Society Archives

Cliques in High School: An Experience of Social Exclusion

How do cliques in high school affect children? What are some examples of high school cliques? In Smile, graphic artist Raina Telgemeier recounts her adolescence, including the struggles of trying to fit in when she felt self-conscious and excluded. The novel depicts her encounter with cliques in high school and Telgemeier’s experience of social exclusion. Keep reading for an example of Telgemeier’s account of high school cliques from her novel Smile.

5 Roland Barthes Quotes From Mythologies to Think About

What images, objects, and stories have you seen or heard today? What’s the real message of each meme, advertisement, and headline? In Mythologies, 20th-century French philosopher Roland Barthes says that all of these contain subtle messages that subconsciously shape the way you view the world. He calls these messages myths. Keep reading for a few Roland Barthes quotes from his essays in Mythologies, along with some context and explanation.

What’s the New Space Race & Who Is It Between?

What is the new space race? Who is the race between? What does the future hold for space exploration? Space exploration largely faded into the background after the end of the Cold War, but it’s coming back with a vengeance. Participants in the new space race are vying for the advantages of establishing a space presence that could set them up for future success. Read on to learn more about what’s happening with the new space race and who’s involved.

The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination

What is the psychology behind prejudice? Why do people stereotype others? Being discriminatory toward others is a horrible thing, but some people try to excuse it. In Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me), Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson explain why some people’s brains stereotype others. Read more to learn the psychology of prejudice and why some people discriminate against others.

Converting Office to Residential—Can It Save City Centers?

What’s going to happen to all of the empty office buildings in the U.S.? Is converting office to residential space a solution? Thanks to the remote and hybrid work trends, there’s a glut of office space in major metropolitan hubs that, left unaddressed, could turn big cities into wastelands. Converting vacant office space into residential use is one proposed solution. Read on to learn more about the benefits and challenges of converting office to residential space.

Why Do Politicians Lie—Has Post-Truth Politics Taken Over?

Why do politicians lie? Why do we continue to support politicians, even when we know they’re lying? Research shows that Americans will continue to support their preferred political candidates even when they know those candidates lie. Since 2016, the term “post-truth politics” has come into regular use for just this reason. Read on to learn why politicians lie and why Americans tolerate it.

How Does the Power Grid Work & Why Does It Fail?

How does the power grid work in the U.S.? Why does it fail at times? What factors make the power grid vulnerable? The power grid in the U.S. works to transmit and distribute electricity across long distances, but extreme weather events in recent years have highlighted its growing vulnerability. Several factors contribute to the power grid’s problems, including its age and the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Read on to learn more about how the power grid works in the U.S. and why it’s in poor shape.

Why Is It Hard to Make Decisions? Information Overload

Why is it hard to make decisions? Why is it harder now than it’s ever been? The modern world overwhelms us, and this hampers our ability to make decisions. Our brains expend a lot of energy on decisions that must be made—even ones that aren’t important. That energy drain makes decision-making difficult. Read more to understand why it’s hard to make decisions, especially these days.

Why Some Avatar 2 Critics Despise Cameron’s New Film

What are Avatar 2 critics saying about James Cameron’s new film? What are the problems with Avatar 2, according to critics? With the release of Avatar 2, James Cameron has been accused of cultural appropriation and promoting a “white savior” narrative. Some indigenous activists have even called for a boycott of the film. Read on for an explanation of the controversy and to learn exactly what some Avatar 2 critics are saying.

Permitless Carry States: New Gun Laws & How They Affect You

What does permitless carry mean? How many states allow permitless carry? What should you know about open and concealed carry laws? In the last decade, the number of permitless carry states—those that allow people to carry concealed weapons without a license—has jumped from two to 25. However, the change isn’t as drastic as it sounds. Read on for an overview of permitless carry in the United States, including what’s changing for gun owners.