Sociology

Felony convictions hinder efforts to access stable housing even if no prison time is served, study shows

Even if they’ve never served time in prison, people who have felony convictions still have difficulty accessing stable housing, according to new research from a Rice University sociologist.

Interracial contact may not reduce racism, says report

Racial apathy and the belief that Black people no longer experience prejudice in today’s world represent the “new racism,” according to Tony Brown, professor of sociology at Rice University and lead author of the study, “Changes in Racial Apathy Among White Young Adults: A Five-Year National Panel Study,” published in the journal Sociological Inquiry.

Flooding exacerbates pollution exposure in at-risk urban communities

Increased flooding in the U.S. is exposing more people to industrial pollution, especially in racially marginalized urban communities, according to new research from Rice University, New York University and Brown University.

Mental health of Black and Hispanic veterans improved after Obama election, study finds

The mental health of Black and Hispanic veterans improved when Barack Obama was elected president, according to new research from Rice University.

Schneider selected to direct Religion and Public Life Program

​​​​​​​Rachel Schneider has been named the new director of the Religion and Public Life Program (RPLP), which will now be housed in Rice University’s Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance .

Stephen Klineberg: A retrospective

Through most of the 20th century, Houston thrived. It was a one-horse industrial town, riding its location near the East Texas oil fields to continued prosperity. The city was also world-famous for having imposed the least possible controls on development of any city in the Western world. Houstonians proclaimed themselves to be the epitome of what Americans can achieve when left unfettered by zoning codes, government regulations or excessive taxation.

New study of racism caught on video spotlights hate faced by Asians, Asian Americans amid pandemic

A new Rice University study showcases the severity of discriminatory behavior toward Asians and Asian Americans driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kinder Houston Area Survey: As pandemic wanes, economy and crime become top concerns

As Houston emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and crime top the list of residents’ concerns in the 2022 Kinder Houston Area Survey. Stress, anxiety, loneliness and isolation persist as the pandemic wanes, the survey shows, and Houstonians want the government to spend more money addressing economic inequalities and improving public schools.

Automatic admissions policies increased diversity at rural Texas high schools, says report

A Rice University study found “race-blind” automatic admissions policies at Texas’ state universities boosted diversity in highly segregated school districts, especially in rural areas of the Lone Star State.

Faculty, staff, students honored for excellence in teaching, mentoring, service

Each year, Rice honors members of the university community who have served students through outstanding teaching, dedication and service.

NSF awards 38 Graduate Research Fellowships to Rice students

The National Science Foundation has awarded 38 Graduate Research Fellowships to Rice University students.

Christians, Jews and Muslims experience workplace discrimination differently, new Rice research shows

Two-thirds of Muslims, half of Jews and more than a third of evangelical Protestant Christians experience workplace discrimination, albeit in different ways, according to a new study from Rice University’s Religion and Public Life Program (RPLP).

Atheists more likely to hide beliefs if they’re women, Republicans, Southerners or were previously religious

Atheists in the United States are more likely to conceal their beliefs if they’re women, Republicans, Southerners or if they’ve previously been religious, according to new research from Rice University and West Virginia University.

Writing about women across the disciplines

The Friends of Fondren Library annual event Feb. 16 honored Rice-affiliated authors, editors and composers

Environmental champions win Rice grants

The Rice University Sustainable Futures Fund backs six projects to help bolster the planet’s environmental health.