The Conversation is an independent, open access source of news and views from the academic and research community in Canada and around the world. This page offers a compilation of articles published in The Conversation by Waterloo Arts scholars.
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2025
Misogyny has become a political strategy — here’s how the pandemic helped make it happen
June 18, 2025
Brianna I. Wiens, University of Waterloo; Nick Ruest, York University, Canada, and Shana MacDonald, University of Waterloo
Online misogyny isn’t just fringe — it’s baked into the architecture of the internet itself and, increasingly, serves as a powerful political tool.
Tracking apps monitor remote employees’ performance — and invade their privacy
June 8, 2025
Danielle E. Thompson, University of Waterloo
Workers now face a more detailed and intrusive type of monitoring that is less understood, and at times even entirely unknown, by employees: employee monitoring applications (EMAs).
Hockey night in Belfast? How Canada’s sport could be bridging longtime sectarian divides
May 28, 2025
Eric Lepp, University of Waterloo
Ice hockey in Belfast is a spectator sport with no deep history on either side of the Protestant-Catholic conflict. It’s a neutral ground where fans from different backgrounds come together.
More than a department store: The long, complicated legacy behind Hudson’s Bay Company
April 7, 2025
Heather Whiteside , University of Waterloo
Like the beaver it nearly wiped out, HBC made Canada into its home by fundamentally transforming its environment, and no bankruptcy court will liquidate that legacy.
Canadians can’t afford to relax barriers to foreign entry in their banking system
March 9, 2025
Dustin Fergusson-Vaux , University of Waterloo
As the U.S. pushes for greater access to Canada’s banking market, Canada must weigh the steep political costs of allowing a stronger American banking presence.
How to win an election? Focus on persuasion, not policy
February 18, 2025
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
Want to win an election? Talk about values more than policy, tell a compelling story, paint a bright future and find ways to repeat, repeat, repeat.
Suspending private refugee sponsorship will trap refugees in war zones and keep families apart
January 29, 2025
Biftu Yousuf, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Anna Lise Purkey, University of Waterloo; Dawit Demoz, York University, Canada, and Johanna Reynolds, York University, Canada
Refugees at risk now face longer wait times to come to Canada, and for those already here, longer periods of separation from family members abroad who remain in danger.
How religion’s brand became unpopular in Canada
January 13, 2025
Galen Watts, University of Waterloo
Religion has been on the decline in Canada for years. Understanding how religion is viewed in society can help explain why.
What fan culture and mourning can teach us about grief
January 6, 2025
Susan Cadell, University of Waterloo and Stephanie Levac, University of Waterloo
Fan communities coping with a celebrity loss do several things that help their members feel supported and connected.
Articles from 2024
Donald Trump’s attack on overseas voters is erroneous and dangerous
October 16, 2024
Jennifer Saul, University of Waterloo
‘Iyashikei’ healing manga comforts readers with attention to small joys
October 1, 2024
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
A genre of manga raises important questions about the intersections of storytelling, culture and wellness.
What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think
September 29, 2024
Maksim Rudnev, University of Waterloo and Veli Mitova, University of Johannesburg
Real wisdom is about a balance between thoughtful reasoning, social understanding and emotional awareness.
How drums tell the story of Black Arab heritage
July 30, 2024
Amir Al-Azraki, University of Waterloo
Music, like other facets of culture, provides a window into the histories and heritage of different regions and peoples.
Keen to be sustainable after dying? Earth to earth, cradle to compost
July 8, 2024
Rumina Dhalla, University of Guelph and Stephanie M Villers, University of Waterloo
There is growing interest in sustainable death care options like human composting as an alternative to energy-intensive cremation and chemical-dependent and land-intensive burial.
Young Canadians prefer in-person and hybrid work, according to a new report
July 2, 2024
Ilona Dougherty, University of Waterloo; Amelia Clarke, University of Waterloo, and Ana Ferrer, University of Waterloo
Gaming with empathy: How one video game offers a glimpse of life in Gaza under attack
June 11, 2024
Adan Jerreat-Poole, University of Waterloo
Role-playing games that take players into the lives of their characters can help us empathize with the very real suffering of others experiencing war and other disasters.
Why DEI in Canada struggles to uplift Black people
May 7, 2024
Christopher Stuart Taylor, University of Waterloo
Canada was never designed to be a space for unequivocal diversity, equity or inclusion. Rather, DEI initiatives are based on policies that maintain an unequal status quo.
