Sociology
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Uber and Lyft’s Appeal in California Labor Case Won’t Be Heard by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court's decision to kick a case on pay and benefits for gig workers back to state courts means there’s a continuing lack of clarity, according to UC Santa Cruz Sociology Professor Steve McKay, who directs the university’s Center for Labor and Community. “When we have a system where employers pay for a lot…
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Opinion: Imperial County residents deserve to benefit from a potential lithium boom
Environmental Studies and Sociology Professor Chris Benner, who is the faculty director for the Institute for Social Transformation, co-wrote an opinion article about the need for local communities to benefit from lithium extraction in the Salton Sea region. More detailed coverage is available in The Conversation.
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Fire-Weary Lake County Again Faces a Tough Recovery and Questions Over Rebuilding
UC Santa Cruz professor Miriam Greenberg, who studies the interconnections between lack of affordable housing and climate catastrophes like fires, cautioned the city and its residents to think about whether rebuilding in Clearlake is a good idea. “It’s a question that should be asked sensitively because a fire may have already displaced them from an…
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Let’s ensure ‘Recess for All’ law really does apply to all
Rebecca London, a professor of sociology and faculty director of Campus + Community at the University of California, Santa Cruz, co-wrote this opinion piece that highlights healthier learning environments California students can expect this fall thanks to the landmark Senate Bill 291. Known as "Recess for All," the bill requires elementary schools to provide students…
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California’s housing crisis could be raising risk of climate disasters, researchers fear
The Hill covered research being led by Sociology Professor Miriam Greenberg and Associate Professor of Sociology Hillary Angelo, which is testing the theory that lack of affordable housing in California’s urban centers may be fueling increased development in adjacent wildlands—exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
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Could AI robots with lasers make herbicides — and farm workers — obsolete?
Chris Benner, professor of sociology and environmental studies and director of the Institute for Social Transformation, likened the disruptive potential of new agricultural tools. “We need more efficiencies in agriculture to improve profit margins and be able to pay workers in the field more, but that’s ultimately going to displace some people,” Benner said. “What do…
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Being 80
A PBS documentary that seeks to counteract stereotypes on aging features the ongoing work of UC Santa Cruz Sociology Professor Emeritus John Brown Childs, who teaches peacemaking skills through a program with Soledad State Prison and UCSC students.
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Tips for parents to encourage kids to play outside
Sociology Professor Rebecca London shared tips with KPBS about how parents can encourage children's play. Parents can model different kinds of play for their children and should follow their children's natural interests, London says.
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Boulder Creek resident’s film on aging, staying active to air on KQED Plus
The Santa Cruz Sentinel covered the release of an upcoming documentary featuring UC Santa Cruz Professor Emeritus of Sociology John Brown Childs.
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The way kids play has quietly transformed. Here’s why that matters
Sociology Professor Rebecca London spoke with KPBS about her research on the benefits of free play for children's development.
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For the first time, California law will protect students’ right to recess
KPBS spoke with Sociology Professor Rebecca London about a new state law and her research on the importance of recess.
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Your scam stories
Additional coverage by Marketplace of telemarketing scams that target immigrants included insights from Assistant Professor of Sociology Juan Manuel Pedroza.