The hottest Sociology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Broadcast TV: It Only Looks Dead

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Television Media Entertainment Sociology History
  1. Broadcast TV is still relevant, even with the rise of streaming services. People can watch live sports and local news without paying for subscriptions.
  2. Digital broadcasting has increased the number of channels available, including many free options that people may not know about.
  3. Older TV shows often have more depth and quality compared to many new productions. Watching them can remind us of what good storytelling looks like.

The Dark Side of Desire

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3087 implied HN points • 18 May 25
🎭️ Culture Dating Psychology Relationships Sociology Evolution
  1. Women can sometimes be attracted to 'bad boys' or violent men due to evolutionary instincts. It's thought that women may view these traits as indicators of strength, which could help protect their own offspring.
  2. Similarities in education, political beliefs, and values are key factors in choosing romantic partners. People generally gravitate towards those who share common backgrounds and life goals.
  3. Improving physical health and social skills can boost attractiveness. Taking care of yourself in terms of grooming and fitness, along with building social connections, can make a big difference in dating.

Are Men and Women Different?

Fake Noûs • 1079 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Psychology Evolutionary Theory Sociology Philosophy
  1. Men and women are different in many ways, especially on average, like strength and interests. It’s important to recognize these differences, but it doesn’t mean every individual fits those patterns.
  2. Some people believe these differences come from culture, but many differences are actually seen across different societies and even species. This suggests they are more than just social norms.
  3. The main reason for these differences comes from how men and women reproduce and invest in offspring. This impacts behavior, risk-taking, and interests, which helps explain why men and women often act the way they do.

How To Stop Worrying And Learn To Love Lynn's National IQ Estimates

Astral Codex Ten • 31522 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🔬 Science Psychology Education Anthropology Statistics Sociology
  1. IQ differences between groups may not be purely genetic and can be influenced by environmental factors like nutrition and education. This means that poorer conditions in some countries can lead to lower IQ scores.
  2. People often perceive those with low IQs differently based on specific syndromes, which can cause various functional deficits. A person with a low IQ might still lead a normal life in their context.
  3. The gap in IQ scores between different groups suggests there's potential for improvement through development initiatives. Better nutrition, health care, and education can help raise IQ scores in underdeveloped areas.

The Seminar Continues

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🚌 Education Psychology Personality Sociology Learning Communication
  1. Personality psychology helps us understand people better. It looks at how we predict and explain behaviors, which is important for our relationships.
  2. The Big Five model is a more reliable way to measure personality than older methods like Myers-Briggs. It uses continuous traits instead of strict categories.
  3. While personality traits can be stable over time, we can develop skills that help us function better, even if our core traits don't change much.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Free Sociology

Bet On It • 246 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Sociology Libertarianism Political theory Academic Research Community Building
  1. Sociology often seems aligned with progressive views, making it seem like sociology and libertarianism are opposites. However, there are ways for them to connect and have important discussions.
  2. Many classical liberal ideas can lead to important research questions in sociology, especially about how free markets can help reduce poverty. This perspective is different from the common focus on the inevitability of poverty in capitalism.
  3. There is a need for a different approach within sociology that appreciates freedoms like free speech and limited government, rather than just focusing on government regulation or anti-capitalist views.

Highlights From The Comments On Lynn And IQ

Astral Codex Ten • 10668 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🔬 Science Psychology Education Sociology Cultural Studies
  1. IQ tests may not accurately reflect a person's real-life intelligence, especially in very under-educated populations. Many factors, like lack of exposure to education, can affect test performance.
  2. Data from reliable and different sources, like World Bank statistics, often support the findings on national IQs. This suggests that there might be underlying patterns in intelligence across different countries.
  3. There's a complex relationship between IQ and practical skills. Just because someone scores low on an IQ test, it doesn't mean they're incapable in practical situations, like farming.

Whole Activities

Nothing Human • 64 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Sociology Spirituality Recreation Health
  1. Modern life separates many activities from their original context, which can make it hard for us to feel fulfilled. For example, eating has become disconnected from the nourishment our body needs.
  2. Some people try to return to older ways of living or use modern tools to deal with these changes. A better approach might be to find 'whole activities' that meet multiple needs at once.
  3. Whole activities, like team sports or church, can make us feel more human and connected. They satisfy many aspects of our lives, instead of just focusing on one thing.

The meaning of, and in, McDonald's

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2678 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Sociology Cultural Studies Media Public Opinion
  1. McDonald's serves as a community hub for many Americans. It provides a comfortable place for people from all walks of life to gather and connect.
  2. Political figures like Trump tap into McDonald's popularity to resonate with average voters. His love for the franchise makes him seem relatable and down-to-earth.
  3. Many people facing challenges, like mental illness, find safety and social interaction in McDonald's. The staff and regulars often look out for each other, creating a supportive environment.

