MEDIA & DEMOCRACY POLICY

Less Than 2 Percent of State Legislators Are From The Working Class

Elected representatives do not represent the diverse makeup of the American workforce. Nick Carnes, alongside collaborator Eric Hansen from Loyola University Chicago, conducted a national study of the occupational backgrounds of state legislators to find that a mere 1% of Republicans and 2% of Democrats come from working-class backgrounds. Carnes stated that, “In principle, anyone can run for office, but in practice, the people who are running and serving are overwhelmingly drawn from America’s professional classes.” Their study used publicly available biographical information for individuals serving in the nation’s 7,386 state legislative seats, and their findings illuminate the disparities between Americans in the labor force and their elected representatives. Learn more about this analysis.

(Photo: Karolina Grabowska via Unsplash)

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY

What Drives Corporate Investment in Green Energy?

Expanding clean energy worldwide is a complicated business. Government regulation, societal pressure, and market orientation influence private firms' investment in green technologies and eco-friendly operations. Edmund Malesky co-authored a study in Vietnam that surveyed over 10,000 firms, revealing that regulatory pressure affects foreign investors more than domestic firms, especially those targeting the domestic market. Societal pressure, however, is more effective for domestic firms eyeing international markets. Firms with a history of environmental compliance tend to respond positively to regulatory pressure. The study highlights the necessity of tailored approaches for encouraging environmental upgrades, emphasizing the role of both regulatory enforcement and societal activism, particularly in emerging markets vulnerable to climate change. Future research should delve into firms' motivations for green compliance and the impact of different regulatory designs. Learn more about this study. 

(Photo: Nitin Sharma via Pexels)

HEALTH POLICY

Improving Sanitation in India Through the Lens of Gender

Unimproved sanitation and hygiene threaten public health. Adoption of safe practices requires tech and behavior change, influenced by social contexts. A study co-authored by Subhrendu K. Pattanayak in rural India examined how gender balance in decision-making affects sanitation preferences. Through a public goods game with 1500 participants across 69 villages, it was found that single-gender groups, especially women-only, made larger contributions. In mixed-gender groups, contributions increased with more male participants over rounds. Game behavior correlated with real sanitation practices, positively for men and negatively for women. Results indicate sanitation programs should consider gender preferences and social environments for effectiveness. The study underscores the importance of context in promoting hygiene and sanitation. Read the study. 

(Photo: Varun Gaba via Unsplash)

SOCIAL POLICY

Kindergarten Conduct Can Signal Concerning Paths Later

Kindergarten is the beginning of a new journey in a child’s life, but that journey can lead to troubling paths for some without the right guidance. This study by Jennifer Godwin, Kenneth Dodge, Jennifer Lansford, and co-authors showed that the prevalence and impact of conduct problems in children and adolescents, including their association with criminal behavior, are significant concerns for their future. Conduct problems, violating societal norms and rights, affect millions globally and incur substantial societal costs down the line. Early-onset conduct issues are particularly concerning, leading to severe outcomes without intervention. Economic evaluations of intervention programs are crucial for policymaking, especially considering the long-term costs associated with conduct problems. Understanding these costs and their distribution across genders and developmental stages can guide targeted interventions and budget allocations, emphasizing the importance of early prevention efforts. Learn more about this research.

(Photo: Markus Spiske via Unsplash)

Sanford recently introduced an executive Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program for mid-career professionals. The program combines online learning with short residencies on Duke's main campus in Washington, D.C. Led by Asher Hildebrand and other experienced practitioners and faculty, it emphasizes leadership, management, and ethics. Starting in 2025, it aims to equip leaders to tackle complex societal issues while accommodating working professionals. Learn more.

Welcoming its first cohort in the fall of 2024, the Sanford School of Public Policy and the Hertie School in Berlin offer a dual-degree program merging the Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) with a Master of Public Policy (MPP). The competitive two-year program fosters global perspectives and skills-based learning and prepares students as leaders in data-driven policy. Read more about this partnership.

Isabel Wilkerson, an esteemed American journalist and author, recently visited Sanford to meet with students and present the 2024 Terry Sanford Lecture. During her visit, she also met with Dean Judith Kelley to discuss her award-winning books. Listen to the conversation.

Coordinating with the U.S. Department of State, Sanford kicked off election coverage with a media briefing for a group of international journalists visiting Duke. The conversation covered voting tendencies, young voter turnout, election security, misinformation, and other issues facing voters as the 2024 general election approaches. Read more about this expert panel.

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