News and Updates
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Faculty of Social Science
Social Science Centre
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2021
Western University and the NGO Alagoas Ateliê Ambrosina launch gallery and podcast channel
December 17, 2021
Exhibition Portraits Defiças, a Brazilian reference project in the field of Art Disability, premieres on December 20th, 2021.Workers welcome shortened work week, research study finds
December 17, 2021
Zorra Township cites flexibility, work/life balance as key benefits in study led by Western University’s Joseph Lyons and York University’s Zachary Spicer.Crime statistics often reflect political and managerial choices, rather than reality
December 03, 2021
The public does not understand how crime statistics are gathered, and this has many operational implications for police services, and political and social implications for the public, based on research from Laura Huey.New loneliness numbers ‘not a fluke’
December 03, 2021
A Statistics Canada survey shows more than 1 in 10 Canadians reports being lonely often or all the time. Julie Aitken Schermer, professor in DAN Management, says StatsCan numbers reflect pervasive feelings of isolation across countryStudy shows smiling makes you look older, unless you’re old already
December 03, 2021
New research from Mel Goodale, professor in the Department of Psychology, follows up on earlier correlation between facial wrinkles and age perception.New survey reveals pandemic impact on Canadian youth
December 03, 2021
New research from Western University’s Human Environments Analysis Laboratory shows how positive coping strategies saved teens during COVID-19 first waveNEST recognized for work in support of diversity, inclusivity and human rights
November 30, 2021
The Network for Economics and Social Trends (NEST) has received the 2021 City of London Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award in recognition for its work towards positive policy impact and social change.New study suggests improvement to region-based pandemic lockdowns
November 24, 2021
The study, led by Jed Long in the Department of Geography and Environment, used network mobility data to offer insight on people’s travel trends during COVID-19 restrictions.Mapping ‘the magic’ of music, movement and the brain
November 17, 2021
Psychology professor and neuroscientist Jessica Grahn awarded prestigious NSERC research fellowship providing more opportunities to investigate the link between music and movement, and potential interventions to help Parkinson’s disease patients.New study makes sense of sensory processing in autistic children
November 15, 2021
Results of a recent study on sensory abilities in autistic childrenm, conducted by psychology professor Ryan Stevenson and BrainsCAN postdoctoral fellow Nichole Scheerer, may have positive consequences to the way supports are provided to them, helping increase their quality of life.COVID-19 an accelerator of digitalization
November 04, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalization of many workplaces, and it is not a pattern that is likely to be reversed, although the form it takes is likely to continue to change, said Geoffrey Wood, professor and chair of the DAN Department of Management & Organization Studies.The Goodman Lectures: Telling the story of Almighty Voice
November 03, 2021
Almighty Voice, a member of the One Arrow Willow Cree, was killed by the North West Mounted Police in 1897. His story, says Waiser, is a way to explore the history and state of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations and reconciliation. On November 16 to 18, Waiser will examine the life and death of Almighty Voice, for the 2021 Joanne Goodman Lectures in the Department of History.Solving the world’s problems through Indigenous connections
November 02, 2021
New book by Lewis Williams, professor in Department of Geography and Environment, and Indigenous Studies, examines intergenerational resilience as path to progress.Holding increased inside debt makes CEOs more risk averse
October 28, 2021
How an organization decides to provide compensation for its CEO will impact its risk and dividend policy says Shahbaz Sheikh, Professor of Finance in the DAN Department of Management & Organizational Studies.Giving SoHo’s history new life
October 28, 2021
Public History students are researching the diverse history of the SoHo neighbourhood and the Old Victoria Hospital grounds, in support of a mixed-income housing project led by Vision SoHo Alliance.Why Facebook and other social media companies need to be reined in
October 18, 2021
In a piece originally published in The Conversation, Kaitlynn Mendes, associate professor in the Department of Sociology, and colleagues, examine what should be done to protect children's rights from Facebook and other social media companies.Canada’s worrisome urban-rural political divide has never been greater
October 13, 2021
In a piece originally published in The Conversation, Zack Taylor, associate professor in the Department of Political Science, and Jack Lucas, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Calgary, examine the growing urban/rural divide among support for the Liberals and Conservatives in Canada.Telling the untold story of Indigenous athletes
October 01, 2021
Sociology professor and director of Indigenous studies Janice Forsyth co-authored a book on Indigenous athletes as a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 87.Exploring cutting edge problems in education
September 28, 2021
Western graduate students will have more opportunities to be part of an international, interdisciplinary research group focused on developing digital learning technologies for children through a five-year, nearly $11-million grant from the Jacobs Foundation.Bilingual advantage is a bust, study says
September 23, 2021
Research from Bruce Morton and Casandra Lowe refutes popular notion on language proficiency in childrenUnderstanding discrimination in London
