Humanities & Society

Despite increased state legislation banning pay secrecy, a new study involving a Washington University researcher finds informal policies have increased. The lack of transparency enables employers to discriminate — intentionally or not — against women in the pay setting.

Sociologist John N. Robinson III says President Joe Biden’s executive orders are an important first step in the fight against systemic racism, but to keep fighting because there’s an “historic opportunity” before us.

David Cunningham, chair of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, says Biden’s administration can and should make every effort to defeat the rise of political extremism and white supremacy, but should also be aware of unintended consequences.

Increased funding for Head Start — the largest federally funded, early childhood development program in the United States — is needed to support families during the COVID-19 recession and to ensure a more stable economic recovery, according to research involving a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis.

New federal policies for paid leave, quality and affordable childcare, fair work schedules, and living wages are more important than ever.

Americans who vote are more likely to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic than people with a lower sense of civic duty — regardless of political affiliation, according to a new study involving Washington University in St. Louis.

Hedwig Lee, professor of sociology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, was elected to the prestigious Sociological Research Association. Lee also was appointed to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s ad hoc committee, “Best Practices for Implementing Decarceration as a Strategy to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Correctional Facilities.”

Adia Harvey Wingfield, the Mary Tileston Hemenway Professor in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, received The Society for the Study of Social Problems’ C. Wright Mills Award for her 2019 book, “Flatlining: Race, Work, and Health Care in the New Economy.”