Inclusive Action Research Articles

NEOCONSERVADORISMO E QUESTÕES DE GÊNERO: ESCOLA E CORPO COMO TERRITÓRIOS DE DISPUTAS E RESISTÊNCIAS

The present article arises from a scientific initiation research, which aimed to identify teachers' representations of the body and how these representations influence their positioning and intervention regarding gender issues in school, as well as to verify possible inclusive actions developed to accommodate dissident bodies in school. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews with a cisgender female teacher who teaches in elementary school and a non-binary trans coordinator, both working in the public network of the city of São Paulo, and a cisgender gay male teacher from the private network. The reports point to an invisibility of dissident bodies in the school space, in addition to the intersections and censorship imposed by far-right federal policies with the educational policies of the schools involved in the research. Thus, it is concluded that the school remains a space for disciplining bodies and (re)producing differences, being the stage for the unfolding of neoconservatism, which directly and indirectly impacts educational policies and proposals aimed at the debate on gender issues and the inclusion of dissident bodies in school. On the other hand, practices of resistance and subversion of this macro-dynamic of exclusion were observed, revealing the existence of possible paths of resistance and subversion, sustained by teachers, against the devices of power and knowledge. The concept of body-territory and the pedagogy of differences is presented as a possible way of articulating these fields.

INVISIBLES AT SCHOOL: RE-SIGNIFYING FOSTER CARE PEDAGOGIES FOR ADOPTED AND INSTITUTIONAL CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

This article presents the results of a qualitative research on adopted institutional care children and adolescents that investigated the need to re-signify Foster Care Pedagogies to reverse their invisibility in schools. Freire's (2000) and Skliar's (2019) contributions on inclusion and diversity pointed to the need for greater attention to the uniqueness of each child and adolescent enrolled in elementary schools. It was executed a case study based on Yin (2000), where three interviews were conducted with the teacher, pedagogical coordinator and principal; four interviews with families of adopted children; and a workshop with twenty-two students in a municipal school in Caxias do Sul/RS, Brazil. Categories of analysis were built considering the pedagogies of Reception, the planning of the pedagogical strategy for children and adolescents adopted and the impact of institutional care for children. It was possible to observe that when the condition of adoption or institutional foster care is made invisible in educational spaces, and it can cause significant changes in the learning and development of these human beings. For data analysis, it was used the content analysis technique of Bardin (1994). The results indicated that it is necessary to accomplish inclusive actions that consider the differences of children and adolescents adopted or in institutional care.

Smart Cities, Digital Inequalities, and the Challenge of Inclusion

While cities on a global scale embrace smartness as a roadmap for efficient urban governance, disparities persist in the domain of digital accessibility, literacy, and skills, with manifestations of digital exclusion, ageism, and ableism prevalent in most digital urban experiences. Despite their commitment to bridging the digital divide, governments lack comprehensive frameworks to inform policymaking and action for inclusion in smart cities. This review paper aims to deepen the understanding of the multifaceted challenges confronting the governance of inclusion in smart cities. Drawing from a review of research encompassing digital inclusion, digital transitions, smart cities, and urban governance, we discuss who is included and excluded in the governance of smart cities; what are the necessary conditions to be met for smart cities to be considered inclusive; and how can smart city governance deliver public value and equal benefits for all. As a novel contribution, this paper outlines a reflective framework to inform citizen inclusion in the governance of smart cities. This framework is meant to act as a starting point in the design of inclusive digital urban policies, and can also be employed to assess the directions taken to date in public organizations towards more inclusive urban practices.

A mixed‐method exploratory study of weight‐based mistreatment at work

AbstractAcross two studies, this exploratory research examines stigma faced by larger‐bodied people by exploring the phenomenon of weight‐based mistreatment (WBM), defined as interpersonal disrespect levied on a person explicitly due to their larger body size, at work. Through qualitative research we first describe distinct forms of WBM experienced by 175 self‐defined overweight US employees, as well as consequences of WBM for bullied targets and their organizations. Next, through a quantitative survey distributed to a separate sample of larger‐bodied workers, our exploratory evaluation of WBM found that it is all‐too common in many forms, including overt and covert aggression, microaggression, incivility, and benevolent, yet disrespectful comments oriented around a person's weight. One or more forms of these behaviours were experienced by 75% of our 1008‐person sample, with overt and covert aggression being most common, and coworkers most often perpetrating WBM. Drawing on objectification theory, we observe a host of harmful consequences ranging from diminished engagement, worsened professional interactions, and a lack of self‐care. Altogether, results reveal WBM is a substantial problem, and thus they serve as a call to action for HR professionals, managers, and inclusion advocates to better understand the experiences of this vulnerable population.

