Sociology

Jonathan Metzl of Vanderbilt University can comment on the sentencing of Colorado theater shooter James Holmes. Read More

Dennis Dickerson, Sandra Barnes and Jonathan Metzl are available to provide valuable context to the tragedy in Charleston. Read More

Jonathan Metzl is an expert on gun violence and mental illness. And he has new research that specifically addresses issues surrounding mental illness and mass shootings. Read More

New research by Katharine Donato and Blake Sisk examines why children make the difficult journey north. Read More

An extensive new study by two Vanderbilt University researchers challenges common assumptions about gun violence and mental illness that often emerge in the aftermath of mass shootings. Read More

"Ferguson is not a special case. It’s just evidence that race cleaves our nation, tensions simmer just below the surface, and far too many people who believe in justice are comfortable watching its miscarriage," writes Vanderbilt sociologist Tony Brown for The Conversation. Read More

Sociologist Tony Brown studies the pernicious and persistent effects of racism in the United States and is available to comment on the issues that have shaped and will continue to shape events in Ferguson, Mo. Read More

In light of President Obama’s plan to overhaul the immigration enforcement system and the continued debate over comprehensive immigration reform, Vanderbilt has an array of experts available who are researching various aspects of the immigration debate. Read More

Vanderbilt experts from a variety of fields are available to help explain issues surrounding Nashville's transformation into the latest “it” city. Read More

In the United States, your nationality has some effect on your likelihood to be employed--but being married matters more. For women, it matters a lot more. Read More

After the horrific mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2011, a conservative commentator claimed that “guns don’t kill people—the mentally ill do.” Metzl believes this attitude is based on misconceptions about mental illness and violence that obscure larger issues about gun violence in America. Read More

Unsolicited job leads are welcome to the unemployed, but surprisingly stressful for those with jobs. Read More

When a mass shooting occurs there are often two camps of thought: those who feel the country needs stronger gun laws and those who blame the horrific act on mental illness. Read More

Labor organizing victories in Southern states could have far-reaching political implications for the region and the nation, according to Vanderbilt University labor sociologist Dan Cornfield. Read More

See a Vanderbilt student’s bright art idea! Hear why more students should double down on their majors Watch how a special cartoon comforts sick kids at the Children’s Hospital [vucastblurb]… Read More

Listen to an interview with Sandra Barnes, Professor of Sociology of Religion and Professor of Human and Organizational Development, about her recent book, Live Long and Prosper:  How Black Megachurches Address HIV/AIDS and Poverty in the Age of Prosperity Theology. Interviewed by Chris Benda, Divinity School librarian. Read More

New research shows that every year spent in prison lowers overall life expectancy two years. Read More

Setting a goal—and sticking to it—can be difficult for anyone. A new study co-authored by Vanderbilt management and sociology professor Bruce Barry examines how certain types of professionals sustain their motivation and enthusiasm over very long periods. Read More

Sociologist Laura Carpenter examines the evolution of intimacy over the lifespan Did you know that sexually transmitted infections are on the rise in retirement homes? How about that some gay men who get the right to marry are apparently more likely to indulge in affairs, with the knowledge and consent… Read More

Meet sociology professor Laura Carpenter, Vanderbilt's resident "sexpert." Her research interests include virginity loss and how chronic illness affects the sex lives of patients. Read More