Sociology
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New oral history chronicles life and legacy of sociologist John Brown Childs
The oral history traces a life shaped by what Childs has called the “two mighty currents” of his heritage.
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Two UC Santa Cruz faculty members named 2025 AAAS fellows
Katharyne Mitchell and Adina Paytan were awarded the lifetime honor.
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‘Dignity in the Fields’: report documents conditions and outlines recommendations for Salinas farmworkers
The report provides practical, equity-centered solutions for the challenges that limit both worker well-being and long-term regional prosperity.
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‘Dignidad en los campos’: un reporte documenta las condiciones y presenta recomendaciones para los trabajadores agrícolas de Salinas.
El reporte ofrece soluciones prácticas y centradas en la equidad para las dificultades que limitan tanto el bienestar de los trabajadores como la prosperidad regional a largo plazo.
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Ensuring equitable technological transitions: AI use in the workforce
While much of the public conversation about generative AI and work focuses on job replacement or increased productivity, Chris Benner’s research is taking clues from prior technological transitions to understand what other improvements are possible.
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Shaping the future of artificial intelligence
UC Santa Cruz experts are working to guide AI in ethical, sustainable, and socially beneficial directions
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Alumna Tonje Switzer receives Green Heart Award for CZU complex fire and Santa Cruz storm recovery efforts
Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group Executive Director Tonje Switzer (Oakes ’16, sociology) was awarded the Mountain Affair’s Green Heart Award in October.
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Social Sciences faculty and staff honored at annual Fall Breakfast
Interim Dean of the Social Sciences Division, Herbie Lee, along with committees of staff and faculty, presented awards to three faculty members and one staff member for their commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service.
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Redefining systems of care: Alumna works to advance health equity across California
Alumna and co-CEO of Essential Access Health Dr. Nomsa Khalfani (Kresge ’91, sociology) works to advance sexual and reproductive health equity across California and is a public health leader in her community.
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Get to know our researchers
Meet some of the passionate people leading our impact and innovation. Public support and federal funding make this work possible.
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Breaking barriers and guiding others
As an outreach specialist with UC Santa Cruz’s Underground Scholars Program, Sammy Chavez (Rachel Carson ’25, Latin American and Latino studies and sociology) supports students navigating complex challenges in higher education. While completing his own degree, he was recognized with the Silver Slug Scholarship as a staff member pursuing his studies.
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NSF grant explores impact of embedding ethics into genomics, neuroscience, and AI
Professor Jenny Reardon will study how scientists working on high stakes emerging technologies are partnering with ethicists and social scientists to consider societal implications.