The effect of long-term care insurance on women’s health outcomes in China: evidence from a disability inclusion action

BackgroundLong-term care insurance (LTCI) in China provides financial and care security for persons with disabilities and includes caregivers in the paid labour workforce. However, it is unclear how the LTCI affects health outcomes in female recipients, female caregivers, and female non-recipients and female non-caregivers.MethodsUsing the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data and staggered difference-in-differences method, we evaluated the effect of LTCI on health outcomes in women with different roles, including female recipients, female caregivers, and female non-recipients and female non-caregivers, and discussed the heterogeneity of the effect on women’s health outcomes.ResultsLTCI statistically significant increased self-rated health and reduced depression in women and improved the health in women with different roles by increasing self-rated health in female recipients, reducing chronic diseases in female caregivers, and reducing depression in female non-recipients and female non-caregivers. There was a more pronounced improvement in health outcomes among women in the west and northeast and women in rural village.ConclusionsAfter the implementation of LTCI, health outcomes in female recipients, female caregivers, and female non-recipients and female non-caregivers were improved. LTCI’ improvement on women’s health outcomes was heterogeneous geographically and socially. Our findings highlight the importance of delivering differentiated health interventions for women with different roles in the implementation process of LTCI and minimizing women’s health inequalities in geography and society.

Inclusive actions at school: what do teachers know in practice?

This work seeks to presente reflections on inclusive pedagogical practices, bringing continuity in discussions about teacher training in the face of inclusion, in order to verify how teachers organize their practice to serve students with disabilities in regular classrooms. We sought, through qualitative research, in which we used interviews and open questionnaires, to analyze the practices developed by Basic Education teachers. We understand that, to move towards truly inclusive education, it is essential to invest in teacher training, providing them with the tools, knowledge and support necessary to meet the varied needs of all students. Furthermore, it is essential to promote a broader and more comprehensive understanding of what inclusion means, recognizing that it goes beyond mere diagnostic considerations and encompasses the creation of educational environments that value diversity, equity and mutual respect.

Social Inclusion in schoolchildren with disabilities from Physical Culture as a tool

The results presented in this research are the result of the international academic exchange from the projects “Adapted and inclusive physical activity for the quality of life of vulnerable populations, and the project ‘Physical education and sport as a tool for social inclusion’. Its objective was to propose physical-social actions for the social inclusion of schoolchildren with disabilities. Theoretical and empirical methods are applied to collect and process the research. The evaluations offered by the specialists are highlighted, which give relevance to the proposal of actions and augur security in its future implementation in the institution. It is concluded that the actions offered to these subjects have an integral character, since the intervention is conceived from the cultural, social, recreational and physical work, and include the orientation to the family.

A era da ebulição global: desafios e oportunidades para a resiliência climática na região centro-americana

[Introduction]: In July 2023 was announced the end of planetary warming and the beginning of the era of the global boiling. A climatic anomaly whose unprecedented, aggressiveness will hit the Central American region. [Methodology]: Through technological surveillance tools and data analytics, this study shows a series of challenges and opportunities to meet this threat and move towards resilient regional performance. [Results]: All countries have signed agreements and declaratory public policies for the climate resilience, however historical failures persist as well environmental passives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the strong dependence for the use of fossil energy. In contrast, Central America enjoys a matrix of opportunities to increase the climatic ambition, also a diverse mix of renewable energy sources, environmental pay mechanisms and actions to impulse circular economy and the bioeconomy [Conclusions]: The regional agenda fail in connect to a climate shielding to respond the rigors of the boiling era. Regarding those balances, and the scientific evidence, a road map, with climate smart and socially inclusive actions, is proposed. [Recommendations]: For the monitoring, research, and education programs on the boiling era, a regional observatory, on climate resilience (OR2C), is recommended.

