Inclusive Discourse Research Articles

Discourse(s) of inclusion in adult education curricula – the case of Sweden

ABSTRACT This article explores historical shifts in the discourse of inclusion in the policy of Swedish Municipal Adult Education (SMAE). Drawing on Foucauldian concepts of discourse, governmentality, and subjectivity, a critical discourse analysis was conducted on the so far three existing curricula for SMAE. A positive shift in language use was established in the three historical discourses revealed in the analysis. However, the three discourses share a common feature of understanding inclusion through the perspective of ‘deficit’ and ‘othering’, as well as governing through a controlling exercise of state’s power through different demands of responsibility. The findings point to the need of a new understanding of inclusion in SMAE in which diversity and individual characteristics for learning are central concepts.

Harmonizing Code and Canvas: The Role of Generative AI in Aesthetic Education for Vocational Students

This paper delves into the pivotal role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) within vocational aesthetic education, specifically focusing on its capacity to augment artistic expression and cultivate technical proficiency. As AI undergoes continuous evolution, it catalyzes significant transformations in educational paradigms by amalgamating creativity with digital acumen, thereby equipping the workforce with adeptness in navigating technologically driven landscapes. The study critically examines how AI reconfigures educational frameworks, enriching learning experiences through tailored, collaborative, and globally oriented approaches. Additionally, it scrutinizes the ethical, pragmatic, and pedagogical hurdles intrinsic to AI integration, encompassing concerns such as data privacy, bias mitigation, and the imperative for perpetual curriculum innovation and educator empowerment. The findings underscore that the realization of AI’s potential in advancing vocational aesthetic education hinges upon strategic deployment, ongoing evaluation, and inclusive discourse among all educational stakeholders, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and responsiveness to global labor market exigencies. This analysis underscores AI’s capacity to optimize educational outcomes and equip students for a multifaceted and evolving future, advocating for proactive and inclusive strategies to harness AI’s advantages within educational milieus.

Data snapshots of the access and participation of ‘women’ academics in UK universities: Questioning continued gendered, racialised and geopolitical inequalities

AbstractReplete with espoused discourses of equality, diversity and inclusion within public bodies, is the UK, wherein lauded initiatives reward its universities’ commitments to increasing the access and positioning of ‘women’ in higher education. This paper contributes a critical quantitative analysis of the state of representation and participation of academic staff within these universities generally, and the majority‐female discipline of education particularly. Education is important because it has a direct relation to social change and ethicality. It may maintain or reproduce the status quo; however, exercising its transformative potential is essential for the success of various international frameworks aiming to address global inequality, including most recently the Sustainable Development Goals. Sensitised by QuantCrit principles, a descriptive statistical exploration was undertaken of the staff composition and employment conditions captured within the administrative datasets reported on academic staff by all the public universities in the devolved nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales from 2015 to 2020. The findings of this study confirmed: (i) the continuation of gendered inequalities across the academic hierarchy, particularly as the pyramid narrows to the assigned intellectual leadership position of ‘professor’; (ii) racialised, gendered inequalities in access to employment, and in positioning once employed; and (iii) more adverse conditions where gendered, racialised and geopolitical inequalities intersect, most extremely for Black African female academics. The study demonstrates that the centring of ‘race’ and consideration of nationality are required to challenge coloniality, and to bring to the fore the differential impacts of systems of discrimination within this globally influential sector.

Insights into students’ experiences of social inclusion and exclusion during attending language pull-out classes

ABSTRACT A crucial aspect of the discourse of inclusion revolves around the concept of language pull-out classes and their potential to hinder inclusion. This paper addresses this issue by engaging with the voices of the addressees of German language support measures, namely multilingual students. Hence, the experiences of 49 primary school students (27 girls; 22 boys; age = 6–11) enrolled in segregated German language support classes (GLSC) were examined. Therefore, face-to-face interviews were conducted, employing a semi-structured interview guideline. Results indicated that the spatial and social segregation of students has negative effects on their social inclusion on several levels. E.g. it minimises opportunities for students to form stable friendships in mainstream classes. Additionally, findings revealed that students find strategies to cope with their placement in additive language support classes. To feel a sense of belonging students denied the presence of their further languages when interacting with friends or rationalised attending a GLSC as beneficial for them. However, these strategies reflect those inequities.