Happy Valentine's Day. Have some stats on sex

Sex and the State • 29 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Feminism Sexuality Sociology Relationships
  1. The ongoing debate in feminism is about whether sex is morally neutral, impacting how people view sex work and gender issues. It's crucial to consider different perspectives in these discussions.
  2. The author's focus has shifted over time, now exploring masculinity and gender while still connecting this to broader societal issues like class and policy analysis.
  3. Despite feeling frustrated about repetitive arguments over the years, the author sees value in persistence and humor while discussing important topics in society.

Your brain is a washing machine, AGI's job prospects, Americans are alone, the Earth passes "peak child"

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5983 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🔬 Science Neuroscience Psychology Artificial Intelligence Sociology Child development
  1. Our brains clean themselves while we sleep, which is super important for our health. If we use strong sleep aids, like Ambien, it might mess with this cleaning process.
  2. The world is seeing fewer children being born, which means we might be reaching a point where there are not as many kids in the future. This can affect society in various ways.
  3. There's a common fear that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could take away all jobs. However, it's likely that human jobs will still have value even as technology improves.

Mid Women Got Spanked Less (pt1)

Knowingless • 1931 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Psychology Gender Studies Family Dynamics Social Issues
  1. Women who consider themselves attractive often report growing up in higher class families. This shows a possible link between looks and economic background.
  2. Hotter women appear to have a better self-image and feel more powerful. They are also generally more extroverted and conscientious.
  3. Mid-range attractive women seem to have had loving families but were spanked the least as children, suggesting family dynamics could influence their self-perception.

UFOs are a soft sci-fi genre

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7615 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🔬 Science Astrophysics Philosophy Sociology Technology Literature
  1. UFOs are often seen as a type of soft sci-fi that mixes imaginative stories with poor evidence. This suggests that many UFO enthusiasts focus more on fantasy than reality.
  2. Real first contact with aliens is more likely to be through indirect evidence over long distances, rather than physical visits. Scientists think we might find signs of alien civilizations from far away.
  3. As science progresses, we might enter a stage of uncertainty about aliens, leading to debates without clear answers for a long time. This means we could be questioning the existence of aliens for hundreds of years.

Death, Sociology, Crime, Knowledge, Jargon, Novels, Men

The Common Reader • 1240 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Novels Sociology Crime Knowledge Philosophy
  1. Bach's music connects deeply with our feelings of love and loss. Listening to it can be especially meaningful after reflecting on personal experiences.
  2. Crime novels are a popular genre, and there are many great authors to explore for your reading list. They can be a perfect choice, especially around the holidays.
  3. The idea of conversation being at the heart of intellectual life is important. It shows how our thoughts are shaped by discussions with others, making creativity a social process.

The Class Tier List

Knowingless • 1256 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Trends Identity Arts Aesthetics
  1. People judge class based on wealth and aesthetic taste. For example, some activities may be rich but seen as low-class in taste, while others might be poor yet viewed as classy.
  2. A survey was conducted to rank various items by class, but it was only a small snapshot of one specific culture. The responses were mostly from young American men.
  3. The context of class rankings can vary and lead to surprising results, illustrating that people's perceptions of class are influenced by trends and cultural views.

Why Do We Coddle Gen Z Boys But Think Gen Z Girls Are Annoying?

Default Wisdom • 451 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Gender Generation Sociology Commentary
  1. Gen Z boys are often seen as victims in media while Gen Z girls face negative stereotypes. The media tends to paint young women in a narrow and often unflattering way, ignoring their real issues.
  2. There is a rise in young women who critique their own generation, but they often cater to older audiences, which can twist their perspectives. This creates a disconnect between their true experiences and how they are perceived.
  3. The conversation about Gen Z boys can sometimes overshadow the concerns of young women, leaving them without a strong voice in the discussion. It’s important to elevate female perspectives and ensure they are heard.

Why (Some) Women are Attracted to Violent Men

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1780 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Sociology Relationships Gender Studies Evolutionary Theory
  1. Some women are attracted to violent men because they see them as strong and dominant. This can come from an evolutionary perspective where strength was a key survival trait.
  2. The attraction to harmful partners can also stem from personal experiences or a desire for excitement. Some individuals may find thrill in risky relationships.
  3. Cultural influences play a big role in shaping preferences. Media often glamorizes violent behavior, which can affect what people find appealing.

Poker players only!