Why the term ‘DEI’ is being weaponized as a racist dog whistle
April 23, 2024
Jennifer Saul, University of Waterloo
The term DEI has increasingly been co-opted to attack and undermine the positions, qualifications and abilities of racialized people.
How ‘white’ fragility perpetuates anti-Black racism in Arab societies
April 10, 2024
Amir Al-Azraki, University of Waterloo
Insights from the book White Fragility also shed light into racism in Arab society.
Nine years after #OscarsSoWhite, a look at what’s changed
March 14, 2024
Canada should provide Indigenous languages with constitutional protection
March 6, 2024
Di Rao, University of Waterloo
Critics have said the government’s efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages are colonial and do not engage with Indigenous Peoples on an equal footing.
The video game industry is booming. Why are there so many layoffs?
February 11, 2024
Kenzie Gordon, University of Alberta; Jennifer R. Whitson, University of Waterloo; Johanna Weststar, Western University, and Sean Gouglas, University of Alberta
Recent waves of layoffs shine a light on the systemic issues in the game industry and the post-graduation promises universities are making to students.
Articles from 2023
‘American Fiction’ is a scathing satire that challenges pop-culture stereotypes of Blackness
December 14, 2023
Vershawn Young was a guest on The Conversation's podcast Don't Call Me Resilient to discuss the lead character of the new movie American Fiction and why Black stereotypes remain so persistent in pop culture.
Improved employment policies can encourage fathers to be more involved at home
December 10, 2023
Kim de Laat, University of Waterloo; Alyssa K Gerhardt, Dalhousie University, and Andrea Doucet, Brock University
If more Canadian fathers are to harness the benefits of parental leave and remote work, we need to design employment and care policies in ways that recognize every family’s unique needs.
Endometriosis: It’s time to change the pattern of pain, stigma and barriers to diagnosis and treatment
December 4, 2023
Sarah Seabrook, University of Waterloo and Alana Cattapan, University of Waterloo
Endometriosis often means years of severe pain, lost productivity and dismissed symptoms before getting a diagnosis — followed by ineffective treatment. New funding aims to change this pattern.
Equitable sentencing can mitigate anti-Black racism in Canada’s justice system
December 3, 2023
Ardavan Eizadirad, Wilfrid Laurier University and Gregory Leslie, University of Waterloo
Impact of Race and Culture Assessments can reduce the overrepresentation of Black people in the justice system.
The media must stop enabling Trump’s attention-seeking use of fascist rhetoric
November 20, 2023
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
Instead of giving Trump’s fascist rhetoric a wider audience, news organizations must simply point out he’s attempting to dehumanize his fellow citizens, create a path to violence and destroy democracy.
Gaza’s ‘graveyard’ for children: Why Palestinians must be included in the international refugee protection regime
November 1, 2023
Maissaa Almustafa, University of Waterloo
Amid their enduring statelessness and the ongoing risk of ethnic cleansing, Palestinian refugees must be protected under the provisions of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In defence of Bill C-282: Canada’s supply management supports farmers while safeguarding consumers
October 25, 2023
Bruce Muirhead, University of Waterloo and Jodey Nurse, McGill University
If Canada wishes to preserve domestic farms and enhance food security, officials must have limits on what they can concede to American and other foreign interests.
Talking about science and technology has positive impacts on research and society
October 18,2023
Ashley Rose Mehlenbacher, University of Waterloo; Donna Strickland, University of Waterloo, and Mary Wells, University of Waterloo
Conversations about scientific research and technological innovations allow the public to build trust with experts, and understand the impacts on everyday lives.
Donald Trump’s victim rhetoric will boost his popularity following latest indictment
August 2, 2023
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
Donald Trump’s legal woes will nourish and strengthen his rhetorical style, and his followers will continue to be persuaded by how he makes them feel, not by reason, facts or critical thought.
Beyond the hype: How AI could change the game for social science research
July 3, 2023
Igor Grossmann, University of Waterloo
Large language models are becoming increasingly capable of imitating human-like responses, creating opportunities to test social science theories on a larger scale and with much greater speed.
The stabbing attack at the University of Waterloo underscores the dangers of polarizing rhetoric about gender
June 30, 2023
Shana MacDonald, University of Waterloo and Alysia Kolentsis, University of Waterloo
The stabbings at the University of Waterloo remind us that violence for daring to stand in a classroom and speak is still ever-present.