A critical history of child protection and welfare services for disabled children in the Republic of Ireland, 1960–2023

Existing research demonstrates at least threefold higher rates of maltreatment for disabled children than for their non-disabled peers. The situation is compounded by pervasive impediments to effective safeguarding practice for disabled children. While scholarly attention to this area is growing, one aspect remains thoroughly neglected in the Irish context, namely, historical accounts of disability and child protection are stark by their absence. This article presents key historical changes in child protection and welfare practice for disabled children from 1960 to 2023 in the Republic of Ireland. The account illustrates how discourses of risk aversion, rights and inclusion have collided with increased bureaucratisation and state regulation. Towards achieving a critical theoretical exposition of the history, conceptual conventions of the ‘5-P’ child protection model (prevention, paramountcy, partnership, protection and parental responsibility) are applied. Key lessons for policymakers and practitioners about the sociocultural construction of child protection and disability are then extracted and, with respect to informing future practice, critically explored.

The role of the opposition in autocratisation: the case of Turkey

This paper explores the role of opposition parties within the context of global democratic erosion, with a focus on Turkey. It investigates the multifaceted role of opposition actors in the process of autocratisation, challenging conventional portrayals of them as mere victims or resilient forces. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), spanning the critical period of 2002–2022 under the rule of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), this research uncovers how opposition strategies have evolved in response to changing political dynamics. The paper introduces two new concepts, rigid opposition and flexible opposition, to elucidate the adaptive nature of opposition strategies in the face of autocratisation. It underscores the transition of the CHP from a rigid stance, characterised by identity-based polarisation, to a more flexible approach, involving strategic alliances and inclusive discourse. This transformation is not a binary success–failure paradigm but rather a complex adaptation with inherent risks. While flexibility is crucial to limit autocratisation, its potential pitfalls carry the risks of contributing to autocratisation and the dilution of party identity.

‘The general concept is a safer use approach’: how image and performance enhancing drug coaches negotiate safety through community care

Background Drug coaches are a novel extension of traditional personal trainers who play a significant role providing support and shaping drug-related behaviours for people who use image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). They constitute a critical domain for everyday risk management, where substance use, and its associated harms are influenced by social exchange. This study investigated how IPED coaches negotiate safety within the community through the provision of their services and the partnerships they form with clients. Method Ten IPED coaches, selected through purposive sampling, engaged in semi-structured interviews (32–57 minutes in length) exploring the way in which they operate in their field of practice. Iterative inductive analysis was applied to the transcripts, enhanced by discussions among researchers and an independent coder. Results The findings are organised under three categories, revealing the nuanced strategies and identities of IPED coaches, emphasising harm reduction and optimising ‘gains’ in IPED use. These coaches play a significant role in harm reduction, wielding their ‘chemical capital’ and lived experience to integrate nuanced harm reduction strategies into their partnerships with clients. Conclusion Embodying a model of peer-driven knowledge exchange and emphasising open and inclusive discourse IPED coaches offer a vehicle toward integrated harm reduction strategies.

Brand transgressions in advertising related to diversity, equity and inclusion: implications for consumer–brand relationships

PurposeConsidering the ongoing discourse on diversity, equity and inclusion, brands aim to develop marketing campaigns that demonstrate respect for all individuals. Despite these intentions, many advertisements still provoke strong negative reactions from consumers due to brand transgressions in social media marketing campaigns that violate these values. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the repercussions that such social media marketing campaigns have on brands, categorizing these campaigns as brand transgressions in social media advertising.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a mixed-method design that includes semi-structured interviews (Study 1), a content analysis (Study 2) and an online experiment (Study 3).FindingsThis paper clarifies the elements that qualify as brand transgressions in advertising within the diversity, equity and inclusion discourse. The negative electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) associated with brand transgressions in advertising comprises negative emotions (e.g. anger, contempt, disgust and hate) and behavioural intentions to penalize the brand (e.g. negative word-of-mouth, brand avoidance and protest behaviours). The negative e-WOM stemming from these transgressions amplifies the adverse consequences for consumer–brand relationships by negatively influencing other consumers through sympathy towards the offended parties.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper offers brand managers guidelines for preventing and managing negative consumer reactions towards brands based on their responses to marketing campaigns that contradict the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on brand transgressions related to diversity, equity and inclusion values by exploring their impact on consumer–brand relationships and highlighting the pivotal role of sympathy in perpetuating negative consequences.

International discourses of inclusion and their local translation: Teachers' conceptions regarding an integration-inclusion reform in the canton of Bern (Switzerland)

The inclusive paradigm is an international movement promoted by UN agencies such as UNESCO, influencing the educational policies of certain countries. Switzerland is among the countries that have initiated reforms to make their educational system more inclusive. These reforms have implications for teachers. The objective of this article is to report on teachers' conceptions regarding the ongoing integration-inclusion reform in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. A qualitative methodology was employed, based on 13 interviews conducted and analyzed in light of the theoretical framework of social change. The results highlight that, beyond a principled adherence, teachers' shared conceptions are resistant to integration-inclusion. These conceptions reveal inherent tensions within the inclusive paradigm and its development in educational systems susceptible to other international political influences, such as new public management and neoliberalismo.

