Kenzie Mintus
@kenziemintusphd.bsky.social
Sociologist studying aging, disability, and health. Writing a book about aging in place, social connections, and the importance of inclusive environments. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
#sociology #medsoc #gerontology
#sociology #medsoc #gerontology
Pinned
Here's my attempt to start building up our social gerontology community. I *know* that I am missing folks, so please comment, and I'll add you.
go.bsky.app/KnsmUGh
go.bsky.app/KnsmUGh
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
Chin & Miller, in “Health, Wealth & Racial Welfare Gaps Among Older Americans,” find that much of the gap is determined by age 60 initial conditions & suggest that policies to close “gaps in late life may be more efficient if targeted earlier in the life cycle." read.dukeupress.edu/demography/a...
February 10, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Chin & Miller, in “Health, Wealth & Racial Welfare Gaps Among Older Americans,” find that much of the gap is determined by age 60 initial conditions & suggest that policies to close “gaps in late life may be more efficient if targeted earlier in the life cycle." read.dukeupress.edu/demography/a...
Only 15 days until the @asanews.bsky.social Annual Meeting Call for Papers closes. The Section on Disability in Society has some great sessions (if I do say so myself). Please consider submitting.
@asadisability.bsky.social #ASA2026 #Sociology #Disability
@asadisability.bsky.social #ASA2026 #Sociology #Disability
February 10, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Only 15 days until the @asanews.bsky.social Annual Meeting Call for Papers closes. The Section on Disability in Society has some great sessions (if I do say so myself). Please consider submitting.
@asadisability.bsky.social #ASA2026 #Sociology #Disability
@asadisability.bsky.social #ASA2026 #Sociology #Disability
According to previous data, Phil's prediction accuracy rate is around 35%. So, perhaps, it is good news he saw his shadow. I know I'm ready for a bit more sunshine (both literally and metaphorically).
www.noaa.gov/heritage/sto...
www.noaa.gov/heritage/sto...
February 2, 2026 at 1:26 PM
According to previous data, Phil's prediction accuracy rate is around 35%. So, perhaps, it is good news he saw his shadow. I know I'm ready for a bit more sunshine (both literally and metaphorically).
www.noaa.gov/heritage/sto...
www.noaa.gov/heritage/sto...
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
We do have some clues about the not-so-secret key to longevity: it’s social and economic privilege and resources, preferably from birth.
January 31, 2026 at 11:21 PM
We do have some clues about the not-so-secret key to longevity: it’s social and economic privilege and resources, preferably from birth.
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
“AI has been trained to give us answers we like, rather than the ones we may need to hear. The resulting stream of praise—constantly hearing some version of ‘You're absolutely right!’—risks eroding our ability to deal with the messiness of human r’ships. Sociologists call this ‘social deskilling’.”🧪
January 30, 2026 at 1:43 PM
“AI has been trained to give us answers we like, rather than the ones we may need to hear. The resulting stream of praise—constantly hearing some version of ‘You're absolutely right!’—risks eroding our ability to deal with the messiness of human r’ships. Sociologists call this ‘social deskilling’.”🧪
I can't imagine what my life trajectory would have been w/o being exposed to all that Sociology had to offer. When 18 yo me sat in my Sociology classes at the University of Florida, it was like I found a home. Sociology spoke to my soul and gave me a sense of purpose. No one should be denied that.
“the state-approved version doesn’t include chapters on media and technology, global inequality, race and ethnicity, social stratification, or gender, sex and sexuality.” State. Approved.
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
Florida Introduces “Sanitized” Sociology Textbook
The volume was created after a state review found that existing course materials violated a law prohibiting general education courses from teaching about systemic inequality. So far, at least two univ...
www.insidehighered.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I can't imagine what my life trajectory would have been w/o being exposed to all that Sociology had to offer. When 18 yo me sat in my Sociology classes at the University of Florida, it was like I found a home. Sociology spoke to my soul and gave me a sense of purpose. No one should be denied that.
"How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world" -William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
Shine on MN, shine on world.
Shine on MN, shine on world.
Every act of resistance, no matter how small, pushes back the control, it’s a signal of hope, it’s a candle that can be seen. It creates joy & it supports justice.
Listen—there are cracks of light. AI bros are scared because their toys aren’t selling. People are not lying down in front of ICE. We are seeing organization of everyday people and community support. And what you do to resist or aid, however small, contributes to the good. Keep hope.
