctoral student highlights how the coal industry is fighting to create a normative culture around mountaintop removal, in light of mounting research and opposition exposing the practice’s negative impact on the environment and workers. The study also gives insight into what grassroots organizations are doing to create a counter narrative. 

Jan 20, 2016

Racial Makeup of Labor Markets Affects Who Gets Job Leads

Research from NC State's Department of Sociology and Anthropology and Rice University finds that the racial composition of a labor market plays a significant role in whether workers find out about job leads -- regardless of the race of the worker. 

Dec 3, 2015

Research seeks answers to black lung resurgence

For some, the words “black lung” may stir thoughts of an antiquated disease. However, after cases among miners dropped from nearly 30 percent to 3 percent between 1969 and 1999, recent research shows that trend reversing in central Appalachia. NC State doctoral student Aysha Bodenhamer aims to find out what’s led to the resurgence and what miners, their families and the industry are doing about it.