News
From “undeserving poor” to the childcare benefits scandal: how prejudice shapes policy
The idea that the American anti-poverty programme of the 1960s – the War on Poverty – failed is not only due to conservative opposition. People involved in the implementation, as well as the poor themselves, also voiced criticism. This shared frustration, fuelled by racism, discrimination and divergent expectations, laid the foundation for the persistent perception of failed anti-poverty policies that continues to influence policy-making today. This is evident from research by historian Heleen Blommers.
Can robots or chatbots also have rights?
This is the question asked by Logic and Artificial Intelligence lecturer Guido Löhr in an article he co-authored with Matthew Dennis (UT Eindhoven). They argue it benefits people when we behave responsibly in our relationships – including with robots. If robots are granted a certain status, they can collaborate more effectively with humans and even play a meaningful role in our social lives. A robot allowed to hold us accountable for our actions could help us reflect more deeply and feel valued.
Nationalism in Germany 1820-1870 Appreciation of Diversity and Culture
Between 1820 and 1870, before German unification, the idea of the nation gained increasing significance among Christian, and especially Protestant, elites. The emphasis was on intellectual and cultural differences, rather than physical or racial traits. The diversity of different countries was positively valued and seen as a meaningful contribution to a richly diverse world. This is shown by research conducted by cultural and religious historian Johan Smits. “This aspect can help to find ways to interpret one's own nation positively in a time of rising nationalism, without falling into patterns that exclude others.”
Ammodo Science Award for Rik Peels
Professor of Analytical and Interdisciplinary Philosophy of Religion Rik Peels is one of the recipients of this year’s Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research. This biennial prize for groundbreaking science enables researchers to conduct unfettered scientific research into fundamental issues in their field in the coming years. Peels developed an innovative theoretical framework that explains how seemingly rational people can arrive at extreme positions.
Smart tricks on news sites
News is vital for a well-functioning democracy, but more and more people are being fed their news via algorithms. This can result in people primarily seeing articles that reinforce their existing views, and less news that is socially significant or unexpected. Nicolas Mittis investigated how clever tricks, so-called nudges, on news sites can help to better inform the public.
Politicians with “dark” personality traits reinforce political divisions
The personality profiles of more than 90 leading politicians worldwide were linked to voting behaviour in forty national elections. This reveals striking patterns. Politicians who score high on the so-called dark triad – narcissism (excessive focus on one's own person), psychopathy (coldness and contempt for other people's emotions) and Machiavellianism (willingness to manipulate and deceive) – are associated with greater hostility among their supporters towards political opponents.
magazine for social sciences and humanities alumni june 2025