The hottest Sociology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Debunking Race “Science”

Space chimp life • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genetics Psychology Sociology Neuroscience Education
  1. Heritability and genetics are often confused. While some studies suggest certain traits are 50-60% heritable, this doesn't mean they're purely genetic, as environment plays a big role too.
  2. Twin studies, commonly used to support race 'science', have flaws because they often fail to isolate the twins' environments correctly, leading to misleading conclusions about heritability.
  3. Understanding intelligence requires looking at how the brain interacts with the environment, rather than just focusing on race or IQ numbers. The brain learns from experiences, showing its flexibility and adaptability across cultures.

The Wendigo's Acolyte

Marlene’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology History Folklore Psychology Sociology
  1. The wendigo is a spirit in Native American folklore that represents extreme hunger and can possess people, turning them into cannibals, especially during times of famine.
  2. Swift Runner was a man who, driven by starvation, resorted to cannibalism and claimed he was possessed by a wendigo spirit during his actions, resulting in his execution.
  3. The wendigo is often described as a horrifying skeletal creature, which reflects the themes of deprivation and the loss of humanity that accompany extreme hunger.

Marching in time

Chad’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Sociology Psychology Rituals
  1. When people are in sync, like at a rave or during marching, they can feel a strong connection to others. It's like being part of a bigger group instead of just being alone.
  2. This feeling of unity happens because everyone is moving together and focusing on the same thing, which can even change how we see ourselves. We start to feel like we're all one entity.
  3. Experiences like raves and military marching may help flip a 'hive switch' in our brains, making us more likely to care for others and feel less self-centered.

The Lost Age Of Abundance: a strategy game for deep thinkers

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Simulation Economics Sociology Strategy
  1. The game allows players to lead families in a shattered empire, focusing on complex economics and sociology rather than just warfare. Players can choose their leadership style and aim to restore prosperity.
  2. Families in the game have individual histories and desires, influencing their decisions about loyalty and moving between territories. Players need to understand these dynamics to maintain their power and support.
  3. The primary goal of the game includes fostering freedom and happiness among families. Players must balance their actions to build a flourishing society while navigating challenges and aspirations of the peasants.
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Artistic activism, the genetics of personality & archeological strategies

The Strategy Toolkit • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Activism History Sociology Gender Studies
  1. Art can be a powerful tool for activism. Throughout history, artists have used their work to express resistance and challenge authority.
  2. Textile art, like knitting and embroidery, has been a form of protest, especially against domestic violence. These activities are often seen as simple, but they carry deep meaning and impact.
  3. Women's use of sewing as a form of resistance shows that there is a lot of thought and intention behind their actions. It challenges the assumption that crafts are purely trivial.

Toys, scratching, and quantum strategies

The Strategy Toolkit • 0 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Child development Education Anthropology Sociology History
  1. Choosing the right toys can significantly impact children's development. Toys can teach vital skills that prepare kids for adult life.
  2. Research shows that the Norse settlers in Greenland struggled due to the lack of useful toys for their children. Their creativity suffered, which contributed to their downfall.
  3. Inuit children thrived because they had more diverse and relevant toys. This helped them be more innovative and adapt better to their environment.