The real world impact of ISR research: Philippa Clarke
February 2, 2026
In this video, Philippa Clarke, research professor in ISR’s Survey Research Center, discusses the importance of neighborhood factors in understanding how we can age well. I do work in understanding aging. In particular, I’m very interested in understanding how people live in their...
Family care expectations clash with shrinking availability, dementia needs
January 29, 2026
ANN ARBOR—Americans believe that the family as a whole—especially a spouse or partner—is responsible for caring for an older adult. Biological and stepchildren have the next highest levels of obligation, according to a new University of Michigan study. Even though with...
Center for Inequality Dynamics receives $5M gift from Stone Foundation
January 26, 2026
As economic disparities reach historic levels, the University of Michigan is renewing its commitment to investigating causes of social inequality. A $5 million gift from the Stone Foundation will allow the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics to sustain its critical work to...
Small uptick, consumer views hold negative
January 23, 2026
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment lifted about 3.5 index points this month, with minor gains seen across all index components, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. While the overall improvement was small, it was broad-based across the population, seen across groups by...
Lingering legacy: Brazil’s ‘dictatorship gen’ faces premature aging
January 22, 2026
ANN ARBOR—Health disparities between Afro-Brazilians and their white peers are most severe in midlife, not old age. Growing up under authoritarian rule put these groups at a greater disadvantage than older generations who experienced early life in more democratic governments.A new University...
University of Michigan to lead landmark global mental health survey consortium, expanding to additional countries
January 20, 2026
The World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Consortium, which harnesses cross-national data to inform and support policies around education, interventions, and treatment, has now moved to the University of Michigan. This new phase is led by William Axinn, inaugural director of...
ISR celebrates MLK Day with event on the legacy of the National Survey of American Life
January 19, 2026
The Michigan Daily wrote about the Institute for Social Research celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which was held January 19, 2026 with the presentation, “Extending the Legacy: Innovations of the 25-Year Follow-up of the National Survey of American Life“. The event demonstrates...
University of Michigan researchers collaborate with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok
January 5, 2026
University of Michigan researchers William Axinn and Stephanie Chardoul visited Chulalongkorn University’s College of Population Studies in Bangkok to discuss future collaborations in demographic research and innovations in population data survey methods. Axinn serves as the director of...
Sentiment higher than last month but down from a year ago; worries about buying power, unemployment
December 19, 2025
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment inched up a scant 1.9 index points from November, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.Buying conditions for durable goods fell for the fifth straight month, whereas expectations for personal finances and business conditions rose. The...
Reported use of most drugs remains low among US teens
December 17, 2025
Abstention from drug use remains at historic high, U-M survey findsANN ARBOR—For the fifth year in a row, use of most substances among teenagers in the United States continues to hover around the low-water mark reached in 2021. The findings are from the latest report of...