September 20, 2021
Based on responses to a representative survey, four out of 10 immigrants and visible minorities faced discrimination in London and Middlesex in the last three years, and six out of 10 Indigenous respondents experienced discrimination.Considering the Educational Gender Gap
September 16, 2021
In developed countries around the world, young men have lower levels of educational attainment, which leads to negative employment and social outcomes. This is a pattern Shelly Lundberg will examine further in the upcoming Department of Economics Distinguished Lecture, titled “Educational Gender Gaps.”Western welcomes first National Indigenous Scholarship recipients
September 09, 2021
Recognized for academic excellence, commitment to community, two Indigenous students in Social Science part of first cohort.From Cholera to COVID: New course melds past with present
September 09, 2021
Studying outbreaks of previous centuries, students gain context around uncertainty and change, in a new History course taught by Shelly McKellar.Activision Blizzard’s sexual harassment scandal is not a one-off for the gaming industry
September 09, 2021
A growing number of major digital gaming studios face allegations over their “frat boy” cultures. These aren’t isolated accusations. They reflect a culture of sexism and discrimination that senior management and human resources departments perpetuate and allow, says Johanna Weststar, Associate Professor in DAN Management.Indigenous environmental health research secures $1.3M grant
August 09, 2021
Funds to support professor Diana Lewis’ work measuring impact of industrial development on Indigenous communitiesBreaking up is hard to do
August 05, 2021
Bias towards ‘being in a relationship’ is the norm for most, study from Psychology professor Samantha Joel shows.Amanda Friesen joins Department of Political Science
August 04, 2021
Friesen is a political psychologist, interested in social and political behaviour, using psychological and life sciences approaches in investigating these areas.In Memoriam - Sasha Doxtator
July 26, 2021
The Western community is mourning the passing of Sasha Doxtator, a recent graduate of the Indigenous Studies program in the Faculty of Social Science, and an incoming student in the Master of Professional Education (MPEd) program in the Faculty of Education. She passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021, and will be missed by all those who knew her at Western.Labatt Park historical tours swing for the fences
July 22, 2021
Western public history students lead first-ever guided tours of legendary ballparkExpert insights: Equal vaccination rates do not mean same infection trend
July 22, 2021
Examining COVID-19 disparities that remain in Toronto neighbourhoodsTwo PhD students in the Faculty of Social Science receive Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
July 15, 2021
Elmond Bandauko, in the Department of Geography, and Lorna Ferguson, in the Department of Sociology recognized for unique leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement.Kaitlynn Mendes joins Department of Sociology
July 15, 2021
Mendes researches online harassment, and how people use social media to challenge rape culture, sexual violence, sexism and misogyny.Lisa Tarquinio joins Department of Economics
July 15, 2021
Tarquinio researches development economics, drawing in information and research related to climate change, political economy, and migration.Expert insights: Helping children by treating specific symptoms of autism or ADHD
July 15, 2021
The benefits of providing treatments to children with autism or ADHD, even without a diagnosis, write Ryan Stevenson and Kaitlyn ParksBody of evidence
July 08, 2021
New international research applies revised statistical approaches to offer insight on climate change impact on early humans’ sizeClimate resilience key in pandemic recovery
July 08, 2021
New report highlights next steps for Canadian communities post COVID-19Study sheds light on current level of representation in leadership roles
June 22, 2021
A study led by researchers Alina Sutter and Victoria Esses at NEST on representation in the public and nonprofit sectors locally and across Ontario offers useful information to organizations and sector leaders aiming to diversify their senior leadership teams.Funding will bring new perspectives and audiences to climate change course
June 17, 2021
Katrina Moser, Sara Mai Chitty and Beth Hundey are re-designing Connecting for Climate Change Action, to share both Indigenous and Western perspectives on climate change, in hopes of creating an educated, informed and engaged population.Cody Groat joining Department of History and Indigenous Studies program
June 15, 2021
Groat is interested in the approach of provincial, federal, and international bodies toward Indigenous cultural heritage and 'historic sites'Jody Culham named Canada Research Chair for immersive neuroscience methods
June 15, 2021
Culham’s research in immersive neuroscience aims to understand brain functions in realistic environments and compelling virtual simulations.Training the brain to recognize voices
June 07, 2021
New research from Brain and Mind Institute and UCL suggests people may need to concentrate on the art of conversation more than ever following pandemic lockdowns.‘Sounding it out’ not so easy for children with dyslexia
May 25, 2021
Western cognitive neuroscientists using MRI discovered a biological deficit for some early readers that impairs the ability to sound words out.PhD student develops method to measure the growth of international norms
May 17, 2021
Tyler Girard’s paper, published in the top journal in his field, reflects the growing strength of methods training in the department of Political ScienceDavid Goldblum joins department of Geography and Environment
May 17, 2021
