Sociology

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.

Pastors serve as primary source of mental health care for Black, Latino congregants

A new study of Black and Latino Christians found they often turn to their pastors for mental health care or information on mental health resources, even when those clergy feel ill-equipped to offer help or advice.

New book explores why mothers stay after their Houston neighborhoods flood over and over

When floodwaters recede, what ultimately convinces mothers to move their families or stay put?

Ruth López Turley named next director of Rice's Kinder Institute for Urban Research

HOUSTON – (Dec. 1, 2021) – Ruth López Turley, a prolific education researcher, professor of sociology and director of Rice University's Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), has been selected as the next director of the university's Kinder Institute for Urban Research after current director Bill Fulton steps down June 30, 2022.

Rice talk to focus on Uyghur genocide in China

The history of the Uyghur homeland and the ongoing Uyghur genocide being carried out by the Chinese government will be the focus of a Nov. 4 event to be held from 1-2 p.m. in Kraft Hall 110.

Many Latinos chose virtual learning for children to minimize health risks to family, study shows

Many Latino families chose virtual learning for their children instead of returning to the classroom last fall in an effort to minimize health risks and protect vulnerable family members from COVID-19, according to a new study from a Rice University sociologist.