Social Sciences

The United Nations has sounded the alarm on an “unprecedented” worldwide decline in fertility rates, with profound consequences already shaping the future of nations like Thailand. The latest United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report signals a tipping point: hundreds of millions of people worldwide are having fewer children than they would like, often citing rising financial pressures and shifting social dynamics as key barriers. For Thailand—a country at the heart of regional demographic shifts—the findings carry urgent weight, offering both fresh validation of local experiences and serving as a catalyst for renewed policy action.

A new Eurostat report reveals that 5.8% of young people aged 15–29 in the European Union faced severe material and social deprivation in 2024, highlighting persistent challenges of youth poverty and exclusion across one of the world’s wealthiest regions. These findings are particularly relevant for Thai society, where the realities of economic hardship among youth mirror disturbing global trends and raise urgent questions about social safety nets and opportunities for the next generation.

A new trends report by restaurant technology provider Toast has reignited the debate around the U.S.’s rapidly evolving tipping culture, revealing sizable differences in generosity depending on the state and highlighting growing public fatigue about how gratuities are handled nationwide (Yahoo News). The findings, published in June 2025, draw attention to shifting attitudes toward tipping—offering valuable insights not only for American diners and restaurateurs, but also for observers in Thailand as global service norms take on new forms.

A new Gallup poll finds that more Americans now believe religion is gaining influence in their society, marking a notable shift in public perception after years of secular trends. According to the June 2025 report, 34% of U.S. adults say that religion is increasing its influence in national life, up sharply from just 20% the previous year. Conversely, while a majority—59%—still think religion is losing ground, that proportion has fallen dramatically from 75% in 2024 (Gallup).

Feeling the sting of being left out—whether passed over for a job opportunity or not invited to a gathering—can be gut-wrenching. Many describe social rejection as “painful,” and for Thais, where the concept of “face” and social harmony are woven deeply into daily life, the pain can linger. Yet new research by social psychology experts suggests that while rejection hurts, it also acts as a powerful teacher, guiding us toward stronger, wiser connections in the future.

A groundbreaking study recently published in the journal Science is shedding new light on the brain’s enigmatic emotional machinery, offering potent insights into why some emotions seem to fade quickly while others stubbornly linger—a question with profound implications for mental health diagnoses and treatment in Thailand and worldwide. The research, led by a team at Stanford Medicine, provides compelling evidence that a particular phase of neural activity sustains emotional states in the brain, a finding that may help explain challenges ranging from mood disorders to difficulties in autism spectrum disorder.

A recent study has turned conventional wisdom on its head by revealing that conflict-driven behaviors—not simply a lack of positive gestures—are the main link between the personality trait of neuroticism and diminished relationship satisfaction. The findings shed critical light on how personality shapes emotional intimacy, and suggest new, targeted ways for couples in Thailand and beyond to build healthier, happier relationships.

Neuroticism, characterized by emotional instability, persistent worry, and mood swings, is common among the Thai population, just as it is globally. Traditionally, experts have advised couples to focus on increasing positive behaviors—small acts of kindness, frequent expressions of affection, and supportive communication. However, this week-long study, which tracked the daily behaviors of 246 participants, found that it is the prevalence of specific negative, conflict-driven acts, such as criticism or making a partner cry, that most strongly erodes satisfaction between romantic partners. Positive acts such as giving compliments were found to be beneficial but were not substantial enough to explain or offset the connection between neuroticism and dissatisfaction (Neuroscience News).

A new study has revealed that mindfulness – a practice often praised for its personal and societal benefits – does not universally increase generosity, but instead, its positive effects are most pronounced among individuals who are more group-oriented. This finding, recently published and reported by PsyPost, challenges the widespread assumption that mindfulness always leads to greater kindness and altruism.

Mindfulness, widely promoted in Thai schools, workplaces, and temples, has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, with advocates claiming it can make people calmer, healthier, and more compassionate. In Thailand, this practice aligns closely with Buddhist traditions, where mindfulness meditation is viewed not only as a path to personal enlightenment but also as a means to support social harmony. However, the latest study suggests that the prosocial effects of mindfulness, such as generosity, may depend more on the underlying personality traits or social orientations of individuals than previously thought.

A new study suggests that frequent conflicts, such as arguments and emotional outbursts, may explain why individuals who score high in neuroticism tend to feel less satisfied in their romantic relationships. The research, published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy, unveils behavioral patterns that could be especially relevant for couples in Thailand seeking to strengthen their partnerships or understand why tensions sometimes run high (PsyPost).

