Public perception of crime remains out of sync with reality, criminologist contends A jarring statistic you’re not likely to hear on the evening news: the homicide rate has been declining since the 1300s. Sociology professor Mark Warr, who has studied social reaction to crime for three decades, offers that up as a reality that doesn’t […]
The Many Voices of Feminism
Scholars discuss the most important challenges facing women in the 21st century In the post-feminist era of the 21st century, are the aims and goals of feminism still relevant? Will feminism survive the rush to globalization? What universal lessons can we learn from the unique ways women around the world have advanced their concerns? These […]
Gateway to the Americas
Teresa Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies With its geographic, historical and cultural connections, Texas is uniquely poised to serve as the world’s gateway to Latin America. And with long–standing academic and personal connections throughout the hemisphere, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are uniquely qualified to serve as ambassadors to the […]
Unbound: Reading Rough Drafts to History
Some writers look at it as baggage. Others, as garbage. And some feel it is so close to them, it is part of their soul. Thomas Staley is talking about first drafts, an essential component of many literary archives he has acquired as director of the Harry Ransom Center. For Staley, it is the false […]
Assignment Abroad
From Argentina to Vietnam, students explore the world in quest for global citizenship Life-changing. Transformative. Inspiring. These are the dramatic descriptions that often excitedly tumble forth when students return from study abroad, says Terri Givens, vice provost and associate professor of government, who oversees the university’s International Office. And for most students, the hyperbole matches […]
Politics in the Pews
Researchers explore the role of religion in mobilizing African-American voters The Sunday morning worship at Red Memorial* progresses like many services in African-American churches. Parishioners sing classic hymns, clapping and swaying along to the music. The pastor, the Rev. Red, greets the congregation the same way she does each week. However, there’s something different about […]
A Red and Blue Nation?
Political scientist debunks two common myths about American voters High voter turnout helps the Democrats. Late-deciders vote for the challenger. Political polarization has left the American electorate deeply divided between “red” and “blue” states. Right? Wrong. Turn on any cable news channel during an election year and you will find these and many other popular […]
Books That Changed America
Scholars explore seminal works that shaped our nation’s history Have you ever stayed up all night reading a book you just couldn’t put down? Felt unreasonably annoyed when a well-meaning friend interrupts your reading time? Found that a book that you’ve read changed your mind and challenged you to change the world you live in? […]
Jewish Life in the Americas
The Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies More than 400,000 Jews reside in Latin America, comprising the fifth largest community of Jews after the United States, Israel, the former Soviet Union, and France. Their stories and experiences are a major focus of research and teaching at the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies, which encompasses the history, […]
Event Spotlights: Fall 2008
Crisis in Darfur: Nigerian Nobelist Wole Soyinka Urges International Community to Remember the ‘Tree of Forgetfulness’ When Tola Mosadomi, assistant professor of Middle Eastern Studies and affiliate of the Warfield Center for African and African American Studies, was an undergraduate student at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, she sometimes saw poet Wole Soyinka walking […]
Research Briefs: Fall 2008
Why Pregnant Women Waddle The human spine evolved differently in males and females in order to alleviate back pressure from the weight of carrying a baby, according to anthropologist Liza Shapiro whose findings were first documented in Nature. The researcher believes the adaptation first appeared at least two million years ago, in the early human […]
Pop Goes Philosophy
Professor draws upon popular culture to illutrate today’s moral issues In a popular episode of “The Simpsons,” Homer secures an illegal, free cable television hookup. Lisa is appalled by her father’s crime and faces an ethical crisis. She announces her moral objection to stealing and refuses to watch the stolen cable TV programming. Homer later […]
Behind the Lens
Keith Maitland has a blind ambition. The filmmaker and liberal arts alumnus (B.A. Creative Writing, ’98) wants you to keep an eye out (or an ear) for his forthcoming film, “Keep Your Ear on the Ball.” The ensemble documentary offers an intimate look at the lives of four blind teens and will premiere on PBS […]
The Aging of America
Sociologists examine population’s challenges In 2011, the first Baby Boomers will reach age 65, and the population aged 65 and older will grow rapidly during the next two decades. How the country responds to this new demographic reality will shape the fabric of American life and culture for years to come, says Robert Hummer, chair […]
‘Til Death Do Us Part?
Researchers diagnose health consequences of marriage, divorce So, why aren’t you married? It’s an age-old question dreaded by singletons. The underlying assumption of the awkward inquiry: there is something wrong with being single and one’s life is somehow incomplete without a partner. But does marriage mean you will live happily, and healthfully, ever after? Research […]
Deep Roots?
New DNA tests may reveal your ancestry, but researchers urge caution when interpreting results From 1892 to 1954, More than 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island in New York Harbor. They left behind a huge repository of records that for many years has been the first stop for Americans researching their […]
Society and Psychology
Got Game? Scholars enter the field of competition From the football stadium to Wall Street, Americans are well-known for their competitive drive. Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin examine the science behind the success—or failure—on the field. John Hoberman (left), chair of Germanic studies, examines where sports, science and politics meet. The author […]