Politics Still Struggles with Color

Yale researchers mailed letters to legislators with fictional names, asking for help in registering to vote. Some letters were signed with "black" names (e.g. DeShawn Jackson) and some with "white" names (e.g. Jake Mueller). Findings reveal that letters from "black" constituents received fewer responses from white legislators and received more responses from minority legislators. Also, the behavior crossed party lines. Whites from both parties behaved similarly - even when the letters indicated the constituent's party lines.

Family vs. Politics

A study reveals an inverse relationship between family ties and political participation. The more people rely on the family to provide services, insurance, and resources, the lower one's political participation and civic engagement. Strong family ties are a substitute for generalized trust, instead of a complement to trust.

Something to consider next time the far right espouses family values in their campaigns.

Politics and Manhood

A study, based on saliva samples taken during Election Night 2008, reveals that testosterone levels of male John McCain supporters dropped dramatically. Male supporters of President Obama’s candidacy had no corresponding boost in testosterone levels, and women’s hormone levels remained steady. Surveys also revealed that McCain supporters felt submissive, controlled, and unhappy. The findings prove that politics can affect males in the same way that physical contests do.