Trans and gender-diverse people in Saskatchewan need better access to primary care
June 14, 2023
Alana Cattapan, University of Waterloo and Gwen Rose, University of Saskatchewan
Improving the health of people who are trans and gender diverse means improving access to family doctors who are supportive, competent and confident in providing access to gender-affirming care.
Canadian police are becoming more militarized, and that is damaging public trust
June 4, 2023
Tandeep Sidhu, University of Waterloo
Canada’s police services are becoming increasingly militarized. This undermines the fundamental aims of policing and fosters public distrust of police.
Toddlers can engage in complex games as they get to know each other over time
May 8, 2023
Zhangjing Luo, University of Toronto; Hildy Ross, University of Waterloo; Michal Perlman, University of Toronto; Nina Howe, Concordia University
A unique dataset from 32 children on 36 different play dates provided the opportunity to study how young children develop peer relationships, and how consistent they are with different children.
Jameson Shapiro shooting trial: Why police trials perform a vital public service
May 4, 2023
Patrick G. Watson, Wilfrid Laurier University; Carmen Nave, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Tandeep Sidhu, University of Waterloo
A criminal trial is a venue where not only individual police officers accused of crimes are put under public scrutiny, but so too are the training and tactics that officer received.
The grieving mother of a murdered teen pleads for a stronger social safety net
April 12, 2023
Rashmee Singh, University of Waterloo
Andrea Magalhaes hasn’t demanded vengeance since her son was murdered — she’s called for expanding the social safety net to address the root causes of crime. Public officials should listen to her.
The AI arms race highlights the urgent need for responsible innovation
March 19, 2023
Marcel O'Gorman, University of Waterloo
Over the past decade, a number of companies, think tanks and institutions have developed responsible innovation initiatives to forecast and mitigate the negative consequences of tech development. But how successful have they been?
The limits of expert judgment: Lessons from social science forecasting during the pandemic
March 19, 2023
Igor Grossmann, University of Waterloo, Cendri Hutcherson, University of Toronto, Michael Varnum, Arizona State University
To find out how well social scientists can predict societal change, researchers ran the largest forecasting initiative in the field’s history. Here’s what they found.
As eligibility for MAID expands, the ethical implications of broad access to medically assisted death need a long, hard look
January 31, 2023
Andrew Stumpf, University of Waterloo
Since 2016, Canada’s practice of offering MAID has followed a trajectory of ever-expanding eligibility. The ultimate expansion would make MAID available to anyone who wanted it, for any reason.
The humanities should teach about how to make a better world, not just criticize the existing one
January 10 2023
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
To address declining humanities enrolments, these programs should ensure they offer more than critical theory for identifying and analyzing problems.
Articles from 2022
Canadian engineers call for change to their private ‘iron ring’ ceremony steeped in colonialism
December 4, 2022
Marcel O'Gorman, University of Waterloo
Being the ‘only one’ at work and the decades long fight against anti-Black racism
November 30, 2022
Christopher Stuart Taylor, University of Waterloo
As institutions continue to push diversity and cluster hires, they can reinforce the negativity of tokenism.
Elon Musk’s buyout of Twitter has placed its user-generated archives in danger
November 22, 2022
Ian Milligan, University of Waterloo
Over the past 16 years, Twitter has amassed an incredible amount of user-generated data which contains a detailed and extensive record of cultural moments. Musk’s takeover threatens these archives.
What are ‘furries?’ Debunking myths about kids identifying as animals, and litter boxes in schools
November 7, 2022
Sharon E. Roberts, University of Waterloo
Contrary to the misinformation about them, furries are similar to other groups that use fandom as a way of building community.
Back to school: Time to revisit strategies for child and family mental health
August 30, 2022
Nicole Racine, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo, and Stephanie G. Craig, University of Guelph
There are important strategies families can use to help promote mental health as kids head back to school and daily routines change.
How displaced Syrians effectively navigated ‘border frictions’ in Lebanon and Turkey
August 15, 2022
Suzan Ilcan, University of Waterloo and Secil Dagtas, University of Waterloo
Many displaced Syrians responded to harsh border controls by passing through permeable borders, using alternative routes and relying upon the use of smugglers and social networks.
