Derek Richardson
@drichardsonsoc.bsky.social
Sociology PhD candidate at Indiana University Bloomington researching health, organizations, professions, and development.
I was gonna post, “another day, another attack on higher education by the Trump administration,” but this attack is much bigger. It’s on equitable access to education itself and redefines who is worthy of opportunities for upward social mobility.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/b...
Trump Moves to Strip Tax Exemption From Schools That Aid Minority Students (Gift Article)
The Treasury Department released rules that would prevent schools with race-based programs from qualifying for tax-exempt status, a threat to both higher education and other private schools.
www.nytimes.com
September 3, 2026 at 4:37 PM
I was gonna post, “another day, another attack on higher education by the Trump administration,” but this attack is much bigger. It’s on equitable access to education itself and redefines who is worthy of opportunities for upward social mobility.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/b...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/03/b...
Short and sweet words from @ebharrington.bsky.social with a great conclusion: Students who take sociology courses will leave having “more of what the world needs: original thinking about old problems.”
ASA member Brooke Harrington @dartmouthcollege.bsky.social argues that critiques of sociology are less about the discipline merely studying inequality and more about what sociologists do with the information—holding power and wealth to account. @economist.com
bit.ly
August 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Short and sweet words from @ebharrington.bsky.social with a great conclusion: Students who take sociology courses will leave having “more of what the world needs: original thinking about old problems.”
As I get ready to submit job apps everywhere, here’s some additional skills that don’t appear on my CV but can really benefit your department (may add to list throughout year) (please hire me) (don’t use this post against me in the search process) (fish are friends not food)
August 21, 2026 at 4:59 PM
As I get ready to submit job apps everywhere, here’s some additional skills that don’t appear on my CV but can really benefit your department (may add to list throughout year) (please hire me) (don’t use this post against me in the search process) (fish are friends not food)
Lots of overlapping issues addressed at once, but I liked this line:
“Scholars like Dr. Estefan see a racial component in how quickly researchers are described and dismissed as ‘activists.’ One person’s ‘activism’ is another’s ‘policy recommendation,’ he said.”
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
“Scholars like Dr. Estefan see a racial component in how quickly researchers are described and dismissed as ‘activists.’ One person’s ‘activism’ is another’s ‘policy recommendation,’ he said.”
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
Is Activism Hurting Sociology? Sociologists Are Torn.
A group of sociologists broke away in protest from their colleagues over disagreements about Israel. Some worry the political stances are harming the field.
www.nytimes.com
August 14, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Lots of overlapping issues addressed at once, but I liked this line:
“Scholars like Dr. Estefan see a racial component in how quickly researchers are described and dismissed as ‘activists.’ One person’s ‘activism’ is another’s ‘policy recommendation,’ he said.”
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
“Scholars like Dr. Estefan see a racial component in how quickly researchers are described and dismissed as ‘activists.’ One person’s ‘activism’ is another’s ‘policy recommendation,’ he said.”
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u...
Had to leave ASA before tomorrow’s final day of activities, but I genuinely had a great time presenting, attending sessions, and meeting up with old and new friends. And quick shoutout to the @asanews.bsky.social volunteers who are always so helpful and integral to the conference experience!
August 10, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Had to leave ASA before tomorrow’s final day of activities, but I genuinely had a great time presenting, attending sessions, and meeting up with old and new friends. And quick shoutout to the @asanews.bsky.social volunteers who are always so helpful and integral to the conference experience!
Last stop on the conference world tour (I’m so tired)!!!!
Catch me tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. I’m presenting a *never-before-seen* chapter from my dissertation research on health INGOs in Cambodia! 🇰🇭👨🏻⚕️🌏
Catch me tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. I’m presenting a *never-before-seen* chapter from my dissertation research on health INGOs in Cambodia! 🇰🇭👨🏻⚕️🌏
IU Sociology Presentations for Saturday, August 8, 2026! #ASA2026 @asanews.bsky.social
August 7, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Last stop on the conference world tour (I’m so tired)!!!!
Catch me tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. I’m presenting a *never-before-seen* chapter from my dissertation research on health INGOs in Cambodia! 🇰🇭👨🏻⚕️🌏
Catch me tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. I’m presenting a *never-before-seen* chapter from my dissertation research on health INGOs in Cambodia! 🇰🇭👨🏻⚕️🌏
Reposted by Derek Richardson
"The ethnography is vivid, the practitioner-centered approach overdue, and the aid chain framework offers a valuable lens for understanding how norms travel and transform." 👏
Learn more about Reimagining Aid (@stanfordpress.bsky.social): www.sup.org/books/sociol...
Learn more about Reimagining Aid (@stanfordpress.bsky.social): www.sup.org/books/sociol...