January 23, 2026 at 4:37 PM
"How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world" -William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
Shine on MN, shine on world.
Shine on MN, shine on world.
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
ICE detained a 5-year-old Minnesota boy coming home from school + took him and his dad to Texas, school officials say. The family has an active asylum case + entered the US at a port of entry.
"They’re taking children. They're not violent criminals. They're little kids," the superintendent told me.
"They’re taking children. They're not violent criminals. They're little kids," the superintendent told me.
ICE detains five-year-old Minnesota boy as he came home, say school officials
Superintendent says Liam Ramos and his father were taken into custody while in their driveway and sent to Texas
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:21 AM
ICE detained a 5-year-old Minnesota boy coming home from school + took him and his dad to Texas, school officials say. The family has an active asylum case + entered the US at a port of entry.
"They’re taking children. They're not violent criminals. They're little kids," the superintendent told me.
"They’re taking children. They're not violent criminals. They're little kids," the superintendent told me.
Approximately, 1/3 of authors from sociological research self-report using GenAI on a weekly or more frequent basis.
Wow. I'm disappointed. I assume that professional sociologists are well aware of the environmental impact of GenAI. They also know which communities will suffer the most.
Wow. I'm disappointed. I assume that professional sociologists are well aware of the environmental impact of GenAI. They also know which communities will suffer the most.
Now out in Sociological Science
(How) do sociologists use GenAI for their research? Find out in our paper.
Written with @ajalvero.bsky.social @dustinstoltz.com and Marshall Taylor. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey!!
(How) do sociologists use GenAI for their research? Find out in our paper.
Written with @ajalvero.bsky.social @dustinstoltz.com and Marshall Taylor. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey!!
Generative AI in Sociological Research: State of the Discipline
Article: Generative AI in Sociological Research: State of the Discipline | Sociological Science | Posted January 20, 2026
sociologicalscience.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Approximately, 1/3 of authors from sociological research self-report using GenAI on a weekly or more frequent basis.
Wow. I'm disappointed. I assume that professional sociologists are well aware of the environmental impact of GenAI. They also know which communities will suffer the most.
Wow. I'm disappointed. I assume that professional sociologists are well aware of the environmental impact of GenAI. They also know which communities will suffer the most.
I'm always happy to guest lecture as a general rule, but that's doubly true for folks being impacted.
I have a lot of experience teaching medical sociology courses at the undergrad and grad level. I also teach in the areas of aging and disability.
I have a lot of experience teaching medical sociology courses at the undergrad and grad level. I also teach in the areas of aging and disability.
Finally, a note to the many professors in my networks: One other specific, small thing you can do from outside of Minneapolis is reach out to colleagues who are heavily affected (because of their own or their family's risk, or because they're very busy protecting neighbors) and offer a guest lecture
January 15, 2026 at 8:00 PM
I'm always happy to guest lecture as a general rule, but that's doubly true for folks being impacted.
I have a lot of experience teaching medical sociology courses at the undergrad and grad level. I also teach in the areas of aging and disability.
I have a lot of experience teaching medical sociology courses at the undergrad and grad level. I also teach in the areas of aging and disability.
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
After 56 years, Indiana University is canceling the MLK dinner hosted by their Black Student Union.
Indiana University Cancels MLK Celebration Dinner
Indiana University in Indianapolis canceled a dinner in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. hosted annually in January by the Black Student Union, Mirror Indy reported.
www.insidehighered.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:44 AM
After 56 years, Indiana University is canceling the MLK dinner hosted by their Black Student Union.
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
“The report warns that AI's echo chamber can stunt a child's emotional growth: ‘We learn empathy not when we are perfectly understood, but when we misunderstand and recover,’ one of the surveyed experts said.”🧪
January 14, 2026 at 1:50 PM
“The report warns that AI's echo chamber can stunt a child's emotional growth: ‘We learn empathy not when we are perfectly understood, but when we misunderstand and recover,’ one of the surveyed experts said.”🧪
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
I really want ppl w/o Minneapolis connections to understand
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
January 13, 2026 at 6:06 PM
I really want ppl w/o Minneapolis connections to understand
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
You might've heard that Mpls public schools went hybrid bc so many families are in hiding. Well, a coworker just told me that today, during his kid's hybrid class, a kid's apt building was raided onscreen
*Everyone has stories like this*
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
New in @ssreditorial.bsky.social with @jasonwongyh.bsky.social and Linda Waite. We introduce and examine the "linked long arms" where early family disadvantages have spillover effects within marriage on social lives with women’s early disadvantage especially consequential. doi.org/10.1016/j.ss...