Why the Jan. 6 hearings should be making corporations nervous
August 3, 2022
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
It’s easy to consider the erosion of democratic norms in the U.S. as purely political, but it poses serious risks to the country’s economic order. Is democracy in the gallows?
Pope’s long-awaited apology for Indian Residential Schools in Canada is a ‘first step’
July 25, 2022
Jeremy M. Bergen, Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo
Social assistance cuts are contributing to high rates of HIV, syphilis in Saskatchewan
June 14, 2022
Alana Cattapan, University of Waterloo and Holly Ann McKenzie, University of Saskatchewan
Youth-oriented comics with LGBTQ+ positive characters are busting binaries
May 16, 2022
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
Strong queer representation in young adult comics can have a significant positive impact on the well-being of queer-identified or questioning youth.
Why Doug Ford will once again win the Ontario election
May 2, 2022
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
Ontario goes to the polls in a month, and Doug Ford will likely win again. Why? Because the Liberal and NDP leaders have failed to connect with the people of Ontario the way Ford has.
Pope Francis’s apology for residential schools doesn’t acknowledge institutional responsibility
April 1, 2022
Jeremy M. Bergen, University of Waterloo
As a theologian who studies church apologies for historical wrongs, I understand why the Pope was moved to speak this week, but I hope this was not his definitive apology.
Corporate taxes can be good for shareholders: Why some actually want their companies to pay tax
March 6, 2022
Andrew Bauer, University of Waterloo
Incentives, like shareholder credits for corporate taxes paid, mean that shareholders want their corporations to pay taxes.
7 ways to spot polarizing language — how to choose responsibly what to amplify online or in-person
March 1, 2022
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
If we learn how to disengage from communication circuits that lay the groundwork for fear and aggression, we have a better chance of managing conflict constructively.
Protecting infrastructure from the ‘freedom convoy’ could forever silence legitimate dissent
February 15, 2022
Philip Boyle, University of Waterloo
Racialized and marginalized populations whose protest movements are already subject to ongoing forms of monitoring, infiltration and pre-emptive police action are at risk from the convoy crisis.
Canada should be preparing for the end of American democracy
February 13, 2022
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
With the apparent slide towards authoritarianism in the U.S., Canada must be ready and able to defend and champion our democracy.
People should be allowed to visit, say goodbye to those who are dying during COVID-19
February 1, 2022
Susan Cadell, University of Waterloo; Ashley Doyle, University of Waterloo; Kathy Kortes-Miller, Lakehead University, and Sunita Lad, University of Waterloo
Our health-care system needs to respond in a more just, inclusive, caring and timely way to allow in-person final goodbyes from those who matter most to those at the end of life.
How modern witches are enchanting TikTok
January 19, 2022
Chris Miller, University of Waterloo
Whether someone is scrolling mindlessly or actively conducting research, WitchTok connects witches to their practices and community.
Articles from 2021
‘Cowboy Bebop’: Groundbreaking anime series earns a Netflix remake for iconic artistic fusion
November 15, 2021
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo and Matthew Poulter, York University, Canada
‘Cowboy Bebop’ drew international viewers with its genre-bending fusion of American mafia movies, Italian westerns, Japanese cyberpunk, Hong-Kong style martial arts and its eclectic soundtrack.
It’s not stress that’s killing us, it’s hate: Maybe mindfulness can help
November 11, 2021
Igor Grossmann, University of Waterloo and Ellen Choi, Ryerson University
Mindfulness might not be an easy answer to the divisiveness that surrounds us, but an accurate understanding that includes the practice of acceptance may help encourage sincerity and understanding.
More than a million prisoners have been released during COVID-19, but it’s not enough
November 9, 2021
Katherine Bruce-Lockhart, University of Waterloo
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world released many prisoners, but this has now slowed or stopped. Here’s why those releases should continue.
German election sees centre-left eke out a slim victory over Angela Merkel’s party
September 27, 2021
James M. Skidmore, University of Waterloo
Following the German election, all of the country’s major party leaders agreed that Germany needs to move forward. But if the electorate had had its way, it would have re-elected Angela Merkel.
How parents can be ‘emotion coaches’ as kids navigate back-to-school during COVID-19
August 26, 2021
Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo; Heather Prime, York University, Canada; Jennifer Jenkins, University of Toronto, and Mark Wade, University of Toronto
A successful transition in September is a whole-family affair.
