01-23-12

Policy news from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues

News from the SPSSI Policy Blog

Event report: Why Black Gay and Transgender Americans Need More than Marriage Equality

Event report: health scientists voice case on Plan B to PCAST

Event report: helping scientists speak directly to the press

On the Hill: A look at News from the US Congress

Introduced December 16: H.R. 3699: To ensure the continued publication and integrity of peer-reviewed research works by the private sector. More on H.R. 3699.

Introduced on December 17: S.Res. 350: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the recent presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More on S.Res. 350.

Law Enacted on December 23: H.R. 2867: United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2011. More on H.R. 2867.

Law Enacted on December 31: H.R. 1540: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. More on H.R. 1540.

Law Enacted on January 3: H.R. 515: Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2011. More on H.R. 515.

Introduced on January 13: H.R. 3771: To promote long-term, sustainable rebuilding and development in Haiti, and for other purposes. More on H.R. 3771.

Introduced January 18: H.R. 3782: To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to address unfair trade practices relating to infringement of copyrights and trademarks by certain Internet sites, and for other purposes. More on H.R. 3782.

Psychology and Social Issues in the News

We’re Sorry: Not All Apologies Are Apologies
Research by member Michele Gelfand is discussed in this article on the effectiveness of saying sorry in Miller-McCune.

Steve Jobs: "We're Just One World Now'
Travelling in Turkey, member Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton reflects on cultural differences in his blog in Psychology Today.

Taking another look at the roots of social psychology
E-Science News has a facinating article on the earliest studies carried out in the field of social psychology with input from member Wolfganf Stroebe.

Act Your Age
Daily Observations of the APS looks at the work of member Nyla Branscombe on the social psychology of anti-aging cosmetics.

U.K. Looks for Way Through Misconduct Maze
A new report in the UK suggests that urgent work is needed to monitor and prevent research misconduct.

Daniel Shapiro receives award for his innovative work on identity-based conflict
The Program on Negotiation at Harvard University announces Daniel Shapiro's selection as the recipient of the SPSSI Otto Klineberg Intercultural and International Relations Award.

Voter Turnout Is Tied to Sense of Identity
SciAm reports on interesting new work by member Christopher Bryan.

Science and Human Rights
Scott Edwards, Director of International Advocacy for Africa and Director of the Science for Human Rights program at Amnesty International USA, discusses the Science of Human Rights.

What future for the family?
A new report by the OECD tackles big questions on the future of the family.

Programs That Tie Funds to Effectiveness Are at Risk
The New York Times looks into how important science-based policy programs are feeling the squeeze.

Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet presents report on Social Protection Floor to President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil
The ILO reports on efforts to raise the social protection floor to stimulate economic growth.

Further Resources

Find out what other organizations are doing on these issues

Academic Freedom and human rights
>> AAAS
>> Amnesty International
>> Union of Concerned Scientists
>> The Human Rights Council

Immigration Issues
>> Immigration Policy Institute
>> Immigration Policy Center
>> Center for American Progress

American Indian Issues
>> National Congress of American Indians
>> Association on American Indian Affairs

SPSSI fact sheets and policy statements
>> Immigration and Minorities
>> Statement on the Psychological Consequences of Unemployment
>>Other Issues