Social Sciences

UC Merced Aerial Picture
Conference of California Sociologists Engages UC Merced Undergrads
December 3, 2025
More than a dozen undergraduate students in UC Merced’s Sociology Club were immersed in the discipline’s breadth of research and professional possibilities during the California Sociological Association’s annual conference. The two-day... Read More
Younger, Latino and Moderate California Republicans Diverge from Party Line on Immigration Policies
November 24, 2025
While California Democrats are nearly unified in their views on current immigration enforcement strategies, Latino Republicans and party moderates, especially women, are most likely to diverge from the GOP majority, according to a study co... Read More
A Husband’s Self-esteem Could Protect Against Preterm Births, Study Finds
November 20, 2025
A husband’s optimism and confidence might play a crucial, if often unseen, role in helping babies arrive healthy and on time. A new study from UC Merced psychology researchers found that when married fathers reported higher levels of... Read More
People Don’t Worry About Losing Jobs to AI, Even When Told It Could Happen Soon
November 18, 2025
As debates rage about artificial intelligence's impact on jobs, new research suggests that even warnings that AI could disrupt workers' employment soon do little to shake their confidence. In a survey-based study, political scientists Anil... Read More
First-generation Students Shine at UC Merced. This Week Celebrates Them
November 3, 2025
More than six in 10 UC Merced undergraduates are the first in their families to attend a university. The national average for four-year universities is about two in 10. Opening doors to opportunity for first-generation students is infused... Read More
Three-year Grant Lifts Joy Provided by UC Merced Children’s Opera
October 20, 2025
UC Merced Children’s Opera, a performance that delights and enlightens thousands of schoolchildren a year while giving Bobcat students experience in theater, has received support from a generous grant from the Central Valley Opportunity... Read More
UC Merced Celebrates 15 Years as a Hispanic-serving Institution
October 8, 2025
Fifteen years ago, UC Merced was designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. And though recent developments at the federal government have left what that designation means in limbo, the mission of serving the university’s largest... Read More
UC Merced Arts Opens Season with East L.A. Band Las Cafeteras
October 3, 2025
UC Merced Arts has announced its 2025-26 season of performances, exhibitions and public art programs, beginning with the return of East L.A.’s electrifying band Las Cafeteras. The band’s Día de los Muertos-themed production, “Hasta La... Read More
Writer-in-Residence Mark Arax Chronicles California's Lifeblood: Water
September 18, 2025
UC Merced has debuted a writer-in-residence program with one of California’s premier chroniclers of its history, especially the titanic power plays for land and water that have shaped the state’s growth and loom over its future. Mark Arax... Read More
Hellman Fellowships Welcome Three New Members from UC Merced
September 4, 2025
As the Hellman Fellowships celebrate their 30th year, three more researchers, one from each of UC Merced’s schools, have joined the prestigious ranks of recipients. Electrical engineering Professor Qian Wang, sociology Professor Meredith... Read More