Social & Behavioral Sciences

More social connections with weaker ties lead to greater polarization

Weak social ties, not close friendships, may drive polarization, sociologist Michael Macy finds with collaborators. 

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The rich get richer – not just materially, but socially

Social connection is as disparate and unequal as income in the U.S. – and the two reinforce each other, Cornell sociologists argue in a new book.

Alums launch company to streamline cash flow processes

The newest podcast from Entrepreneurship at Cornell features the founders of Tabs.

Around Cornell

What social media creators can’t say about their job

Online content creator burnout is, in part, “unspeakable” – a product of a confluence of factors, including the informal nature of platform labor and the privileged status of creative work, seen by many as a “dream job.”

‘If you can keep it’: Cornell scholars tackle democracy’s modern threats

From the early days of Cornell’s founding to the present, scholars have studied the idea and the practice of democracy.

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This simple, low-cost activity reduces depression in young adults

Journaling about one’s identities from childhood through early adulthood helped ease symptoms among people experiencing moderate to severe depression.

School of Criticism and Theory marks 50 years of intellectual exchange

The six-week summer program serves as a hub for interdisciplinary inquiry in the humanities and social sciences.

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Workshop turns research on youth purpose into action for educators

The Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement at the Bronfenbrenner Center is helping youth educators understand how to foster a sense of purpose in the young people they serve.

Listening to political opponents who share common values can ease polarization

Americans are more willing to engage with opposing views than popular narratives about echo chambers presume, and perceived common ground can help moderate positions.