Inclusive action in an international setting: A universal value and individual commitment. The 'Bridges in Amman' Project

The dissemination of inclusive educational principles, practices, and methods on an international scale constitutes a vital academic and pedagogical discourse, highlighting a universal commitment to cultivating educational environments that are equitable, accessible, and responsive to all learners' diverse needs. The "Bridges in Amman" project exemplifies the global movement towards inclusive education, focusing on the integration of Iraqi Christian asylum seekers in Jordan, notably in its capital, Amman. Spearheaded by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in collaboration with HAbibi VAltiberina Association and the Gemelli Medical Center, the initiative underscores the commitment to developing inclusive education, with particular attention to people in vulnerable situations. Inclusivity in education transcends the mere acknowledgment of diversity; it necessitates the adoption of practices, principles, and methods that ensure all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances, have access to quality education. This is crucial for groups like Iraqi Christians in Jordan, who face unique challenges due to displacement and the need for cultural and social integration.

Gamification towards and alongside equity, diversity and inclusion: Looking back to move forward

Given the urgent need for environments that enable everyone in fulfilling their fullest potential, many new media innovations have focused on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) actions. Gamification is one of these innovations, becoming a promising avenue to engage people towards effective social change. Yet, the intersection between EDI and gamification is incipient and fragmented, preventing a comprehensive understanding of current findings and future advancements in this field. This literature review systematically investigates the meanings, methods and effects of gamification in EDI actions (i.e. gamification towards EDI), and the design of equitable, diverse and inclusive gamification (i.e. gamification alongside EDI). Results elucidate how gamification improves performance, enriches experiences and fosters change, while analysing its design through gender, age and disability lenses. Future work calls for broader and deeper gamified EDI interventions informed by social sciences, diverse people-oriented design and empirical demonstration of sustainable social change.

Labour market policy directed at ex-prisoners in Poland

In the article we investigate how public employment services perform with respect to ex-offenders registered therein as unemployed workers in Poland in the time span 2004-2019. Our descriptive analysis will serve in the future in policy evaluation analyses regarding efficiency of certain labour market policy programmes offered to former inmates. We base our analysis on individual administrative data from public employment offices. We present the scope and diversity of the performed actions within active and passive labour market policy programmes. We also provide a literature review on the relationship between labour force attachment after leaving the prison and the recidivism.Conducted analysis indicates that public employment offices do not focus, in particular, on ex-offenders. This partially originates in stereotypical perception of ex-offenders. Nevertheless, social services are expected to perform inclusive actions of social and economic character and preventing the recidivism. The range of active labor market policy tools applied to ex-inmates is relatively small. On the other hand, only about 10% of former prisoners received unemployment benefits.In the article, we stress the importance of labour market participation in preventing subsequent criminal behaviour and by our research we also contribute by identifying knowledge gaps in analysing efficiency of certain labour market policies with respect to ex-offenders. Particular modifications in legislation conditions (for example treating ex-offenders as unemployed in special situation in the labour market or their wage during employment while being in prison) should lead to further investigation in the future.

No care without justice: A normative ethical perspective of the employment of people with disabilities in hospitality businesses

People with disabilities (PWDs) face discrimination in the hospitality workplace. The aim of this paper is therefore to frame issues surrounding the employment of PWDs in the hospitality industry in normative ethical terms. To achieve this aim, we conducted twenty-eight semi-structured interviews with owners/managers of hospitality businesses and other relevant stakeholders. Drawing on the ethics of justice and ethics of care, our study found that when organisations demonstrated to their employees and other stakeholders the fairness in the procedures taken to implement PWD inclusion actions, the inclusion actions were significantly supported by coworkers, and the organisations were able to achieve distributive justice and care for PWDs. This study, thus, demonstrated that organisational members were willing to take part in caring actions for employees with disabilities (EWDs) not only when they perceived that inclusion actions for EWDs were procedurally fair, but also when they perceived that the PWDs deserved distributive justice outcomes.