Goldblum researches natural and anthropogenic disturbances on forest, grassland and woodland plant communitiesThe COVID-19 crisis is about physical infrastructure too
May 07, 2021
The role of infrastructure ownership and the ability for governments to respond quickly has been missing from the pandemic analysis. Originally published on Policy OptionsPandemic may usher in major social changes
May 05, 2021
Life expectancy, birth rates and immigration are all significantly impacted say Sociology professors Kate Choi and Patrick DeniceUkraine Calling acts as a primary source on the Russo-Ukrainian War
May 05, 2021
In 2014, as Russia invaded Ukraine, annexing Crimea, people kept asking Dyczok about the state of affairs. Unable to find a good English-language source, she created her own.New book asks people to consider how to think
April 30, 2021
John Paul Minda’s book is a popular science, non-academic approach to explaining cognitive-psychology, -science, and –neuroscience, and how it affects your everyday life.NEST Team Recognized in Templeton World Charity Foundation’s $60 Million Commitment for Innovations in Human Flourishing
April 29, 2021
Based at Western University, a team led by Dr. Jordan Mansell, NEST post-doctoral researcher, and co-investigators Victoria Esses and Mathieu Turgeon at Western University, is one of 11 teams selected in the Foundation’s Grand Challenges for Human Flourishing request for ideas.A new strategy to strengthen transitional justice
April 28, 2021
Joanna Quinn, Associate Professor in Political Science, feels the transitional justice efforts would benefit from the development of a basic understanding in society, a ‘Thin Sympathy’Three Social Science members named as Western University Faculty Scholars
April 27, 2021
Juan Carlos Hatchondo, Professor in Economics, Lisa Hodgetts, Associate Professor in Anthropology and Anna Zajacova, Associate Professor in Sociology, recognized for significant scholarly achievements in teaching and research.Multiracial children born to cohabiting vs. married parents more likely to experience family instability
April 21, 2021
While multiracial children born to cohabiting parents are more likely than their single-race counterparts to experience family instability, that increased risk does not exist for multiracial children born to married parents, according to new research.New Geography and Environment program examines the climate crisis
April 20, 2021
Climate Change and Society will integrate perspectives from science, social science and the humanitiesCould COVID help identify teens at risk for mental health problems?
April 20, 2021
Pre- and post-pandemic fMRI brain scans may drive early detection and interventions for vulnerable adolescentsWilliam Turkel recognized for excellence in teaching
April 20, 2021
History professor receives Western Award For Innovations In Technology-Enhanced TeachingNearly 40,000 kids in the U.S. who lost a parent to COVID-19 need immediate support
April 05, 2021
New international study reveals one in every 13 COVID-related deaths results in a child under 18 years of age losing a parent.Student launches missing persons research hub
March 31, 2021
New research from Lorna Ferguson, PhD student in the Department of Sociology, is helping understand how many Canadians go missing, and why.Global study shows income inequality, not poverty, tied to higher COVID-19 mortality rates
March 31, 2021
Research from Jim Davies, professor emeritus in the Department of Economics, drew from data across 144 countries, associating poverty with fewer deaths.Pandemic reveals strengths and ‘fault lines’ in Canada’s immigration system
March 25, 2021
Victoria Esses and her collaborators examine Canada’s immigration system prior to the pandemic, and suggest changes for success moving forward.Western partners with London Economic Development Corp to help new grads launch careers
March 15, 2021
New Western graduates will receive more local career opportunities, and London will retain more skilled talent, through the Social Science Career ApprenticeshipSupport from retired professor turned history student opens door to experiential learning in history
March 15, 2021
Students in the Public History Minor at Western will have more hands-on learning opportunities, through the Betty Bartlett Public History Experiential Learning Fund for Local History.Brands, give consumers some distance, says new research
February 23, 2021
Marketing managers want consumers to feel closely connected to brands but new research from Scott Connors and co-authors shows that brands may be better served accepting a level of distance between themselves and consumers and communicating accordingly.Pay secrecy policies contribute to lower wages for women and racialized people
February 17, 2021
Patrick Denice, along with Shengwei Sun of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and Jake Rosenfeld of Washington University in St Louis, surveyed workers to determine how prevalent these polices were, and what impact they had on workers’ actions.Rory McGee joins Department of Economics.
February 03, 2021
McGee focuses much of his research on retirement, how people finance their old age, and financial planning in retirement. McGee’s work was recently recognized with a Netspar Thesis award.Expansion of parental benefits saved marriages
January 13, 2021
Using Statistics Canada data, professor Rachel Margolis found a policy change to parental benefits in Quebec led to a 6-per-cent decrease in separation and divorce among heterosexual couples.Harvey researches the impact of changing employment trends
January 04, 2021
Geraint Harvey researches changing employment trends, with particular attention to how they impact employment in the aviation industry. Harvey is joining DAN Management as the inaugural DANCAP Private Equity Chair in Human Organization.Report tells stories of Indigenous resilience through COVID-19
January 04, 2021
Narratives of strength and hope during COVID-19 are the focus of a new report on Indigenous health.