The Leap • 719 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Gender Issues Sports culture Entertainment Gaming
  1. The World Series of Poker included a new event where players could win money by knocking out champions. It's a fun twist that adds excitement to the game.
  2. Tom McEvoy, a former poker champion from 1983, was at the table, bringing his experience and reputation to the game.
  3. Events like these help keep poker interesting and attract both new and seasoned players to participate.

Vignette: the borderline mother and son

Disaffected Newsletter • 919 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Family Dynamics Sociology Media Analysis Feminism
  1. A borderline mother can deeply affect her son, creating a toxic environment filled with shame and fear. It's hard to watch because it feels so real and painful.
  2. The relationship can become a cycle of manipulation and emotional abuse, where the mother enjoys causing distress. It’s like a dark game that leads to outbursts of rage.
  3. Children raised in this environment often feel like nothing truly belongs to them, as their mother disregards their feelings and possessions. This can lead to lasting emotional scars.

Risers and Fallers

In My Tribe • 1032 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Intellectual history Cultural impact Psychology Political Science Sociology
  1. Some 20th-century thinkers, like John Kenneth Galbraith, have fallen in status, meaning fewer people today recognize their ideas or read their work.
  2. Others, like Rene Girard and John Maynard Keynes, have gained importance over time, with more people today acknowledging their contributions and theories.
  3. The relevance of intellectuals can vary by field; for example, figures in psychology like B.F. Skinner may be less noted now, while sociologists like Granovetter are gaining recognition.

Dragons in the Dungeons of Mind

The Lifeboat • 275 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Political art Psychology Sociology
  1. The dragon represents harmful leaders or systems that seem powerful and unchallengeable, but people often accept their existence without questioning. It's important to recognize how society can normalize oppression, making it hard for individuals to imagine a life without it.
  2. Killing the dragon is not enough; the mindset of the people can still hold onto oppressive ideas. After a tyrant is gone, a new leader can take over if the collective consciousness doesn't change first.
  3. The play highlights the risk of becoming complacent under tyranny, as people may believe they have no choice but to accept their fate, leading them to become complicit in their own oppression. It shows that true freedom requires mental liberation alongside physical change.

Evolution and Our Obsession with True Crime

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2004 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture Evolution True Crime Psychology History Sociology
  1. True crime has been a longstanding part of human culture, dating back centuries.
  2. Our obsession with true crime may stem from our evolutionary history and the way our minds are wired for survival.
  3. Engaging with true crime stories allows us to simulate dangerous situations and hone our ability to detect and avoid threats.

Trust and Accountability

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Trust Accountability Cooperation Society
  1. Cooperation in society happens when people can gain rewards for working together, and when there are consequences for dishonesty. It's not about being inherently good or bad.
  2. High-trust societies don't just happen; they depend on rules and systems that encourage honesty and discourage cheating.
  3. Understanding human cooperation is complicated, especially as social groups grow bigger. It's a key part of how societies function.

Why We Pray: Israel, Gaza and Complexity Tolerance

The Bigger Picture • 1238 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Psychology Sociology Emotions Complexity
  1. Prayer can help us navigate complex and uncertain times, offering a blend of personal and social connection, and providing a unique space for agency and emotional processing.
  2. Expanding our 'complexity tolerance' is essential in a world filled with overwhelming information; by building emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility, we can better handle and make sense of complexity.
  3. Prayer is not about escape, but a way to engage truth and beauty even in the face of horror, providing a connection to deeper truths and a return to inner sanctuaries of tranquility and vulnerability.

Yes, Xxit

Never Met a Science • 88 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🚌 Education Higher education Communication Media Studies Sociology Public Engagement
  1. Many universities are considering leaving social media platforms like X because they can hurt their reputation and make communication less effective.
  2. Instead of trying to compete for attention on crowded platforms, universities should focus on creating their own quality spaces for sharing academic knowledge, like high-quality videos and public talks.
  3. Communication needs to be taken seriously; a careless online presence can be more damaging than having no presence at all, so investing wisely is important.

Why women enforce the “must want sex all the time” masculinity norm

Sex and the State • 29 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gender norms Sexuality Sociology Feminism Masculinity
  1. Women play a role in supporting the idea that men should always want sex. This belief can put pressure on both genders.
  2. The expectation for men to be sexually driven can lead to feelings of inadequacy if they don't meet these standards. It can affect their confidence and relationships.
  3. Challenging these norms could free both men and women to express their true desires without societal pressure. This could lead to healthier relationships and personal happiness.

Does The Week Exist?