Disaggregation of humanitarian data by disability: a realist evaluation of the use of the Washington Group Questions to support more inclusive practices

AbstractPeople with disabilities make up approximately 16% of the world’s population and disproportionately experience the risks and negative impacts of humanitarian emergencies. In humanitarian contexts, understanding who has a disability, where they are located, and what their needs are is crucial to delivering the right assistance at the right place and time. In recent years, global attention to disability inclusion in the humanitarian sector has focused on the generation of disaggregated data, most commonly using one of the Washington Group Sets of Questions. The implicit assumption behind the collection of more and more data disaggregated by disability, that it will lead to more inclusive action and outcomes, is incorrect. Our findings nuance the current push for disability disaggregated data in all settings and advocate a shift away from the blanket application of disaggregation to a more bespoke approach. Humanitarian and development contexts present multiple challenges to disaggregating data sets by demographic factors such as disability, including the use of households rather than individuals as the unit of analysis, small and non-representative samples, and minority languages with limited translation capacity. Through evaluation of the use of the Washington Group set across the world’s largest humanitarian organization, and its cooperating partners, we present five decision-making criteria that can be flexibly but consistently applied across operating contexts. This enables contextualized decision-making that uses consistent logic to predict the likelihood of data disaggregation by disability leading to more inclusive action and outcomes.

Effect of company-driven disability diversity initiatives: A multi-case study across industries

BACKGROUND: Employers are increasingly seeking a competitive advantage through targeted hiring of people with disabilities. We conducted several case studies to learn more about companies that led in creating their own disability diversity initiatives. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we share insights emerging from case studies conducted across seven companies. We illustrate the motives, processes, and outcomes of these initiatives. METHODS: This study is built on the previously published case studies conducted across seven companies. We applied elements of consensual qualitative research (CQR) for the data collection and analyses before performing an in-depth qualitative content analysis using the data coded for each company, looking for commonalities and differences. RESULTS: Although practices differed, all companies experienced noted benefits. Committed leadership and complementary company values facilitated successful outcomes for initiatives. The strength or salience of disability-inclusive actions and practices appeared to moderate outcomes related to company performance, employee perceptions of the company, and cohesiveness. CONCLUSION: Company disability initiatives can yield positive impacts on company performance and culture. The practices we identified and their positive outcomes serve as beacons to other organizations that recognize disability as a valued part of company diversity.

The contribution of the Accessibility Program: include for the insertion of people with disabilities in higher education

This article aims to highlight the contribution of the Higher Education Accessibility Program – Include Program, which is conceived as an expression of accessibility policies for people with disabilities in the academic environment. The methodology was carried out through documentary research – analysis of notices and bibliography – on the portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), covering the period from 2001 to 2022. It was understood from the documentary analysis that two actions stand out and strengthen the insertion of these people: architectural adaptation and implementation and/or strengthening of accessibility centers. From the bibliographical research, it was learned that inclusion actions are strengthened in the academic environment with the significant performance of Accessibility Centers, which mediate the relationship between academics with disabilities and the scientific community. This mediation takes place through guidance regarding the need to change traditional methodology, issues of pedagogical accessibility, different methodologies, among others. Therefore, it is urgent that the entire academic community becomes aware of its inclusive role in Society.

Museums and partner organisations: good practices in inclusive actions

Resumo: O estabelecimento de parcerias entre museus e os mais diversos entes do poder público, universidades, empresas, coletivos, comunidades, Organizações Não-Governamentais, dentre outros tem se revelado fundamental para o desenvolvimento de projetos e ações de inclusão e democratização do acesso, especialmente, as que são voltadas aos públicos não tradicionalmente frequentadores de museus. Tendo em conta este contexto, adensada à relação museu e públicos, o texto aborda o museu e suas diversas definições ao longo dos anos, destacando que se constitui instituição aberta ao público, conforme registrado em todas suas definições. Discute os públicos de museus, evidenciando a necessidade e ações efetivas para sua inclusão, com atenção à sua diversidade e pluralidade. Metodologicamente, adota a revisão da literatura sobre os conceitos centrais que circundam o texto e evidencia iniciativas de parcerias como boas práticas. Por último, conceitua parcerias e destaca os diferentes tipos de entes como parceiros dos museus para atrair e incluir os diversos públicos, seguido de boas práticas associadas ao estabelecimento de parcerias que têm como cerne a inclusão e a democratização do acesso cultural.

