Skip to content
Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology

Research by Ellis Finds Hidden Pockets of Poverty and is Featured in The Guardian

CSDE Affiliate Dr. Mark Ellis (Geography) recently co-authored an article in The Geographical Journal, titled “An ethnic group specific deprivation index for measuring neighbourhood inequalities in England and Wales“. Dr. Ellis conducted this study alongside a research team at Queens University Belfast with a grant from the Economic and Social Research Council. The study focuses on the geography of social deprivation in England and Wales, highlighting pockets of deprivation by ethnic group across the two countries, using the 2021 Census. Unlike the US,  the UK has no small area income data and so has no direct measure of poverty. The authors’  introduce the Ethnic Group Deprivation Index (EGDI) to identify areas of deprivation, using a collection of social indicators including health, education, and employment. Their research finds complex micro geographies of deprivation. While local towns may be perceived as prosperous, with little or no social deprivation overall, there may be small areas (zones of 1500 people) where one or more ethnic groups have very high levels of deprivation. These findings have been featured in two articles by The Guardian – the first article providing an overview of the index and the second article delving deeper into the experience of Oxford, England. The first article by The Guardian states a key implication of the research – “More than a million people in England are living in pockets of hidden hardship, meaning that they could be missing out on vital help because their poverty is masked by neighbours who are better off”. Dr. Ellis conveyed authors’ message in an email – Policy makers aiming to address social deprivation must look beyond place averages and consider how ethnic groups have heterogenous experiences of deprivation within small areas.

Theories of Change in Women’s Group Interventions are the Focus of Anderson’s New Research

CSDE Affiliate Dr. Leigh Anderson (Evans School of Public Policy and Governance) released research with co-authors in the Journal of Global Health, titled “Strengthening theories of change in women’s group interventions to improve learning“. Supporting women’s groups is increasingly seen as an important intervention strategy for advancing women’s empowerment, economic outcomes, and family health in low- and middle-income countries. Authors argue that learning from investments in women’s group platforms is often limited by the lack of a well-articulated, evaluable theory of change (ToC) developed by those designing the programmes. They review a portfolio of 46 women’s groups investments made by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation between 2005 and 2017 to understand the prevalence and clarity of evaluable theories of change, and propose a framework for these theories which they hope will support more learning.

 

Join CSDE for the Biomarker Working Group Kickoff Meeting!

Please join us for the kickoff of the Biomarker Working Group! We are building a community with diverse expertise, connected by an interest in using biomarkers for population research. This will be a space for learning about and discussing current topics and methods in biomarker research and drawing on our collective knowledge to work through challenges in our own projects.

In this first of monthly meetings, gather with other population researchers using biomarkers and learn about the resources available through CSDE’s Biodemography Lab. Lunch will be provided for those who register here by December 30.

Event Details:

  • Biomarker Working Group Kickoff Meeting
  • Thursday, January 4, 2024
  • 12:30 – 1:30 pm
  • Raitt Hall 223

Harris Highlights the Importance of Laws that Address Legal Monetary Sanctions

CSDE Affiliate Dr. Alexes Harris (Sociology) co-authored an article in the Conversation, discussing the impact of state laws which have removed court costs and fees for people who are unable to pay. Dr. Harris drew on her research and others, which has found that monetary sanctions often do more harm than good. Several states have responded by passing laws to remove or reduce juvenile fines and fees. Read the full article here.

NPR Quotes Hagopian on the Strategic Role of Attacks on Health Care Facilities and Personnel

CSDE Affiliate Dr. Amy Hagopian (Health Systems and Population Health, Global Health) was quoted by NPR in an article (here) on how 2023 is on track to have the highest number of attacks on health care facilities and health personnel. Dr. Hagopian commented on the threats to health workers in war zones, saying “part of [health workers’] mission is to provide a witness function”. According to Dr. Hagopian, this function is one reason why health professionals can pose a threat to a military or militia. They can “undermine the credibility of the fighting force [and hold] them accountable in ways that legal entities seem not to be able to do,” she says.

Morales quoted on Washington’s Need for Spanish-speaking Medical Staff

CSDE Affiliate Dr. Leo Morales (Social Work, Health Systems and Population Health, Latino Center for Health) was quoted by the Everett Herald on Washington’s state’s shortage of Spanish-speaking nurses. There is a “great scarcity” of Spanish-speaking doctors and nurses across the country, said Dr. Morales, who also elaborated on the complexity that families face when it comes to medical interpreting. Morales discussed why family members and medical staff – who aren’t certified interpreters – should not interpret for safety reasons. Speaking directly with caregivers is more effective at ensuring patients return for follow-up and respond positively to advice. Read the full article here.