January 12, 2026 at 4:54 PM
New in @ssreditorial.bsky.social with @jasonwongyh.bsky.social and Linda Waite. We introduce and examine the "linked long arms" where early family disadvantages have spillover effects within marriage on social lives with women’s early disadvantage especially consequential. doi.org/10.1016/j.ss...
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
New open access research to share (though awkward timing in light of Denmark's vax sched. in US news of late).
Using Danish health registry data, we examine trends in child receipt of their 1st MMR shot by parent educ. over a period that coincides w/ 3 key antivaccine events. 1/
🛟😷sociology policy
Using Danish health registry data, we examine trends in child receipt of their 1st MMR shot by parent educ. over a period that coincides w/ 3 key antivaccine events. 1/
🛟😷sociology policy
Parental education disparities in childhood vaccination in Denmark: A test of two explanations for the role of misinformation
How does misinformation contribute to socioeconomic disparities in childhood vaccine uptake? While prior research has extensively examined the determi…
www.sciencedirect.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:53 PM
New open access research to share (though awkward timing in light of Denmark's vax sched. in US news of late).
Using Danish health registry data, we examine trends in child receipt of their 1st MMR shot by parent educ. over a period that coincides w/ 3 key antivaccine events. 1/
🛟😷sociology policy
Using Danish health registry data, we examine trends in child receipt of their 1st MMR shot by parent educ. over a period that coincides w/ 3 key antivaccine events. 1/
🛟😷sociology policy
I keep seeing teaching advice that encourages letting students use LLMs (AKA AI) to brainstorm ideas.
Do we NOT think the act of brainstorming is an important part of learning and critical thinking!? I know this is a lot harder to enforce, but actively encouraging it is a whole 'nother ball game.
Do we NOT think the act of brainstorming is an important part of learning and critical thinking!? I know this is a lot harder to enforce, but actively encouraging it is a whole 'nother ball game.
December 19, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I keep seeing teaching advice that encourages letting students use LLMs (AKA AI) to brainstorm ideas.
Do we NOT think the act of brainstorming is an important part of learning and critical thinking!? I know this is a lot harder to enforce, but actively encouraging it is a whole 'nother ball game.
Do we NOT think the act of brainstorming is an important part of learning and critical thinking!? I know this is a lot harder to enforce, but actively encouraging it is a whole 'nother ball game.
Does anyone know how Google Scholar ranks articles? I'm doing a very specific search. The top 5 articles are all from the past 2 yrs. Top 3 have a total of 3 citations, but #4 and #5 have nearly 50 citations ea. It's not relevance that's driving this. However, #4 and #5 have women as lead authors.
December 16, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Does anyone know how Google Scholar ranks articles? I'm doing a very specific search. The top 5 articles are all from the past 2 yrs. Top 3 have a total of 3 citations, but #4 and #5 have nearly 50 citations ea. It's not relevance that's driving this. However, #4 and #5 have women as lead authors.
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
Honored to have my research elevated by @jofhsb.bsky.social for #InternationalDayOfPersonswithDisabilities. This recognition means so much. 2025 has been an extraordinary year for impactful research in the sociology of disability. Grateful for this community. @asadisability.bsky.social
In honor of #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities learn how structural ableism impacts self-rated health and functional limitation among people with disabilities: bit.ly/48cYCn2
#NewPublication By @robynlbrown.bsky.social
@universityofky.bsky.social @asamedsoc.bsky.social
#NewPublication By @robynlbrown.bsky.social
@universityofky.bsky.social @asamedsoc.bsky.social
December 5, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Honored to have my research elevated by @jofhsb.bsky.social for #InternationalDayOfPersonswithDisabilities. This recognition means so much. 2025 has been an extraordinary year for impactful research in the sociology of disability. Grateful for this community. @asadisability.bsky.social
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
We already have a massive nursing shortage that the Dept of Ed just ensured will get even worse. Hospitals are going to become increasingly dangerous places to be.