Biodiversity and health: prioritizing actions for productive inclusion, territorial development, and environmental conservation.

The ArticulaFito Project conducted a broad analysis of the production base of plants with medicinal, cosmetic, and food value, mapping 26 value chains (CdV) of traditional peoples and communities and family farmers (PCTAFs). The objective is to define criteria to prioritize actions in order to strengthen the mapped CdV, maintaining the identified challenges and opportunities as a reference. Data Envelopment Analysis and Pareto Diagram methodologies were applied to quantitative data extracted from each CdV map. In this way, the CdV set was divided into four groups of performance levels. For each group, an action diagram was drawn, which, ordered the occurrences and their origins, enabling the reporting and indication, in order of priority, of the institutions and actors to be considered in the strengthening process. The group with the best performance had ten species, 70% in the cosmetic segment, in the Amazon biome, and in the northern region, with 80% native under an extractive regime and 20% exotic under a cultivation regime. The Action Diagram generated prioritized actions and investments, optimizing public resources in the productive inclusion of PCTAFs for the sustainable use of (socio) biodiversity.

Balancing the scales: Including under-represented herptile species in a One Health approach

Abstract The One Health High-Level Expert Panel’s definition of One Health includes optimizing the health of people, animals (wild and domestic) and ecosystems. For many One Health practitioners, wildlife that can spread zoonoses are the focus, particularly if they can come in contact with people. However, ecosystem health is often best-indicated by less-encountered species, for instance, amphibians and reptiles. This review highlights how these taxa can benefit human health and well-being, including cultural significance, as well as their impact on plant, animal and environmental health. We highlight current challenges to the health of these species and the need to include them in the One Health Joint Action Plan. We conclude with a call to action for inclusion of amphibians and reptiles in a One Health approach.

Socioeconomic Development in Bangladesh: Issues and Challenges

Although Bangladesh was termed as the ‘test case’ or ‘international basket case’ due to its miserably low levels of socioeconomic development indicators during the post-independence period after 1971, at its golden jubilee in 2021, Bangladesh has proved such doubts mostly incorrect due to its major successes in economic indicators such as per capita income, remittance, export earnings, foreign exchange reserve, agricultural production, and inflation control since the 1990s. The resultant outcome of economic development has been reflected in social development indicators of the health and education domains such as fertility, mortality (i.e., neonatal, infant, child and maternal mortality), life expectancy at birth, gender parity index, youth literacy, female to male ratio at primary, secondary and tertiary education and student-teacher ratio among others. Despite such achievements in socio-economic development indicators, the article draws attention to the fact that the reduction in inequality in social and economic dimensions measured in terms of health, education, women empowerment, ownership of land, income, and societal opportunities carry onto pose daunting obstacles for Bangladesh—notably the high level of rich-poor and urban–rural disparities. Therefore, the Bangladesh government would require an inclusive action plan and effective implementation of those plans to sustain per capita GDP growth, empower marginalized segments of the population, ensure equity and equality and reduce inequalities in social and economic development indicators. Keywords: Social Development, Economic Development, Socioeconomic Development, Health Development, Education Development, Bangladesh

We all need to be water protectors: diversity, the environment, and social and environmental justice picturebook themes and portrayals

This paper describes a methodological review of over 2,000 picturebook descriptions and 60 picturebooks published within five-and-a-half years relating to diversity, the environment, social justice, and environmental justice portrayals. The authors asked in particular: To what extent is environmental justice portrayed in recent picturebooks, and how might these portrayals be problematized to understand better and share children’s literature? The data revealed that picturebooks portray social and cultural diversity more than environmental topics, and environmental justice portrayals comprise about 3% of the picturebooks surveyed. Picturebooks portraying environmental justice are new, and what is considered environmental justice is expanding. The authors also suggest an expanded notion of environmental justice called Stewarding and Relational Justice. These books incorporate themes of kindness and inclusive action toward each other and the earth, which build toward understanding and depictions of environmental justice. Lastly, the authors provide a curated list of recommended environmental justice and earth-centric books.