July 31, 2026 at 5:01 PM
"The ethnography is vivid, the practitioner-centered approach overdue, and the aid chain framework offers a valuable lens for understanding how norms travel and transform." 👏
Learn more about Reimagining Aid (@stanfordpress.bsky.social): www.sup.org/books/sociol...
Learn more about Reimagining Aid (@stanfordpress.bsky.social): www.sup.org/books/sociol...
This is honestly pretty devastating. The shrinking pool of money for research, especially for young scholars, due to federal level cuts is stifling the creativity, innovation, & scientific rigor needed to build better societies. Our country is playing, and currently winning, a game of self-sabotage.
July 27, 2026 at 8:22 PM
This is honestly pretty devastating. The shrinking pool of money for research, especially for young scholars, due to federal level cuts is stifling the creativity, innovation, & scientific rigor needed to build better societies. Our country is playing, and currently winning, a game of self-sabotage.
The conference world tour continues…
ISTR ✔️
ASA 🔜
ISTR ✔️
ASA 🔜
July 17, 2026 at 1:50 PM
The conference world tour continues…
ISTR ✔️
ASA 🔜
ISTR ✔️
ASA 🔜
Another conference in the books! I absolutely enjoyed the joint meeting of The Qualitatives (QAC) and the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction (SSSI) in Niagara Falls!
You ever skim through the methods section in your talks? Not here, you won’t. Lots of rich methods discussion!
You ever skim through the methods section in your talks? Not here, you won’t. Lots of rich methods discussion!
June 12, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Another conference in the books! I absolutely enjoyed the joint meeting of The Qualitatives (QAC) and the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction (SSSI) in Niagara Falls!
You ever skim through the methods section in your talks? Not here, you won’t. Lots of rich methods discussion!
You ever skim through the methods section in your talks? Not here, you won’t. Lots of rich methods discussion!
Reposted by Derek Richardson
@jessicacalarco.com hit the nail on the head in her @pnas.org editorial about why the trend towards data transparency can be complicated for qualitative research--a dilemma that came to head in our recent PNAS paper on violence. I recommend giving it a read.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
With qualitative research, the risks of data sharing can outweigh the rewards | PNAS
With qualitative research, the risks of data sharing can outweigh the rewards
www.pnas.org
June 6, 2026 at 9:46 PM
@jessicacalarco.com hit the nail on the head in her @pnas.org editorial about why the trend towards data transparency can be complicated for qualitative research--a dilemma that came to head in our recent PNAS paper on violence. I recommend giving it a read.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Although a spoof, something like this could become a legitimate and fruitful research agenda for someone at the intersection of med soc and STS 🤷🏻♂️
June 6, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Although a spoof, something like this could become a legitimate and fruitful research agenda for someone at the intersection of med soc and STS 🤷🏻♂️
Sociologists have A LOT to add to this conversation…
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/w...
The Return of Blaming and Shaming in Public Health
www.nytimes.com
June 1, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Sociologists have A LOT to add to this conversation…
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/w...
So thrilled I was able to present at one of my favorite conferences in one of my favorite cities. The community at Migration & Organizations has always been so supportive of my work, so big thank you to the organizers and attendees for the amazing experience and constructive feedback year after year
May 27, 2026 at 5:43 PM
So thrilled I was able to present at one of my favorite conferences in one of my favorite cities. The community at Migration & Organizations has always been so supportive of my work, so big thank you to the organizers and attendees for the amazing experience and constructive feedback year after year
Reposted by Derek Richardson
@cantb.bsky.social identifies three trends for public research universities: more partisan divisions, more sports & amenities, less research. A grim but compelling picture. www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
Opinion | The Future of the Public Research University
Over the next decade, three trends will shape the sector.
www.chronicle.com
May 14, 2026 at 1:25 PM
@cantb.bsky.social identifies three trends for public research universities: more partisan divisions, more sports & amenities, less research. A grim but compelling picture. www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
Reposted by Derek Richardson
AIDS Creeps Back in Parts of Zambia, a Year After U.S. Cuts to HIV Assistance. A once-robust HIV treatment and prevention system, credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives, has begun to crumble. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/25/h...
AIDS Creeps Back in Parts of Zambia, a Year After U.S. Cuts to H.I.V. Assistance
www.nytimes.com
April 27, 2026 at 2:38 PM
AIDS Creeps Back in Parts of Zambia, a Year After U.S. Cuts to HIV Assistance. A once-robust HIV treatment and prevention system, credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives, has begun to crumble. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/25/h...
Reposted by Derek Richardson
The latest publication from my research with Matthew Gougherty on professional socialization doi.org/10.1177/0891...
April 18, 2026 at 6:08 PM
The latest publication from my research with Matthew Gougherty on professional socialization doi.org/10.1177/0891...
Be there or be square! 😤💯
But actually, use the QR code to register and watch over Zoom!!
But actually, use the QR code to register and watch over Zoom!!