As COVID-19 restrictions lift, grief literacy can help us support those around us
July 19, 2021
Susan Cadell, University of Waterloo; Jacques Cherblanc, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC); Karima Joy, University of Toronto, and Mary Ellen Macdonald, McGill University
Ohe negative impact of the pandemic on grief has raised concerns. Our study shows that 15 per cent of people dealing with grief are at risk of what’s known as complicated grief.
The problem with online learning? It doesn’t teach people to think
June 13, 2021
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
We ought to worry that the pandemic has made it even easier to reduce teaching to disseminating knowledge.
Uncovering anti-Blackness in the Arab world
June 9, 2021
Amir Al-Azraki, University of Waterloo
Black Arabs face racism and discrimination throughout the Arab world. Exposing this anti-Blackness is challenging but critical work.
Junos 50th anniversary: How we remember these award-winning hit singles
June 3, 2021
Robbie MacKay, Queen's University, Ontario; Armand Garnet Ruffo, Queen's University, Ontario; Kip Pegley, Queen's University, Ontario; Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw, Queen's University, Ontario; Robert Morrison, Queen's University, Ontario; Tamar Faber, York University, Canada, and Vershawn Ashanti Young, University of Waterloo
Known variously in Juno history as ‘Best Single,’ or ‘Best-Selling Single,’ and now ‘Single of the Year’ this award always garners attention. Reflections on select singles since 1979.
DNA analysis reveals the identity of a member of the doomed Franklin Arctic expedition
June 3, 2021
Douglas Stenton, University of Waterloo; Anne Keenleyside, Trent University; Robert W. Park, University of Waterloo, and Stephen Fratpietro, Lakehead University
129 officers and crew died during the 1845 Franklin Northwest Passage expedition. DNA analysis from their remains of members can reveal the identity of the men who perished during the journey.
‘Do the right thing’: Framing COVID-19 stay-at-home orders as moral choice stigmatizes workers
April 28, 2021
Janet Jones, University of Waterloo
COVID-19 messaging frames staying home as a personal responsibility, but for many it’s a luxury they can’t afford. Like the language used for drug addiction, it stigmatizes low-income people.
Google’s union of activists highlights the need for ethical engineering
April 1, 2021
Marcel O'Gorman, University of Waterloo
Coping with loss: We need a national strategy to address grief beyond the coronavirus pandemic
February 16, 2021
Susan Cadell, University of Waterloo (Renison University College)
The Canadian government needs to develop a national grief strategy to address the needs of its citizens during and after the pandemic.
Zoom work relationships are a lot harder to build – unless you can pick up on colleagues’ nonverbal cues
January 19, 2021
Nancy R. Buchan, University of South Carolina; Wendi L. Adair, University of Waterloo, and Xiao-Ping Chen, University of Washington
Two strategies can make videoconferencing as effective as meeting face to face, or even better.
The U.S. Capitol violence could happen in Canada — here are 3 ways to prevent it
January 11, 2021
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo and William Keith, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
As the raid on the U.S. Capitol has shown, some kinds of rhetoric can set fire to the world — and it exists in Canada, too. Here's how to tamp it down and focus on positive forms of rhetoric.
Words of Wisdom: 4 tips from experts on how to endure until the COVID-19 pandemic is over
January 7, 2021
Igor Grossmann, University of Waterloo
Despite the promising development of several COVID-19 vaccines, the pandemic will not be over soon. How then should we deal with pandemic endurance that will likely last for many more months?
Articles from 2020
Reading Harry Potter in a new light during the coronavirus pandemic
December 15, 2020
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
Rereading Harry Potter during the COVID-19 pandemic means finding new ways of identifying with the characters, especially in the seventh book, where Harry finds himself struggling with isolation.
COVID-19 cyclists: Expanding bike lane network can lead to more inclusive cities
November 22, 2020
Brian Doucet, University of Waterloo and Robin Mazumder, University of Waterloo
An increase in cyclists due to the COVID-19 pandemic means that cities need to look at what it means to develop and maintain inclusive bicycle infrastructure.
Why Donald Trump’s words work, and what to do about it
October 5, 2020
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo
Because dramatic tension fuels attention, Trump's words work to generate tension, anxiety and conflict. We need to react with civility, care and calm to undo the cycle of attention and persuasion.
