Weighing in on the census debate and the politics of gender

Augusta University has more than 80 experts on hand to help reporters cover a variety of topics. Here are some trending stories to consider this week:

Political math behind census numbers

Usually, there’s nothing particularly interesting, let alone controversial, about a census. It’s an objective collection of data and for those who rely on metrics, it means a lot. For everyone else — it’s a form we fill out once a decade.

However, these are not normal times. There’s an ongoing debate among politicians and the courts regarding the request to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 census. Augusta University experts can help answer some of the questions surrounding this debate:

• Is it right to inquire about citizenship in a census?
• What are the benefits?
• What are the concerns?
• And why is this such a big deal?

Dr. Martha Ginn, professor of political science at Augusta University, is an expert on the judicial process, constitutional law and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dr. William Hatcher, associate professor of political science and director of the Master of Public Administration program at Augusta University, focuses on public administration and social, economic and political institutions in local communities. Both are available to speak with media regarding the census issue.

Data behind gender and politics

Polling is always a big part of any political campaign, debate or election strategy. As pollsters and market researchers dig down, they’re finding the often-promoted divide among women and men might not be as dramatic as some think. In fact, when it comes to key issues, it is usually a lot more about being blue or red than male or female.

Just recently, a Vox article revealed women and men are usually more aligned on topics like abortion not just in America, but also in most parts of the western world. Where they differed was often on matters of the size of government and the military. It’s an interesting finding and one that will certainly play a factor as the race toward 2020 shifts into high gear.

Augusta University’s Dr. Mary-Kate Lizotte is an expert in public opinion and the origins and implications of gender differences or “gender gaps” and was interviewed by Vox for that article. She can answer questions related to gender and how it may play an influential role in the upcoming elections.

Contact our experts directly by clicking on the names above, or call 706-522-3023 to schedule an interview on any of these topics. Also, check out the Augusta University Expert Center to view a complete list of our experts.

Click for photos of this week’s experts and videos of Ginn and Hatcher discussing politics.