Neuroticism, one of the Big Five personality traits studied worldwide, refers to a tendency to experience strong negative emotions—including anxiety, sadness, irritability, and emotional instability. While deeply influenced by genetics and early life experiences, this trait is not entirely unchangeable. Thai readers may be familiar with the trait as “hua jai wawn” in popular culture, describing people who are quick to be upset or easily distressed. International studies have long linked high neuroticism to poorer relationship outcomes, but the new research adds clarity by showing that it’s not just the emotional temperament itself but the tendency to engage in conflict-fueled behaviors that erode relationship satisfaction.

Acts of kindness are not only good for those on the receiving end—they may be a life-changing secret to well-being for the giver, according to new research from the 2025 World Happiness Report and a surge of scientific studies over the past decade (CNBC). The findings, relevant for every society—especially in times of lingering post-pandemic uncertainty—show that benevolent acts such as volunteering, donating, and helping strangers are consistently linked to higher life satisfaction, improved mental and physical health, and even longer lives.

A recent breakthrough study has unveiled new details about how the human brain takes an everyday experience—like being cut off in traffic—and transforms it into a lasting emotional state. This research sheds light on the inner workings of emotional responses, with implications for mental health, stress management, and even future treatments for emotional disorders. The findings, recently published in the journal Science, provide a clear, experimentally grounded map for how sensory experiences are processed and generalized into broader emotional states, a topic of significant importance for Thai healthcare providers, educators, and the public at large (NPR).

A dazzling 1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic—hailed as one of the most beautiful found in Israel—was recently unveiled for public viewing in the Western Negev Desert, marking an extraordinary revival of ancient heritage for scholars and travelers alike. This remarkable work of early Christian art, known as the Be’er Shema (Birsama) mosaic, traces its origins back to 324–638 CE and now takes pride of place at the Merhavim Regional Council headquarters after decades of meticulous conservation efforts (ArchaeologyMag.com).

A recently published investigation into the enigmatic burial traditions of early medieval England has shed light on a unique archaeological find: a 1,500-year-old copper-alloy bucket, once a rare import from the Byzantine Empire, has been identified as a cremation burial vessel at the renowned Sutton Hoo site. This breakthrough, announced by the National Trust and detailed in a CBS News report, marks a significant advance in understanding Anglo-Saxon funerary customs and the extensive trade and diplomatic links across Eurasia during the 6th century.

Archaeologists in Egypt have revealed the discovery of three ancient tombs in Luxor, believed to belong to distinguished statesmen from the New Kingdom era (1550–1070 BCE), a period acclaimed for its monumental architecture and flourishing Egyptian civilization. Announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, these findings shed striking new light on both the social hierarchy and religious customs of the time, offering the world a glimpse into the lives of ancient Egypt’s upper echelons.

A remarkable discovery in a secluded Mexican cave is rewriting history: what initially looked like modern garbage has turned out to be a collection of sacred, 500-year-old artifacts used in fertility rituals, according to a recent report by Ynetnews (ynetnews.com). This find offers new insights into the spiritual life and ceremonial practices of pre-Hispanic cultures, reverberating far beyond its mountainous origins for readers around the globe, including Thailand.

In September 2023, a professional cave mapper and a local guide ventured deep into Tlayócoc—known as “Badger Cave” in the Nahuatl language—set high in the rugged terrain of Guerrero state, Mexico, at an elevation of about 2,380 meters. This remote cave, previously untouched for approximately five centuries, was thought to contain nothing more than water and bat guano. What awaited the explorers, however, altered their understanding of the past: 14 mysterious objects hidden under a flood-prone passageway, including shell bracelets, an ornate sea snail shell, engraved stone discs, and charred wood.

In a breakthrough experiment combining archaeology and adventure, a Lund University archaeologist has rekindled centuries-old Viking maritime practices by sailing along the Norwegian coast using only technology available during the Viking Age. The research, recently published in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, illuminates how the formidable Scandinavian sailors may have navigated the unpredictable waters of northern Europe, filling in critical gaps about their journeys between well-known trading centers.

Bakersfield, a city often noted for its role in California’s agricultural heartland, now holds a curious position in recent demographic analyses: it’s among the U.S. cities with some of the highest reported move-out rates, yet its population continues to expand at a steady pace, local media report (KGET.com). This seemingly contradictory trend hints at the complex dynamics shaping American cities in the wake of pandemic mobility, economic change, and shifts in quality-of-life priorities—a phenomenon with resonances for Thai urban planners closely watching patterns of internal migration and urban growth.