I’m sorry that I don’t have anything intelligent to say right now because I am so fucking angry
www.newsweek.com/nursing-not-...
www.newsweek.com/nursing-not-...
Nursing is no longer counted as a 'professional degree' by Trump admin
The Department of Education has excluded nursing as a "professional degree" program as it implements various changes to student loans.
www.newsweek.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:19 AM
We already have a massive nursing shortage that the Dept of Ed just ensured will get even worse. Hospitals are going to become increasingly dangerous places to be.
We discussed healthcare reform in my #MedSoc class today.
I told my students that in a different timeline, where Watergate didn't happen, the US could have achieved universal healthcare in 1974.
It always blows a few minds.
I told my students that in a different timeline, where Watergate didn't happen, the US could have achieved universal healthcare in 1974.
It always blows a few minds.
November 18, 2025 at 7:47 PM
We discussed healthcare reform in my #MedSoc class today.
I told my students that in a different timeline, where Watergate didn't happen, the US could have achieved universal healthcare in 1974.
It always blows a few minds.
I told my students that in a different timeline, where Watergate didn't happen, the US could have achieved universal healthcare in 1974.
It always blows a few minds.
I'm so saddened by the news of Alice Wong's passing.
I'll be teaching the Sociology of Disability in the spring. The Disability Visibility readings are always my students' favorites. As The Sociologist's Dojo said "Go read Alice Wong's Books"
I'll be teaching the Sociology of Disability in the spring. The Disability Visibility readings are always my students' favorites. As The Sociologist's Dojo said "Go read Alice Wong's Books"
Go read Alice Wong's Books in Momoriam (1974-2025) #disability #Sociology
November 16, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I'm so saddened by the news of Alice Wong's passing.
I'll be teaching the Sociology of Disability in the spring. The Disability Visibility readings are always my students' favorites. As The Sociologist's Dojo said "Go read Alice Wong's Books"
I'll be teaching the Sociology of Disability in the spring. The Disability Visibility readings are always my students' favorites. As The Sociologist's Dojo said "Go read Alice Wong's Books"
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
Yearly (and sometimes monthly) data on various aspects of affordability at the state level from 2017-2024/25 from @urbaninstitute.bsky.social. They find that half of Americans don't have the resources to live securely in their community.
The American Affordability Tracker
Timely data on Americans’ finances and the cost of basic needs by state and congressional district.
www.urban.org
November 15, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Yearly (and sometimes monthly) data on various aspects of affordability at the state level from 2017-2024/25 from @urbaninstitute.bsky.social. They find that half of Americans don't have the resources to live securely in their community.
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
Did you know November is National Family Caregivers Month? Did you know there are 63 MILLION family caregivers in the US? I made the website, Disability at Home, to chronicle the ingenious hacks that caregivers and disabled folks create to make life work -- check it out!
www.disabilityathome.org
www.disabilityathome.org
Disability At Home
Visit the post for more.
www.disabilityathome.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Did you know November is National Family Caregivers Month? Did you know there are 63 MILLION family caregivers in the US? I made the website, Disability at Home, to chronicle the ingenious hacks that caregivers and disabled folks create to make life work -- check it out!
www.disabilityathome.org
www.disabilityathome.org
Are any other #GSA2025 attendees getting nervous about successfully arriving to Boston via plane?
Do we have any back-up plans for disrupted travel, @geronsociety.bsky.social?
Do we have any back-up plans for disrupted travel, @geronsociety.bsky.social?
November 6, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Are any other #GSA2025 attendees getting nervous about successfully arriving to Boston via plane?
Do we have any back-up plans for disrupted travel, @geronsociety.bsky.social?
Do we have any back-up plans for disrupted travel, @geronsociety.bsky.social?
Reposted by Kenzie Mintus
Largest study of its kind shows AI assistants misrepresent news content 45% of the time www.bbc.com/mediacentre/...
The AI failings "are systemic, cross-border, and multilingual, and we believe this endangers public trust."
The AI failings "are systemic, cross-border, and multilingual, and we believe this endangers public trust."
October 30, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Largest study of its kind shows AI assistants misrepresent news content 45% of the time www.bbc.com/mediacentre/...
The AI failings "are systemic, cross-border, and multilingual, and we believe this endangers public trust."
The AI failings "are systemic, cross-border, and multilingual, and we believe this endangers public trust."