Social Sciences

UC Merced Aerial Picture
Critical Race and Ethnic Studies is Campus’s Newest Major
August 18, 2017
Starting this semester, students in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA) will have a new major option: Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES). Led by professors Ma Vang and Kit Myers, the new major dovetails with UC... Read More
Political Scientists, Students to Examine United Nations’ Inner Workings
August 16, 2017
Considering that the United States spends about $3.3 billion on United Nations-related activity each year, including peacekeeping — and President Donald Trump has proposed a 40 percent cut in that spending — this seems like a good time for... Read More
Genetic Diversity in High Schools a Predictor of Economic Success
August 8, 2017
Does diversity have a positive effect on economic outcomes? According to a new study co-authored by UC Merced economics Professor Justin Cook, the answer is yes, even when the diversity is imperceptible to the casual observer. Cook and his... Read More
Pioneering Alumna Embraces Career in Immigration Law
July 27, 2017
Linda Barreto
UC Merced alumna Linda Barreto always wanted to become a lawyer, but an experience in college helped reinforce her career path. While driving, Barreto was pulled over and cited for failing to stop before making a left turn. She decided to... Read More
Study: Distracted Voters More Likely to Vote for White Candidates
July 19, 2017
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Distracted or mentally taxed voters across America are less likely to vote for candidates of color, a new paper indicates. Through a series of mock election experiments, UC Merced Professor Jessica Trounstine, graduate student Kau Vue and... Read More
Eager to Make a Difference, Student Focuses on Human Rights
July 17, 2017
Adriana Diaz Mireles
Adriana Diaz Mireles is on a mission. Inspired by coursework on human rights, the UC Merced senior is intent on pursuing a career in humanitarian advocacy. But first, she’s working to make a name for herself before graduating. This... Read More
Immigration Status Has Health Implications for Young Latinos, Study Shows
June 28, 2017
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Young undocumented Latinos who gain legal status, even on a temporary basis, experience significant positive effects on their psychological well-being, according to a new study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine. UC... Read More
Researchers Eye Social Media’s Influence on Relationships, Stress
June 23, 2017
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Nearly 70 percent of Americans use some form of social media, according to a Pew Research Center survey. There is little doubt it affects our daily lives — but how? UC Merced Ph.D. graduate Holly Rus recently defended her... Read More
Former ASUCM President Gaining Capitol Experience
May 30, 2017
Domonique Jones
Domonique Jones got a taste of public office while serving as president of the Associated Students of UC Merced (ASUCM). Now the 2016 graduate is furthering that information in the state Capitol. Since her graduation, Jones has been... Read More
Governor Names Harris to Fair Employment and Housing Council
May 18, 2017
Mark T. Harris
Mark T. Harris, J.D., has been appointed to the California Fair Employment and Housing Council by Gov. Jerry Brown. Harris is a continuing lecturer of management and business economics at UC Merced since 2008 and a practicing attorney in... Read More