Philadelphia has played a pivotal role in shaping the traditions of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As Daniel Thomas Fleming writes in the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, “Philadelphia has had a greater influence on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday traditions than any city other than King’s birthplace, Atlanta.” From Governor Milton Shapp signing one of… continue reading
Environmental justice offers a critical perspective on the ongoing legacy of systemic inequities in society. A capstone project by Philadelphia-area educator Cassandra Bunje for the Liberal Studies MA program, “An Exploration of Environmental Justice with a Focus on Connecting Historical Redlining Practices to Current Environmental Racism,” examines the connections between historical redlining practices and contemporary… continue reading
The commodification of women’s bodies is deeply embedded in societal and economic systems that prioritize profit over personhood. Mary Roffers’ Liberal Studies Capstone, A Woman’s Worth: Bodies as Capitalistic Endeavors, examines how women’s bodies are framed as deviant or deficient unless they conform to narrow societal standards. Using Michel Foucault’s theories of power, Roffers reveals… continue reading
Resilience for Black women and girls is often misunderstood, celebrated in ways that glorify struggle or demand relentless strength. A new article in American Psychologist, “I Am Not (Your) Superwoman, Black Girl Magic, or Beautiful Struggle: Rethinking the Resilience of Black Women and Girls,” challenges these narratives and calls for a shift toward holistic well-being…. continue reading
Loneliness and physical inactivity are deeply intertwined public health challenges often treated separately. A new study, Relationships between Physical Activity and Loneliness: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies, published in Current Research in Behavioral Sciences (2024), examines how interventions might simultaneously improve both. Co-authored by Rutgers-Camden Psychology Assistant Professor Yoona Kang, along with Jeesung Ahn… continue reading
Presenting research on “Unmet Community Care Needs and the Well-Being of Older Adults in China,” Shibin Yan, an alum of the Public Affairs/Community Development PhD program, joined leading scholars at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) annual conference in Seattle, WA. Reflecting on the experience, Yan shared, “It was such a rewarding experience to connect… continue reading