Large class sizes during the coronavirus pandemic are a triple whammy
September 30, 2020
Chris Bauch, University of Waterloo; Brendon Phillips, University of Waterloo; Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo, and Madhur Anand, University of Guelph
Schools reopening during the current coronavirus pandemic need to calculate class sizes to prevent the spread of disease and minimize disruptions.
Why Chadwick Boseman is more of a hero than Hollywood’s Black Panther
September 21, 2020
Vershawn Ashanti Young, University of Waterloo
Unlike the Hollywood hero he portrayed, Boseman created space for a kaleidoscope of Black masculinities and challenged the narrative that urban Black men are in need of saving.
White prof’s admission she posed as Black raises hard questions about race and identity
September 20, 2020
Vershawn Ashanti Young, University of Waterloo
History professor Jessica Krug had built her life as a Black woman, but she was a white Jewish woman from Kansas. Her revelation raises questions about why some white people assume Black identities.
Should you be civil to a racist? Yes, but you should still call them out
September 1, 2020
Robert Danisch, University of Waterloo and William Keith, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Politicians and law enforcement engage in uncivil behaviour that undermines democratic society. Civility is a pre-requisite for empathy, and is essential for difficult conversations.
2020 is a year for the history books, but not without digital archives
September 1, 2020
Ian Milligan, University of Waterloo
Policymakers should mandate Canada's national library to archive the entire Canadian web domain so future researchers can make sense of 2020 and ongoing responses to the pandemic.
The Republican National Convention: Even more dangerous than 4 years ago
August 28, 2020
Jennifer Saul, University of Waterloo
To fill a convention with blatant racism, as the Republicans did in 2016, is bad enough. But, after four years of racist policies, a convention filled with subtle racism is perhaps more dangerous.
Rather than defunding the police, politicians are increasing funding for body-worn cameras
August 20, 2020
Krystle Shore, University of Waterloo and Kathryn Henne, Australian National University
Amidst calls to defund the police, political leaders are increasing police budgets, arguing — incorrectly — that increasing police surveillance capacities will help provide accountability.
How to build a better Canada after COVID-19: Launch a fossil-free future
June 30, 2020
Kyla Tienhaara, Queen's University, Ontario; Amy Janzwood, University of Toronto, and Angela Carter, University of Waterloo
The oil and gas industry was in trouble before the pandemic hit, but now it faces potential collapse. A majority of Canadians want the federal government to invest in a 'green recovery.
Banning the N-word on campus ain’t the answer — it censors Black professors like me
June 28, 2020
Vershawn Ashanti Young, University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo sent out a statement that banned the use of the N-word on its campus, including classes. They did not consult Black faculty before doing so.
How politics have played a big role in the release of prisoners
June 15, 2020
Katherine Bruce-Lockhart, University of Waterloo
The COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to think critically about the place of prisons in society and how and why prisoners have been released in the past. COVID-19 could spark systemic change.
Fort McMurray’s flood disaster was foreseeable and ;preventable
May 21, 2020
Eva A. (Evalyna) Bogdan, University of Waterloo; Daniel Henstra, University of Waterloo, and Jason Thistlethwaite, University of Waterloo
Blaming flooding on an act of God wrongly absolves government and developers of their liability for poor decisions that unfairly burden taxpayers.
NHS ‘heroes’ should not have to risk their lives to treat coronavirus patients
April 20, 2020
Jennifer Mathers, Aberystwyth University and Veronica Kitchen, University of Waterloo
How politicians can benefit from a narrative of heroism.
Coronavirus & Easter: Lapsed Christians unlikely to return to church even in uncertain times
April 7, 2020
Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme, University of Waterloo and Joel Thiessen, Ambrose University
Will a pandemic cause more people to return to Christianity or will the closure of churches become permanent?
Put your trust in taxes during the coronavirus pandemic& recovery
April 8, 2020
Andrew Bauer, University of Waterloo
The Canadian federal government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes tax-related measures. It's helpful to examine tax supports for individuals by considering the past, present and future.
Why the words we use matter when describing anti-trans activists
March 5, 2020
Jennifer Saul, University of Waterloo
TERF is not a slur. Instead, we should use words that accurately describe how some feminists are actually anti-trans activists.
After a newborn was found in a recycling bin, a safe haven baby hatch may save lives
March 4, 2020
Alana Cattapan, University of Waterloo
Since an infant was found in a recycling bin last fall in Saskatoon, advocates have renewed their campaign for baby hatches, places mothers can leave newborns safely and anonymously.
