The Uncharted Journey: Navigating Neurodiversity as We Age

Age and Ageism, Health, Illness, and Medicine, Uncategorized /

Aging is a universal journey, but for the millions of people who are neurodivergent— including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — it is an uncharted path filled with unique challenges for which clear support systems are often absent. This perspective is rooted in the neurodiversity paradigm, which recognizes the wide […]

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Drifting Away from Humanities: How Leaving Out the Humanities is a Mistake for Our Future

Education, Jobs and Working, Political Sociology, Social Interactions, Uncategorized /

In our current day and age, the role of technology is as intertwined in our everyday lives as our daily cup of coffee or tea. The need for a steady supply of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) graduates from colleges in this country is an absolute necessity to stay competitive in this technology-driven world.

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Rethinking Retirement: The Rise of Encore Careers and Multi-Stage Lives

Age and Ageism, Economics, Jobs and Working, Population, Socialization /

For decades, the image of retirement has been a serene one with endless days on the beach, leisurely rounds of golf, or perhaps finally tackling that overflowing reading list. It’s been painted as a golden era of relaxation, a well-deserved break after decades of hard work. But what if that picture is becoming a relic

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Siblings Keep You Healthy?

Gender and Sexuality, Health, Illness, and Medicine, Sex and Gender, Sexual Behavior in Society, Social Stratification /

Health — a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity — is so important that it has its own day! World Health Day, celebrated on April 7, focuses on various global health concerns each year. The theme for 2025 is “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” and

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Toxic Inequality: How Environmental Racism Poisons Your Neighborhood

Environmental Sociology, Poverty, Social Stratification, Sociological Perspective /

Nestled among the riverbank of the Mississippi River, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, lies the area colloquially known as Cancer Alley. At 85 miles long, it is not only home to 1.5 million people, but also to around 200 fossil fuel and petrochemical companies. The proximity of these companies and unenforced environmental standards is

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Alcohol & Substance Use Among Disadvantaged Youth & Young Adults

Alcoholism and Drug Use, Culture, Deviance and Crime, Uncategorized /

While rates of alcohol and substance use among young adults have declined in recent years, the continued use among those from disadvantaged backgrounds has proven to have severe consequences. In recent years, rising stress levels, economic instability, limited access to mental health care, and exposure to environments where substance use is normalized have contributed to

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From Classroom to Cellblock: The Reality of the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Deviance and Crime, Education, Groups and Organizations, Social Stratification, Socialization /

Schools are meant to be a place of opportunity, a place where children get their first taste of the real world. A place where we shape them into the productive and successful human beings we hope they become. Schools are the place where young people gain knowledge, develop essential skills, and prepare for their future.

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Dogs Are the New Family

Human-Animal Relationships /

Quick questions: Did your dog make the holiday card? Do you or your family members own a coffee mug that says: “My dog rescued me,” “Best dog parent,” or “I paws for doggy snuggles”? Does your campus have emotional support dogs? And is your family dog walker on speed dial? Statistically speaking, you should answer

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Navigating Loss and Bereavement in an Aging Society

Age and Ageism, Social Change and Movements /

Bereavement involves the loss of a loved one, prompting grief, a personal emotional response, while grieving is the process of adapting to this loss. Grief varies for everyone, influenced by personal factors with no “correct” way or timeline. Older adults frequently face bereavement, making it a significant concern. Societal expectations of “recovery” often misunderstand grief,

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Influential Factors on Sexual Behaviors of Adolescents and Young Adults

Age and Ageism, Alcoholism and Drug Use, Deviance and Crime, Sexual Behavior in Society /

The sexual behaviors of youth and young adults are increasingly shaped by a complex interplay of influences. Among the most powerful of these are various forms of media, including television, movies, music, and social media outlets, which often portray sexual content in ways that normalize or glamorize certain behaviors. These portrayals can create distorted perceptions

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