Society Archives

Seeing World Hierarchies Through the Lens of Network Theory

What role does hierarchy play in keeping the peace? What impact do totalitarian hierarchies have on people? In The Square and the Tower, best-selling author and Stanford University historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory—the study of how people and other entities connect with each other—to the study of world history to reveal, among other truths, whether government hierarchies are truly necessary. Read more to understand world hierarchies through this lens.

The Future of the Networked Age: Niall Ferguson Spots the Trends

Where’s the growing connectedness of the world headed? Is a global Utopia in our future? Certain visionaries, social media proponents, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs argue that making the world more connected through social media and global commerce will contribute to building a utopian future of world peace and equality. Niall Ferguson contends that this isn’t the case. Keep reading to understand Ferguson’s argument as he applies network theory to the future of our networked age.

Can the Affordable Housing Crisis Be Solved With Rent Control?

Would rent control protocols help solve the affordable housing crisis? What is rent control and why is it so controversial? Years of soaring rents have led some Democrats to call on the White House to implement national rent control regulations. Supporters argue that national rent control is urgently needed. Critics contend that federal rent control rules would harm renters, landlords, and communities Keep reading to learn more about national rent control.

Why Love Is Important in Relationships, Society, & for Yourself

Can love really change the world? Why is love important in all aspects of life? Love is a powerful emotion that builds bonds and encourages positivity. This warm feeling extends beyond the romantic type of love, as it serves a purpose for families, society, and your own self-image. If you want to know why love is important in the world, continue reading.

Shoplifting Is on the Rise: Here Are Causes & Solutions

Why is shoplifting on the rise? Why are professional shoplifters unafraid of the consequences? IS the shoplifting narrative exaggerated? US shoplifting losses reached $100 billion in 2021, marking a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. Experts are divided on the causes of the shoplifting surge and disagree on whether shoplifting is an unprecedented crisis or an exaggerated narrative pushed by retailers. Keep reading to learn more about the rise in retail theft.

Malcolm X’s Mother: Lessons From the Life of Louise Little

Who was Malcolm X’s mother? What role did she play in his life? What can her life teach us today? Though she looked white, Louise Little was a multiracial woman who was married to a Black man in the first half of the 20th century. Malcolm X writes about how his mother endured the tragic death of her husband, struggled to find work during the Great Depression, and ultimately lost access to her children. Read more to learn about the life of Malcolm X’s mother and what it reveals about the era she lived in.

Is In-Person Shopping Replacing E-Commerce Again?

Is in-person shopping coming back full steam? Is e-commerce on the decline? E-commerce’s explosive pandemic growth appears to be moderating, with a growing number of shoppers returning to in-person shopping for items like clothes, food, and furniture. Some experts believe that e-commerce has peaked and is in decline, while others think it’s still going strong. Keep reading for two views on the future of e-commerce.

All About Love: Book Overview (bell hooks)

Does self-love guarantee a healthy relationship? Can a commitment to love reshape our society for the better? What is a love ethic? In All About Love, bell hooks explores the power of love from a feminist perspective using personal stories and cultural analysis to develop her argument. hooks argues that love will transform your relationship with yourself, friends, family, and the world around you. Read below for a brief All About Love book overview.

Why the Cybersecurity Labor Shortage Is a Big Deal (+Solutions?)

Why is there such a huge cybersecurity labor shortage right now? What’s the government doing to try to fix it? The US government faces a dangerous shortage of qualified experts to safeguard vital systems and networks from attack. The federal government is working to solve the cybersecurity labor shortage, but it will struggle if it fails to address pay discrepancies between public and private sector cybersecurity jobs. Keep reading for insight into the cybersecurity talent shortage.

The Status Game by Will Storr: Book Overview & Takeaways

Why do humans care so much about social hierarchies? What are the rules and symbols of status games? What happens when a status game goes wrong? You might think of yourself as the hero of a story about a traveler on a journey. But in The Status Game, Will Storr says you’re just a player in a game. Read below for an overview of The Status Game to learn more about how these social games work.