A remarkable archaeological discovery has captivated both experts and enthusiasts: amateur archaeologists have unearthed an intricately carved 1,800-year-old depiction of an ancient goddess, offering rare insights into the region’s spiritual past. The find, recently reported by international media, highlights how citizen science can contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient cultures and religious beliefs, while also sparking local and global interest in heritage preservation.

This news resonates widely as it demonstrates that archaeological treasures are not only uncovered by professionals but can also emerge through the dedication and curiosity of everyday individuals. The carving, estimated to date back to the Roman period around the 3rd century CE, represents a figure believed to be associated with ancient goddess worship. Such depictions are invaluable for historians seeking to reconstruct the religious landscape of antiquity and shed light on the role of women and goddesses in early societies. According to initial reports, the discovery site and identity of the goddess are undergoing further research, as specialists aim to authenticate the find and fully understand its context (AOL News).

Archaeologists have unveiled a major historical find in north Mississippi: the remains of a kiln believed to be over 100 years old, potentially dating back to the post-Civil War era and possibly used by freed slaves. The excavation, conducted by a team from Chronicle Heritage during a land survey for infrastructure development, promises to add a vital chapter to the understanding of African American life and labor in the region during the late 19th century (The Commercial Appeal).

A powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck central Croatia in December 2020 has led to the extraordinary unearthing of a long-lost Roman odeon beneath Sisak’s City Hall, reshaping the modern city’s connection to its ancient past and providing a unique window into life more than two millennia ago. The accidental discovery was made during repairs to the historic 1914 City Hall building, which was being renovated due to earthquake damage. Archaeologists and workers stumbled upon a remarkably well-preserved semicircular stone structure—immediately recognizable as a Roman odeon, an intimate performance venue used for music and politics during the Roman Empire (arkeonews.net).

A leading child psychologist who has observed over 200 parent-child relationships claims that creating emotional safety at home is the most effective approach for raising well-adjusted children. The findings, recently shared by a clinical expert who wrote for CNBC Make It, offer new guidance for Thai parents navigating an ever-changing family landscape—and challenge assumptions about being “strict” or “permissive” as the only available options.

The concept, called “emotionally safe parenting,” prioritises a deep attunement to a child’s emotional needs over harsh discipline or unlimited permissiveness. Instead, it balances firm boundaries with acceptance and open communication. This parenting methodology, developed after years of research and observation, is gaining traction worldwide and may hold special resonance in Thailand, where traditional values and modern influences are in continual negotiation.

A new archaeological investigation has shattered long-held beliefs regarding one of Britain’s most notorious ancient massacres, suggesting a tale of clashing noble dynasties—more reminiscent of the brutal family feuds in “Game of Thrones” than the sweeping conquests of the Roman Empire. The research, centred on Maiden Castle in Dorset, rewrites decades of historical interpretation, revealing that the site’s mass grave likely records an Iron Age power struggle between rival aristocratic factions rather than Roman invaders wiping out indigenous Britons (The Independent).

Archaeologists have uncovered groundbreaking evidence about the construction and purpose of the Gobi Wall, overturning decades-old assumptions about this enigmatic, 321-kilometre section of East Asia’s medieval wall system. The findings, published recently in the academic journal Land, illuminate how the Gobi Wall—long shrouded in mystery—served as much more than a simple defensive barrier across the highland deserts of Mongolia (sci.news).

For generations, the immense network of ancient walls snaking across northern China and Mongolia sparked speculation among historians and archaeologists. Often lumped alongside the mighty Great Wall of China, the Gobi Wall’s origins, function, and historical context remained largely unexplored, especially in the harsh, arid stretches of southern Mongolia’s Ömnögovi province. This new research changes that, unveiling a dynamic narrative of imperial ambition, frontier management, and environmental adaptation.

New research from Spain has revealed a striking find: a Neanderthal may have intentionally created a piece of art with just a single, ochre-marked touch, rewriting long-held assumptions about human and Neanderthal creativity. The discovery, outlined in a new study published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, elevates the prehistoric record and deepens our understanding of the Neanderthal mind AOL News.

At the center of this revelation is an 8-inch-long quartz-rich granite pebble, excavated in 2022 from a rock shelter in central Spain. Thought to be between 42,000 and 43,000 years old, the pebble itself features curves and indentations that, to modern eyes, give it the uncanny appearance of a human face. But what captivated archaeologists most was a single, vivid red dot placed exactly where the “nose” would be. Forensics carried out by Spanish police confirmed what was invisible to the naked eye: the mark was a fingerprint made with ochre—an earth pigment commonly used in prehistoric times—applied purposefully by a Neanderthal finger AOL News.