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Studies Philosophy Sociology Meditation
  1. Each day of the week feels different, and these feelings can be shaped by culture and personal experiences. For example, many people love Fridays for the weekend vibes, while Tuesdays might feel a bit dull.
  2. The seven-day week is quite arbitrary compared to other time units like days and months, yet it influences our energy and routines. There are also ideas that our ancestors connected these days to the planets, giving them unique qualities.
  3. Modern life, filled with screens and remote work, changes how we experience time. This makes it easier to blend work and leisure, allowing for a lifestyle where we can pursue what we enjoy more consistently.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 101 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Traditions Media Art Sociology
  1. Modern culture often feels repetitive, as if it's stuck in a loop.
  2. There's a perceived disconnect from important traditions that used to shape society.
  3. Reconnecting with these traditions can help bring back a sense of meaning and diversity to our cultural landscape.

Malört Liquidity

Malt Liquidity • 5 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Alcohol Consumption Culture Health Sociology
  1. Many people today drink less or choose non-alcoholic options, which some believe is not a healthy approach to relaxation and socializing. Historically, alcohol has been used as a way to enjoy life and unwind.
  2. Alcohol can help people deal with the stress of social situations and bridge the gap between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. This balance can create meaningful social interactions.
  3. Younger generations may struggle with drinking due to evolving societal standards and the fear of negative consequences. It's important for people to learn to enjoy life and make mistakes rather than avoiding experiences.

PREVIEW: The Three Archetypes of Internet Overexposure Syndrome

Default Wisdom • 77 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Psychology Sociology Communication Media
  1. There are three main types of reactions people have to constant internet use: the Autist, the Schizo, and the Borderline. Each type represents a different way of dealing with online exposure.
  2. The Autist may focus on details and facts, while the Schizo might feel confused or paranoid about online information. The Borderline can experience intense emotions related to their online interactions.
  3. Understanding these archetypes can help us recognize our own behaviors and feelings about the internet, leading to better mental health and awareness.

Welcome to Disaffected

Disaffected Newsletter • 2997 implied HN points • 29 May 22
🎭️ Culture Psychology Family Politics Media Sociology
  1. The author experienced a difficult childhood with a mother who had personality disorders, leading to a realization about the impact of such behavior on family dynamics.
  2. There is a connection between personal experiences of emotional manipulation and the larger cultural and political climate today, suggesting many leaders exhibit similar traits to those seen in dysfunctional families.
  3. Understanding these personality disorders can help us recognize and address the emotional instability present in society, which is crucial for making positive changes.

The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon: DSM 666

Unsafe Science • 48 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🔬 Science Psychology Academia Sociology Research Bias
  1. The New Expanded Illustrated Orwelexicon introduces new words to highlight biases and issues in psychology and academia. It aims to make these concepts clearer and more accessible.
  2. This resource shows how language can shape our understanding of societal problems. By using specific terms, it helps pinpoint dysfunctions within various fields.
  3. Overall, the Orwelexicon encourages critical thinking about psychology and social science. It invites people to reflect on how words influence perceptions and beliefs.

A response to Michael Huemer on why progressives like Islam

The Good blog • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Religion Identity Sociology Civil Rights Progressivism
  1. Many progressives oppose Islamophobia because they see it as a form of prejudice against outsiders in society. They believe it's important for all groups, including Muslims, to be treated fairly and equally.
  2. Critics might argue against certain religious practices, but the goal should be to allow diverse beliefs without discrimination. The focus should be on ensuring everyone can participate in society without facing exclusion based on their religion.
  3. Religious views can be strongly held and difficult to change, much like race or sexuality. In a liberal society, people should be allowed to hold their beliefs, as long as they respect the rules of public life.

Anti-Communism and 20th-century Economics

In My Tribe • 865 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🚌 Education Economics History Philosophy Sociology Government
  1. Great economists of the 20th century were motivated by the conflict between capitalism and communism.
  2. There was a trade-off between freedom and economic pain, with differing views on how to handle it.
  3. The focus of 21st century intellectuals has shifted to issues like climate change and terrorism, moving away from the economic debates of the past.

Is America Today Really No More Unequal Economic Class-Wise than It Was in 1960?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 468 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Race Gender Sociology
  1. America is much more unequal today, especially in terms of economic class when compared to 1960.
  2. There is uncertainty around the rise in inequality numbers, with conflicting calculations from different sources.
  3. The sociology of inequality changes in America since 1960 is seen as equally important as the economic aspect.

Group Narcissism

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 429 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sociology Psychology Ethnicity Religion Ethics
  1. The concept of group narcissism can explain conflicts within society where groups exaggerate their own virtues and respond disproportionately when threatened.
  2. Vicarious group narcissism occurs when a group cannot exhibit its own narcissism, so it projects this onto another group, creating additional issues.
  3. Maintaining civility in a diverse society requires allowing old ethnic and religious bonds to fade, but current conflicts globally suggest these bonds are being strengthened, leading to rising group narcissism and vicarious group narcissism.