Let’s laud Harry and Meghan for their act of self-care — and leave them alone
January 22, 2020
Shana MacDonald, University of Waterloo
If we're ever to move past outmoded values of gender, race and class, we need to wish Prince Harry and Meghan Markle well — and challenge those who would prefer everything remains the same.
Articles from 2019
How a Canadian superhero brought queer representation to Marvel Comics
December 17, 2019
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
Marvel Comics is frequently referred to as “the house of ideas,” yet the idea of a queer superhero did not fully arrive at Marvel until the 1990s.
Don’t despair if your teen wants to major in history instead of science
November 21, 2019
Ian Milligan, University of Waterloo
Put down the science brochures. If your high schooler really wants to be a history major, smile, knowing that they’re taking the first step to a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Voici la question qui peut transformer - pour le mieux - votre relation avec une personne peu sûre d'elle
November 14, 2019
Joanne Wood, University of Waterloo and Kassandra Cortes, Wilfrid Laurier University
La recherche montre qu'interroger un partenaire peu sûr de lui au sujet de sa journée peut accroître la satisfaction de sa relation.
Textbooks could be free if universities rewarded professors for writing them
November 5, 2019
James M. Skidmore, University of Waterloo
Universities and colleges could eliminate textbook fees if they supported the creation of open educational resources.
Is your lover insecure? A simple question could transform your romantic relationship
October 31, 2019
Joanne Wood, University of Waterloo and Kassandra Cortes, Wilfrid Laurier University
Research shows that asking an insecure partner about their day can increase their relationship satisfaction.
Communicating science online increases interest, engagement and access to funds
September 22, 2019
Ashley Rose Mehlenbacher, University of Waterloo
Science communication online is important to the intellectual work of scientists.
Toddler language learning: Richer and more complicated than you might think
September 8, 2019
Katherine White, University of Waterloo
Adults aren't the only language teachers: six-year-olds still produce sounds differently than adults, but toddlers are extremely good at understanding the speech of children six years and older.
Historians’ archival research looks quite different in the digital age
August 19, 2019
Ian Milligan, University of Waterloo
As our societies lose paper trails and increasingly rely on digital information, historians, and their grasps of context, will become more important than ever.
Can ‘progress studies’ contribute to knowledge? History suggests caution
August 11, 2019
Shannon Dea, University of Waterloo and Ted McCormick, Concordia University
A recent article in The Atlantic called for a "new science of progress" - this is dangerous and ignores the academic study of the history of human development.
The uproar over taking ‘man’ out of ‘manhole’
July 23, 2019
Shannon Dea, University of Waterloo
A progressive city's new ordinance on gender-neutral language provokes a worldwide media storm.
Is your child addicted to screens? Here’s what you can do about it
July 17, 2019
Jackson A. Smith, University of Waterloo and Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo
It is possible for teenagers to be addicted to screen-time activities such as video gaming. It is also possible for parents to do something about it.
The art and science of analyzing Big Data
March 13, 2019
Anindya Sen, University of Waterloo
Canada's data deficit represents an absence of information; however, just as crucial is the deficit in the skills required to analyze collected data.
How an X-Men writer inspired binge-worthy, character-driven TV from Buffy to Game of Thrones
February 20, 2019
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
Our current golden age of TV storytelling is influenced by comic books, in particular, one writer: Chris Claremont pushed boundaries and gave audiences strong female leads and deeply involved dramas.
Super Bowl ads played it safe, but we can still challenge toxic masculinity
February 4, 2019
Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo
After the #me-too inspired Gillette ad, a male therapist says this year's Super Bowl ads were disappointingly mild. But let's not let that stop us from challenging each other.
Screen time predicts delays in child development, says new research
January 28, 2019
Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo; Nicole Racine, University of Calgary, and Sheri Madigan, University of Calgary
A new study in JAMA Pediatrics suggests higher levels of screen time at two and three years of age predict poorer child outcomes at three and five years, respectively.
How governments use Big Data to violate human rights
January 13, 2019
Andrew Thompson, University of Waterloo
If left unchecked, invasions of privacy enabled by technology could put every human right at risk, and on a scale that would be truly terrifying.
The more women in government, the healthier a population
January 9, 2019
Edwin Ng, University of Waterloo and Carles Muntaner, University of Toronto
New research shows that female politicians spend more on health and education, improving the well-being of a population.
