Social Sciences

Smiling man in a suit holds his book Why Carbon Taxes Failed outside the brick Randall Building entrance.
Environment

There’s a Simple Solution to Fixing Climate Change, So Why Isn’t It Working?

Carbon taxes have long been promoted as one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So why have they sparked political backlash around the world? In his new book, Why Carbon Taxes Failed, UVA sociologist Daniel Driscoll draws on research across 20 democracies to examine why climate policies succeed in some countries and falter in others and what that means for future efforts to reduce emissions.

Man in a library archive examining a large, colorful map spread across a table, with shelves of books and flat file cabinets behind him
Humanities

Study Offers First National Picture of Racial Inequities in Early Federal Home Lending

A new study published in Nature, co-authored by UVA doctoral student Thomas Storrs, provides the first national analysis of racial disparities in early federal mortgage lending. Examining over 100,000 records across 38 states, researchers found that from 1935 to 1947, Black Americans received just 2% of FHA loans and 5% of VA home loans despite comprising roughly 10% of the U.S. population and veteran population.

Extreme close-up of dandelion seed head, showing delicate white feathery filaments radiating from tiny seed points
Business

Beyond Public-Private Partnerships: The Power of Social Enterprises

Darden researchers Vidya Mani and Maya Stephens argue that including social enterprises in public-private partnerships can strengthen efforts to meet global development goals by bringing local knowledge, community trust and sustainable, revenue-generating solutions. Their research highlights successful partnerships in countries such as Ghana and Bangladesh, showing how collaboration among government, business and social enterprises can create lasting social impact at scale.