Thanks to my friend @drichardsonsoc.bsky.social, I'll be doing a virtual book talk next Wednesday with Indiana University Bloomington. Check out the registration link below!
March 30, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Be there or be square! 😤💯
But actually, use the QR code to register and watch over Zoom!!
But actually, use the QR code to register and watch over Zoom!!
Big congrats to @profince.bsky.social, incoming Visiting Scholar for the Russell Sage Foundation @russellsagefdn.bsky.social!!! 🥳💯
www.russellsage.org/fellows/sear...
www.russellsage.org/fellows/sear...
Search Fellows | Russell Sage Foundation
www.russellsage.org
February 24, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Big congrats to @profince.bsky.social, incoming Visiting Scholar for the Russell Sage Foundation @russellsagefdn.bsky.social!!! 🥳💯
www.russellsage.org/fellows/sear...
www.russellsage.org/fellows/sear...
To my friends here at IU, come to the IMU for the Irsay Research Symposium!! Lots of great talks are scheduled, and you can stop by my poster and hear about my dissertation research 🤓 @irsay-iu.bsky.social
February 20, 2026 at 2:26 PM
To my friends here at IU, come to the IMU for the Irsay Research Symposium!! Lots of great talks are scheduled, and you can stop by my poster and hear about my dissertation research 🤓 @irsay-iu.bsky.social
"I don't like the idea of rural populations being treated as guinea pigs," she said. "If this is where we're testing AI in health care, there's a lot that could go wrong."
I can't say I'm optimistic either...
www.npr.org/2026/02/14/n...
I can't say I'm optimistic either...
www.npr.org/2026/02/14/n...
Dr. Oz pushes AI avatars as a fix for rural health care. Not so fast, critics say
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is advancing a $50 billion plan to modernize rural health care.
www.npr.org
February 15, 2026 at 6:06 PM
"I don't like the idea of rural populations being treated as guinea pigs," she said. "If this is where we're testing AI in health care, there's a lot that could go wrong."
I can't say I'm optimistic either...
www.npr.org/2026/02/14/n...
I can't say I'm optimistic either...
www.npr.org/2026/02/14/n...
Reposted by Derek Richardson
Navigating “Wicked” Disagreement in Public Health - By Safura Abdool Karim, Ruth Faden, Anne Barnhill, Virginia Brown, Jeff Kahn, Nancy Kass, Anna Mastroianni, Stephanie Morain, Vardit Ravitsky, and Reed Tuckson | AJPH ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2...
Navigating “Wicked” Disagreement in Public Health | AJPH | Vol. Issue
Public health has long grappled with moral and epistemic disagreement—conflicts over values and facts that shape decisions about how best to protect population health. While these forms of disagreemen...
ajph.aphapublications.org
February 5, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Navigating “Wicked” Disagreement in Public Health - By Safura Abdool Karim, Ruth Faden, Anne Barnhill, Virginia Brown, Jeff Kahn, Nancy Kass, Anna Mastroianni, Stephanie Morain, Vardit Ravitsky, and Reed Tuckson | AJPH ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2...
“Within this new order, Cambodians are strategically cultivating new donors to create innovative aid projects as well as trajectories for themselves and their nation. And, as they do so, they play an essential role in imagining new paths to development.”
www.asianstudies.org/usaid-closur...
www.asianstudies.org/usaid-closur...
USAID Closure Makes Way for an “Asian” Development Imaginary - Association for Asian Studies
By Mary-Collier Wilks In February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would reduce foreign aid spending. By July 2025, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was officially s...
www.asianstudies.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:31 PM
“Within this new order, Cambodians are strategically cultivating new donors to create innovative aid projects as well as trajectories for themselves and their nation. And, as they do so, they play an essential role in imagining new paths to development.”
www.asianstudies.org/usaid-closur...
www.asianstudies.org/usaid-closur...
SO! PROUD! 🥹🥹🙌🏼🙌🏼💯💯
I can't believe this is the week that my book finally comes out into the world!!
fsi.stanford.edu/publication/...
fsi.stanford.edu/publication/...
Reimagining Aid
Foreign Donors, Women’s Health, and New Paths for Development in Cambodia
fsi.stanford.edu
January 19, 2026 at 8:36 PM
SO! PROUD! 🥹🥹🙌🏼🙌🏼💯💯
Ugh. @robrankin.bsky.social was on the nose when he wrote, "The lie is no longer a denial of evidence but an instruction to distrust perception itself."
www.npr.org/2026/01/16/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/16/n...
Minnesota shows what happens when governing and content creation merge
As President Trump approaches one year back in office, the policies his administration pursues — and how those policies are communicated — have been increasingly shaped by social media.
www.npr.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Ugh. @robrankin.bsky.social was on the nose when he wrote, "The lie is no longer a denial of evidence but an instruction to distrust perception itself."
www.npr.org/2026/01/16/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/16/n...