Society Archives

Why the Huge Number of Dollar General Stores?

What’s behind the huge number of Dollar General stores? Are dollar stores capitalizing on poverty or adding value to society? Dollar stores are the fastest-growing food retailers in the US and are working to become the top dog of one-stop-shopping for America’s poorest citizens. In particular, the number of Dollar General stores is exploding as the retailer opens three new stores a day. Read on to learn what’s behind this massive number of Dollar General stores and why it has some experts concerned.

Individualist vs. Relationalist Views of Marriage (David Brooks)

Does your marriage leave you with unmet expectations? What sacrifices should marriage require? David Brooks compares two approaches to life and, thus, marriage. The first approach is characteristic of individualism, which prioritizes personal liberty and spurns commitment. The second approach is characteristic of relationalism, which celebrates community and prizes commitment. Continue reading to learn about two views of marriage based on these two approaches to life.

Is the Housing Market Crashing? What the Experts Predict

Suburban Flight and The Role of The Government

Is the housing market crashing or is it normalizing? Why do experts offer varied viewpoints on this subject? As the U.S. emerges from the pandemic-fueled housing boom—with high mortgage rates, a potential recession, and now the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank—many are wondering if the housing market is crashing again. As experts offer differing opinions, it can be difficult to determine the market’s future. Read on to discover experts’ viewpoints on the housing market and whether it’s crashing or normalizing.

Where Did Covid-19 Come From? Exploring the Theories

Where did Covid-19 come from? What are the two major theories about the origins of Covid-19? The U.S. Energy Department has concluded that the Covid-19 pandemic likely came from a lab leak, but other agencies support an animal origin hypothesis. The debate over Covid’s origins continues to puzzle scientists and the public alike since the virus first emerged. Read on to learn about the two leading theories for how Covid-19 began.

The Two Mountains: Why David Brooks Is a Relationalist

What are the two mountains that David Brooks discusses? Why does he choose one over the other? In The Second Mountain, David Brooks talks about two approaches to life. The first approach is characteristic of individualism, which prioritizes personal liberty and spurns commitment. The second approach is characteristic of relationalism, which celebrates community and prizes commitment. Read more to learn about these two worldviews and to understand why Brooks chooses the second mountain in his own life.

The Tortured Artist: Does Sadness Give Us Creative Power?

What is the “tortured artist” stereotype? How are creativity and sadness related? Are naturally creative people more prone to sadness? The tortured artist stereotype has long been associated with creativity and sadness, and according to Susan Cain’s book Bittersweet, there may be a connection between the two. However, while sadness can trigger increased creativity, it’s not the only way to increase it. Learn how Cain explains sadness, creativity, and the tortured artist.

Matthew Perry’s Near-Death Experience: How It Happened

When did Matthew Perry have a near-death experience? What caused Perry’s health to decline suddenly? In 2018, actor Matthew Perry was sent to a hospital during a health crisis. He describes the scary event in his book Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, and how it helped him come to terms with unresolved issues from his past. Find out how Matthew Perry’s near-death experience forced him to confront feelings he’d been suppressing.

Dispelling 3 Misconceptions About Climate Change

Is the weather more extreme these days? Why are sea levels rising? Are we headed for a climate apocalypse? Former energy industry scientist Steven E. Koonin contends that climate activists have misled the public into thinking there’s proof that our actions have led to global warming and possible climate catastrophe. On the contrary, Koonin argues that the facts about climate change are far from certain. Keep reading to learn how Koonin dispels three significant misconceptions about climate change.

What Are the Effects of Urbanization on the Environment?

What are the effects of urbanization on the environment? How are animals impacted? Is the greenery in cities natural and beneficial? In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman aims to address humanity’s environmental impact by imagining a world in which nature is allowed to flourish. He takes a close look at how cities impact the natural world. Read more to learn what Weisman discovered about urbanization’s mark on the planet.

You Are a Product of Your Environment—So Make It Count

How do the people in our lives influence us? Are your friends or colleagues instrumental in your self-improvement journey? In Be Your Future Self Now, Benjamin Hardy recommends putting yourself in environments that will help you become your higher self. This is because you are a product of your environment—the situations you put yourself in and the people you surround yourself with impact who you are and what you achieve. Find out what you can do to push yourself beyond your limits by using the world around you.