When you want to better understand and help solve societal issues, where can you look for accurate information? As an alum of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences at BYU, you have a connection to a special source. The most recent issue of our alumni magazine Connections, just out, offers:

Interesting insights into the question of why more women aren’t involved in politics: aversion to competition among them

As election season rolls around yet again, the question of why more women aren’t involved in politics continues. Research by Professors Stoddard, Preece, and Karpowitz shows that there are a variety of reasons for their under-representation, which include aversion to entering a competitive environment and a general desire to stay behind the scenes. But it also found that, when women were individually recruited, they tended to get involved more often, and to stay involved longer.

New hope for families of children with ADD or autism

Disabilities and disorders are challenges faced everyday by individuals and their families. BYU professors realize that each case is different and they  are looking to find cures by breaking down the disorders and then creating treatments. For those faced with these challenges, professors have been researching options for early intervention among individuals and education among others to create understanding and help before major problems arise.

News about the rise in interest in family history and how that’s changing what we’re doing on campus

In recent years, among LDS church members and individuals around the world, there has been an increase in enthusiasm regarding family history and genealogy work. Individuals are forming bonds with their ancestors and creating a sense of belonging they didn’t have before. We discuss how this surge in interest has doubled student matriculation in family history, and brought together over thirty different campus entities to provide unprecedented access to both students and the community as a whole.

An advanced look at Professor Richard Davis’ new book on Twitter and politics

The question of social media’s usefulness in political campaigns has been asked for some years now. While it has not yet been answered conclusively by anyone yet, Professor Richard Davis’ new book shows that candidates are still not fully taking advantage of the unique nature of Twitter, limiting its influence in the political worl.

News about what individual alumni are doing, as well as where you are as a whole

The alumni of the FHSS college has been leaving their footprints around the world.

And so much more!

We hope you’ll find a lot of helpful information in the pages of Connections! We would love to hear your thoughts on these important topics.