Acting out: theatre class where students rehearse for change
January 2, 2019
Amir Al-Azraki, University of Waterloo
Not just for would-be actors: Theatre of the Oppressed is a unique genre of drama education through which students learn how to analyze social problems and change typical outcomes.
Technoference: A habit parents should ditch during ;2019
January 1, 2019
Sheri Madigan, University of Calgary; Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo, and Rachel Eirich, University of Calgary
It's not too late for a New Year's resolution. If you're a parent - resolving to stop 'technofering' could be one of the most important things you do this year.
Articles from 2018
The challenge of parenting in a migrant caravan
December 4, 2018
Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo
The psychological health of migrant children will be deeply impacted by their flight from gang violence, and the experience of crowded unhygienic conditions and tear gas at the U.S. border.
A new debates commission is the electoral reform Canadians need
November 20, 2018
Tamara A. Small, University of Guelph and Anna Lennox Esselment, University of Waterloo
The creation of a new debate commission in Canada should ensure televised showdowns between party leaders amid federal election campaigns are transparent and a boon to democracy.
What’s next for Germany after Angela Merkel
November 1, 2018
James M. Skidmore, University of Waterloo
Germany's long-time Angela Merkel era is coming to an end. But is it the end of one person’s dominance of the political scene, or does it forebode more fundamental changes to German society?
Trauma 101 in the aftermath of the Ford-Kavanaugh saga
October 11, 2018
Dillon Thomas Browne, University of Waterloo
If the Ford-Kavanaugh saga had any positive impact, it at least clearly highlighted several lessons from traumatology and the complex consequences of traumatic events across society.
Titans on TV: The life-changing magic of ‘F@#k Batman!’
September 12, 2018
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
In the trailer for the new DC TV series, Robin answers 'F@#k Batman!' when the bad guys ask about the Caped Crusader. This is a hopeful move to necessary character changes in superhero storytelling.
Canada’s complicated relationship with international human rights law
September 4, 2018
Andrew Thompson, University of Waterloo
If the liberal international order is to survive, countries like Canada will need to defend international human rights law.
‘BlacKkKlansman’ – a deadly serious comedy
August 16, 2018
Vershawn Ashanti Young, University of Waterloo
BlacKkKlansman is more than a good story: it expertly weaves together comedy with serious drama to bring the story of past racism to illuminate our present day issues.
Harry Potter and the surprisingly poignant literary theme
February 22, 2018
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
We may think of Harry Potter as escapist delight, but J.K. Rowling’s books also contain an extended theme that has more in common with King Lear than most English professors might care to admit.
Articles from 2017
Star Wars is colonial fantasy: How our future imaginings are limited by our past
December 13, 2017
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
Science fiction is a genre meant to imagine the future, but in the case of Star Wars, it also looks to the past—revisiting old imperialist battles.
A team divided: Who is the hero of Justice League?
November 23, 2017
J. Andrew Deman, University of Waterloo
The reviews are coming in pretty harsh for Justice League. If Superman is awesome and Batman is awesome and Wonder Woman is awesome, shouldn’t the three of them together be thrice as awesome?
German elections could bring a new wave of extremism
September 20, 2017
James M. Skidmore, University of Waterloo
German elections are typically tame. Jockeying for power takes place later, in negotiations for a coalition government. Could the xenophobic Alternative for Germany form the opposition?
How Nazis twisted the swastika into a symbol of hate
August 31, 2017
James M. Skidmore, University of Waterloo
The swastika, an ancient and innocent symbol in many cultures for hundreds of years, now represents racial hatred. Should the swastika be banned in North America as it is in Germany?
Articles from 2014 to 2016
Time to get regulation back into Australian dairy?
May 26, 2016
Bruce Muirhead, University of Waterloo
Government intervention in the crisis facing Australian dairy has opened the gates for suggestions of other types of regulation.
How slots trick gamblers into losing more than they know
November 4, 2014
Kevin Harrigan, University of Waterloo and Dan Brown, University of Waterloo
A 2011 Massachusetts law allows for the expansion of gambling, including slot machines. That law is now on the November 2014 election ballot for potential repeal. This is a real opportunity for voters…
The road to failure is paved with good intentions – here’s how to turn them into action
August 27, 2014
Derek Koehler, University of Waterloo
Take a moment to think of a task you wish to accomplish in the next three months. It should be something specific like clearing out your backyard, or completing an online course, so that you could judge…