Humanities & Society

New political science research by Christopher Lucas in Arts & Sciences finds deepfakes can convince the American public of scandals that never occurred at alarming rates — over 40% of a representative sample — but no more so than equivalent disinformation conveyed through textual headlines or audio recordings.

Patty Jo Watson, a professor emerita in anthropology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Arlington, Mass. Watson was one of the world’s leading experts on cave archaeology and agricultural origins.

Rachel Sachs, a WashU professor of law, has been appointed to the Illinois Advisory Council on Financing and Access to Sickle Cell Disease Treatment and Other High-Cost Drugs and Treatments.

During his four years in office, Joe Biden was hailed as the most pro-union president in recent history. But whether his record translates into votes for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris remains to be seen. Sociologist Jake Rosenfeld, in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, explains why Democrats have lost some union votes and how the parties are responding.

EmpowHer, a program designed to equip women with the knowledge, resources and support system to run a successful campaign and represent their constituents effectively, is being offered Aug. 23-24 at Washington University in St. Louis.

“Envy of the world” or a disgrace? Olin Business School’s John Horn discusses the state of the U.S. economy, President Joe Biden’s economic legacy and what to expect from a future Harris or Trump presidency.

Diana Z. O’Brien, the Bela Kornitzer Distinguished Professor of Political Science in Arts & Sciences, discusses the unique challenges facing female politicians, the importance of representation and more.  

While some progress has been made in the 10 years since Michael Brown’s death Aug. 9, 2014, in many ways we have regressed as a nation, said the School of Law’s Kimberly Norwood, an expert on social justice and civil rights issues.

Washington University in St. Louis faculty are available for media interviews marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Michael Brown Aug. 9, 2014, and subsequent civil unrest in Ferguson, Mo.

Clarissa Rile Hayward, a professor of political science in Arts & Sciences and an expert on social movements, said that Michael Brown’s death forced law enforcement agencies around the country to grapple with the racism within their departments and led to an uptick in activism and political engagement.