New clues from old bones: Some Vikings were much more violent than others
An investigation into Viking skeletons reveals a hidden story of violence, power, and the surprising differences between neighbouring Viking societies.
Sociology
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Prejudice against victims can result in reduced rape sentences
Rape myths such as ‘scantily clad’ and ‘being promiscuous’ can influence sentencing in Norwegian courtrooms. In court cases where victims are described in a prejudiced manner, defendants typically receive prison sentences that are 16 months shorter than in cases without such descriptions.
Volunteers should not become friends with patients
Volunteers are increasingly providing care when family and public services cannot provide enough. But how close should the helper and the person being helped become?
Podcasts and compulsory attendance improved student learning
Lectures continue to dominate university teaching, but especially when it comes to big introductory courses, more group work and alternative assignments, such as making podcasts, can have a positive effect.
Helping women reach top management posts in sport
Women continue to be underrepresented in senior positions in international sport organizations. New findings reveal more about the reasons why and offer advice on what to do about it.
Residents must participate in the development of our future communities
In Palma de Mallorca in Spain, researchers are planning to use VR headsets to encourage resident participation in a community project.
Sexually active women are not judged more harshly than men
It’s not true that women are subjected to sexual double standards, researchers say. Most people tend to be more liberal than they think other people are. But not all behaviour is OK.
Differences between rich and poor are increasing in Norway
We might imagine that the differences between people in Norway are small, but this is not true. On the contrary, inequities have increased in recent years. And it matters who your parents are.
Who has died from COVID-19?
At least six million people have died from COVID-19 to date. But who dies is often not random. The same pattern is found around the world.
Children need rough and tumble play
Children engage in rough play today, just like they did in the past. What’s the same and what has changed? Researchers have taken a closer look and have a clear recommendation for today’s parents and kindergarten and school staff.
Sustainability and animal welfare concern young people the most
What are people’s attitudes towards food, sustainability, new foods and food additives? Researchers have found some answers.
Not all social media fuel conspiracy theories in the same way
Conspiracy theories spread quickly early on in the pandemic, and social media received a lot of the blame. But not all social media are the same.
How terrorism affects our attitudes
Some types of terrorist acts affect people much more than others. Islamist violence apparently produces the strongest counter-reactions.
Labour migration brings greater inequality to rural life
Income differences in small Norwegian towns have increased since 2004, when several former Eastern Bloc countries joined the EU.
Provoking climate engagement
As you walk around the city, nature “pops up” in unexpected places. Like a “lung tree” – a tree that breathes. The Nature in Your Face research project wants to use art to create engagement.
Social media’s echo chambers not such a big problem
Most people obtain their information from multiple sources. Social media’s dreaded “echo chambers” have little significance for most of us, a new study shows.
An automated box on wheels — with personality
Robots are becoming more and more omnipresent in our lives, even though we may not notice. New research shows that when a boxy motorized hospital robot can talk, people find it funny and engaging. And that may help people be more willing to accept new technologies, like robots, in their everyday lives.
People do not learn from regretting one night stands
Do you regret what you did the last time you had the option of a one night stand? You probably have not learned anything to help you next time.
Piece work increases drug use among Americans
Young workers in the United States who earn piece work wages drink more and have a 35 per cent higher risk for using hard drugs.
Hospital financial performance overemphasized, say doctors
Some patients are more profitable for Norwegian hospitals than others. Most hospital physicians believe that managers care too much about the financial operation of hospitals.
New technology could increase health inequities
Rich countries get vaccines first. People with high status or a lot of money are healthier and live longer. New technology could increase the disparities.
Which conspiracy theory do you believe in?
Everyone believes in at least one conspiracy theory, according to conspiracy researchers. Conspiracy theories aren’t reserved for angry Republicans in the United States. Do you think Biden stole the election?
Why we use our smartphone at cafés
Why do people fiddle with their smartphones when they’re with other people? Researchers have identified three main reasons.
Pandemic has revealed our dependence on migrant workers
Food production was quickly declared a socially critical function with the outbreak of the pandemic. The dependence of agricultural and food industry sectors on migrant workers has never been clearer, one researcher says.