Sociology

Younger, Latino and Moderate California Republicans Diverge from Party Line on Immigration Policies

November 24, 2025

Illustration of politics and immigration policy

While California Democrats are nearly unified in their views on current immigration enforcement strategies, Latino Republicans and party moderates, especially women, are most likely to diverge from the GOP majority, according to a study co-authored by a UC Merced researcher. The analysis of an...

Sociologist’s Influence in Higher Ed Debate Grows

UC Merced sociologist Laura Hamilton has gained national attention since the 2013 release of the book she coauthored, “Paying for the Party: How College Maintains Inequality.” The book, which...

Scholarship Helps UC Merced Senior Fulfill Dream of Studying Abroad

Lorraine Sturdevant always wanted to explore other countries, but finances were always an obstacle. But winning a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship allowed her to take her first...

Sociology a Lens That Focuses World's Events

Sociology at UC Merced is a prism that offers insight and perspective into what's happening in the world. Trying to understand how people mobilize under democracies or military dictatorships? Ask...

Book Explores Tea Party's Rise, Dynamics

There’s a tendency for researchers to only study leftist movements, but a new book co-edited by UC Merced sociology Professor Nella Van Dyke analyzes the Tea Party movement. “We need to understand...

Science, Math Program to Offer More Paths to Aspiring Teachers

Armanti Hardesty is ready to join the next generation of teachers. “We’re all going into a more technological age,” said Hardesty, an alumnus from Long Beach. “It’s great to have new teachers...

Graduating Student Builds Confidence, Leadership Skills

Stephanie Toledo didn’t want anything to get in the way of her academic success when she arrived at UC Merced. The shy freshman wasn’t ready to consider clubs, social activities or other campus...

Book Reveals Sobering Consequences of the Party Pathway

Many large state universities fail in their mission to create social mobility, instead perpetuating inequality by catering to privileged students rather than focusing on student success, according...

Parents' Financial Help Linked to Lower GPAs, Higher Graduation Rates

College students who aren’t studying hard may have their parents’ financial support to blame. A new study by University of California, Merced, sociology Professor Laura T. Hamilton found that...

Transfer Student Uses Sports, Academics to Inspire Local Youth

At 33, Nick Navarrette isn’t the average UC Merced student. He’s not even the average transfer student. Then again, Navarrette has never been “average,” nor does he pretend to be. Maybe that’s why...