Social Sciences (Faculty & Staff)

With the U.S. presidential election now just days away, worrisome signals are flaring on the political radar: Election officials in the battleground state of Pennsylvania sought to impede studentsfrom registering to vote. Ballot drop boxes were set ablaze in Washington, Oregon and Arizona. During an ominous rally at Madison Square Garden in New York,...

In May of 2021, the UC Berkeley Division of Social Sciences launched a multi-year initiative, Building a Just Social Sciences. Imagined by Dean of Social Sciences Raka Ray, this initiative builds on UC Berkeley's unique positioning as a global engine of teaching, research, and economic mobility with the objective of creating a social science that is...

As the 2024 Election nears, UC Berkeley Social Sciences conducted informal surveys on whether students plan to vote and their top issues.

This year's election is pivotal for young voters — many of whom are voting in their first election. As college students become more engaged in issues, those who cast a ballot could help determine the outcome of many races and initiatives.

The surveys were not scientific and conducted informally through emails that asked students about their top issues, and a social media-based poll that sought to gauge whether students plan to vote. Here's...

Obsessively scrolling through the latest polling averages? Overwhelmed by campaign ads about threats to democracy? Paralyzed with nerves about Election Day and what comes next?

You’re far from alone. More than seven in 10 adults say the future of the U.S. is a significant source of stress in their lives, according to a new report from the American Psychological Association. About as many said they were worried this election’s results could lead to violence; more than half say the election could...