Effects of welfare reform in terms of costs and mortality: Data analysis
2014 study in the American Journal of Public Health on the cost-effectiveness of welfare reform, examining both cost savings and effects on mortality rates and life expectancy.
Economics
Research roundups, tip sheets, articles and explainers related to the topic of economics and economic equality
Expert Commentary
The power and perspectives of mayors: Data from a survey of more than 70 U.S. officials
2014 report from Boston University’s Initiative on Cities based on interviews of more than 70 mayors of cities across the United States. Topics discussed include policy priorities, gentrification and income inequality.
Expert Commentary
Business formation by minorities and people without wealth: Research brief
2014 research brief on the role of social networks and community-based organizations in business formation, by Colleen Casey of U.T. Arlington and the Scholars Strategy Network.
Expert Commentary
The impact of international free-trade agreements on job growth and prosperity
2015 research brief on the potential costs and benefits of international free-trade agreements, by Harley Shaiken of U.C. Berkeley and the Scholars Strategy Network.
Expert Commentary
Gas prices and their societal effects: Health, driving, economics and policy
2015 roundup of research on the global decline in gas and oil prices, and the potential effects on public health, transportation and driving, business economics and public policy decisions.
Expert Commentary
China, cookstoves and highways: Effects of black carbon on human health
2014 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examining the health impacts of particulate matter and black carbon from burning biomass, fossil fuels and other sources.
Expert Commentary
“Missing workers” and the labor force: Research on unemployment and getting back to work
2015 roundup of research relating to Americans who have dropped out of the labor force, including the changing nature of new jobs and the human impacts of unemployment.
Expert Commentary
Human trafficking and the “new slavery”: Definitions, enforcement, understanding
2014 paper in the Annual Review of Law and Social Science that explores current debates and findings relating to the area of human trafficking.
Expert Commentary
How “good enough” technology can stifle innovation
2015 essay on how early adoption of technology can stifle later innovation, by Ethan Zuckerman, director of the Center for Civic Media at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Expert Commentary
China’s rise as a major contributor to science and technology
2014 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on China’s increasing investments in education, science, engineering and technology.
Expert Commentary