SOCIAL POLICY

Youth's Political Identity and Fertility Desires

Political leanings might determine more than how people vote. This study, co-authored by Christina Gibson-Davis, explores the link between political identity and young adults' fertility desires from 1989 to 2019. Using data from a survey of 12th graders, it finds that Republicans consistently desired more children than Democrats, with the gap widening over time. Initially, differences in religiosity and gender attitudes explained these gaps, but from 2004 onwards, these factors only partially accounted for them. By 2014, Republicans had a higher likelihood of wanting more children and a lower likelihood of avoiding parenthood, a trend that continued through 2019. The study concludes that political identity has increasingly influenced fertility desires.

(Photo: Vidal Balielo via Pexels)

HEALTH POLICY

Child Vaccinations Face Administrative Obstacles

Child vaccination is one of the most significant health initiatives in history, but coordination is a challenge. This study by Nathan Boucher and Sara Israelsen-Hartley examined the barriers and facilitators experienced by Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers in reporting vaccination data to state immunization information systems (IISs) in four U.S. states. The study found that VFC providers value robust IISs, and while having an electronic health record helps, it is not essential for IIS reporting. Key barriers included negative interactions with IIS and VFC officials and limited practice capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for a nationwide vaccination database. The study suggests improving provider interactions with IIS and VFC officials and incentivizing historical data entry to enhance IIS reporting.

(Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY

Tackling Debt, Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change

Debt distress, biodiversity loss and climate change are intertwined crises for developing countries, but one initiative looks to solve those problems simultaneously. Debt-for-nature swaps involve creditors voluntarily reducing or canceling debt in exchange for national commitments to fund specific environmental activities, such as conserving rainforests or reducing carbon emissions. The concept has been around for decades but has had only a modest track record. Alex Pfaff joined two other Duke University experts to analyze a new task force to reform debt-for-nature swaps, where creditors reduce debt in exchange for environmental commitments. Proposed reforms include offering significant debt relief, reducing implementation costs, using reliable performance metrics and integrating biodiversity and climate goals. Developing countries play a crucial role in global climate efforts, but struggle with debt and climate adaptation costs. New approaches may offer more substantial benefits.

(Photo: Roberto Nickson via Unsplash)

SOCIAL POLICY

Reconsidering the Economics of Identity

America’s history is a story of prosperity and progress, but not for all. This article by William A. Darity Jr. traces the roots of racial wealth disparity in the United States, particularly between Black and White Americans, back to historical injustices such as slavery and discriminatory land policies. It highlights how policies, including land redistribution after the Civil War, were intended to address these disparities but ultimately failed, leading to ongoing economic inequality. The text discusses violent acts and systemic racism that deprived Black Americans of property and economic opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. It calls for acknowledging past injustices and reparations to rectify the racial wealth gap and create a more equitable society.

(Photo: Generated by Microsoft Image Creator)

Frank Bruni, Eugene C. Patterson Professor of the Practice of Journalism and Public Policy, best-selling author and New York Times columnist, has built a career that spans the political, cultural and culinary topics of our day. In his latest book, "The Age of Grievance", Bruni examines the origins of our current discontent in an age defined by acrimony and angst. The Age of Grievance debuted at No. 6 on the New York Times bestseller list. Read more about the book. 

Sanford is pleased to announce that Anna Gassman-Pines will become senior associate dean for faculty affairs on July 1. Read the announcement. 

Starting on July 1, Lisa Gennetian will serve as director of graduate studies of the PhD program. Read the announcement. 

On July 1, Vicki Bogan will become director of graduate studies of the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. Read the announcement. 

Following a national search, Brian Murray has been appointed to a five-year term as the director of the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, effective immediately. Read the announcement. 

Christopher W. Sims, a lauded photographer and artist, will be the next director of the Duke Center for Documentary Studies (CDS). Read the announcement. 

Mallory SoRelle won the 2024 Stubbing Award for teaching and mentoring graduate students. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the school's graduate programs and commitment to the personal and professional development of their students. Read more about this award.  

Named after the esteemed Susan Tifft, the Eugene C. Patterson Professor of the Practice of Communications and Journalism, this award celebrates educators who excel in guiding and nurturing undergraduate students. Students nominated Lisa Gennetian for this award, and the praise for her instruction was glowing. Here are a few of the highlights from the dozens of students who submitted nominations.

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