SHASS News

If time is money, here’s one way consumers value it
As the saying goes, time is money. That’s certainly evident in the transportation sector, where people will pay more for direct flights, express trains, and other ways to get somewhere quickly. Still, it is difficult to measure precisely how much people value their time. Now, a paper co-authored by an MIT economist uses ride-sharing data […]
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The age-old problem of long-term care
Caring well for the elderly is a familiar challenge. Some elderly people need close medical attention in facilities; others struggle with reduced capabilities while not wanting to leave their homes. For families, finding good care is hard and expensive, and already-burdened family members often pick up the slack. The problem is expanding as birthrates drop […]
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Six MIT SHASS educators receive 2025 Levitan Teaching Awards
“These educators are some of the finest instructors at MIT,” says SHASS Dean Agustín Rayo
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Studying work, life, and economics
For policymakers investigating the effective transition of an economy from agriculture to manufacturing and services, there are complex economic, institutional, and practical considerations. “Are certain regions trapped in an under-industrialization state?” asks Tishara Garg, an economics doctoral student at MIT. “If so, can government policy help them escape this trap and transition to an economy […]
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The chemistry of creativity
Senior Madison Wang, a double major in creative writing and chemistry, developed her passion for writing in middle school. Her interest in chemistry fit nicely alongside her commitment to producing engaging narratives. Wang believes that world-building in stories supported by science and research can make for a more immersive reader experience. “In science and in writing, you […]
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