School of Sociology

Data is central to how we experience the social world, with the concept of the ‘data gaze’ helping to understand how everyday life is increasingly viewed through data in strategic and predictive ways (Beer 2018). This presentation explores different dimensions of the data gaze, where algorithmic and machinic logics intersect with young people’s ability to see and know themselves.

By Anna Halafoff, Deakin University;

Role taking is putting oneself in the shoes of another and seeing the world from their perspective. New research from ANU sociologist Dr Jenny Davis and Dr Tony Love from the University of Kentucky reveals insights into the racial differences in role-taking accuracy between women and shows how modest interventions can correct for an evident imbalance.

Coming to ANU from the small town of Murwillumbah on the north coast of NSW, Vanamali knew she wanted to study topics that would let her make a change and help communities. A Year 12 trip to the National Youth Science Forum convinced her that ANU was the place to pursue her goals.

“From then on I was pretty set on coming to the ANU. I am very grateful to have had very supportive parents and teachers who encouraged me to aim for Australia’s top university.”

Contemporary teenagers (Gen Z) are exposed to diversity in ways that are unprecedented, through social media, school and peers. How do they experience and understand religious, spiritual, gender and sexual diversity? How are their experiences mediated by where they go to school, their faith and their geographic location? Are they materialist, secular, religious, spiritual, or do they have hybrid identities? How religiously literate are they? How is this shaping their worldviews?

Breastfeeding and human milk banking has attracted a lot of research and public health attention over recent years. However, a mother’s lactation when no living infant is present in her life is often overlooked. Every year in Australia, almost 3500 women will experience lactation after infant death. Without appropriate support, this can be an unwelcome and distressing experience that can threaten women’s physical health and psychosocial wellbeing. However, pilot research reveals for some women, sustaining lactation or donating breast milk after infant death can be a positive experience.