Humanities & Society

Peggie Smith is a champion for strengthening the rights and legal protections of domestic workers, particularly Black women. Smith became interested in the issue while in graduate school, realizing that there was little research and effort at the time around such laborers’ particular concerns and perspectives. She credits her first-grade teacher, with whom she still keeps in touch, with inspiring her to go into teaching rather than practicing law.

Precision agriculture is beginning to shape the strategies and choices of farmers around the world, according to a new analysis by Glenn Stone, professor of anthropology and of environmental studies in Arts & Sciences.

James Wertsch, an expert on Russia and international affairs, analyzes Vladimir Putin’s motivation in attacking Ukraine. He says that Putin sees Russia’s mission as aiming to triumph over democracy and encourage the rise of Christian fascism everywhere.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is expected to have another challenging year processing returns. Experts at Washington University’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic offer tips, including: file early and electronically if possible.

Washington University’s Adrienne Davis and Raven Maragh-Lloyd will take part in a panel discussion, co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity, about the historic legacy of Ebony and Jet magazines Feb. 17 at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

Caitlyn Collins, assistant professor of sociology in Arts & Sciences, will join a panel of experts on Wednesday, Feb. 16, to discuss why millions of people quit their jobs last year and how the “Great Resignation” may shape work in the U.S. for years to come.

An analysis of television ads from the 2016 presidential election shows messages that are centrist and consistent with the candidate’s primary messages lead to increased online word of mouth chatter and higher daily poll ratings.