A critical cartography: mapping chapters, networks, and relationships through regional organization

ABSTRACT The Association for Critical Heritage Studies (ACHS) was created, in part, to address underrepresentation in the study and management of heritage. However, achieving genuinely inclusive representation within global heritage conversations remains elusive, exacerbated by entrenched power dynamics and the dominance of Western epistemologies. Here, we discuss ACHS’s efforts to foster a more democratic, inclusive discourse through its organizational structure and international collaborations. As we argue here, although significant strides towards diversifying heritage discourse are evidenced by the creation of chapters and networks aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices, challenges persist in ensuring equitable participation. We discuss the importance of strategic regionalization and language inclusivity in advancing a platform that reflects the diversity of global heritage perspectives.

CONCEPTUALIZING FINTECH INNOVATIONS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AFRICAN AND U.S. INITIATIVES

This review paper explores the transformative role of fintech innovations in enhancing financial inclusion across Africa and the U.S., offering a comparative analysis of initiatives, challenges, and opportunities within these diverse economic landscapes. It highlights how mobile money, digital banking, and blockchain technologies have significantly increased access to financial services, addressing the traditional barriers faced by the unbanked and underbanked populations. Despite the potential of fintech to foster inclusivity, the paper identifies common obstacles such as regulatory hurdles, digital literacy, and infrastructure limitations, providing a nuanced understanding of the fintech ecosystem. Policy recommendations are offered to guide policymakers, financial institutions, and fintech companies in creating an environment conducive to financial inclusion. The paper emphasizes the importance of innovative technologies in bridging financial gaps, suggesting areas for future research to continue advancing fintech and financial inclusion discourse.
 Keywords: Fintech Innovations, Financial Inclusion, Regulatory Challenges, Comparative Analysis.

Immigrant-blind care: How immigrants experience the “inclusive” health system as they access care

A growing body of scholarship examines the varying impact of legal status and race on accessing healthcare. However, a notable gap persists in comprehending the supplementary mechanisms that hinder immigrants' pathway to seek care. Drawing on ethnographic observations in various clinical settings and in-depth interviews with 28 healthcare professionals and 12 documented Haitian immigrants in a city in Upstate New York, between 2019 and 2021, I demonstrate the tension between the conceptualization and implementation of inclusive care practices by healthcare providers. I argue that the mere expansion and adoption of inclusive discourse among providers do not inherently ensure equity and the removal of barriers to healthcare access. This work contributes to the social study of medicine and race and ethnic studies by introducing the innovative concept of “immigrant-blind.” Through this concept, the research sheds light on how providers' conceptualization of inclusivity proclaims medical encounters to be devoid of stratifications and rationalizes their practices which mask the profound impact of immigration status and immigration on immigrant health. Furthermore, these practices reinforce existing divisions within care settings and medical encounters, where immigration laws and enforcement practices operate and further exacerbate stratifications. By examining providers' uninformed implementation of culturally competent care practices, the findings reveal that providers stigmatize and essentialize immigrants during medical encounters. This highlights the imperative for a more nuanced and informed approach to healthcare provision, where genuine inclusivity is upheld, and barriers to access are dismantled to foster equitable and dignified healthcare experiences for all.

Discourses of resistance: pre-service teachers’ reflections on the challenges of inclusion in physical education

ABSTRACT Scholars have identified a need for more learner-centred pedagogical practices as one way to facilitate more inclusive learning in physical education (PE). In this regard teacher education plays an important part through the preparation of future teachers. Yet, disrupting pre-service teachers’ prior values or beliefs to transform PE, has proven difficult. Grounded in critical pedagogical perspectives and discursive psychology, the current study enquired into the following question: What discourses of resistance can be identified in PE pre-service teachers’ written reflections on the challenges of inclusion and the need for changed pedagogical practices in PE? The sample in this qualitative research comprised 11 PE pre-service teachers enrolled in a general teacher education programme, and the analytical approach involved textual analysis of reflection notes written by the pre-service teachers. The findings highlighted two discourses of inclusion (‘More gender inclusive PE is needed’, and ‘PE practices must embrace diversity’) and two discourses of resistance (‘Resistance to PE transformation’, and ‘Resistance to gender diversity in PE’). Drawing on discourses such as the assertion that education is better suited for girls, the students expressed resistance towards accommodating girls’ need in PE, with the use of interpretive repertoires such as ‘gender differences are natural and inevitable’ or ‘boys need PE because girls do better in other subjects’. Secondly, referring to discursive understandings of a general openness towards gender diversity in society, they exhibited resistance against breaking the gender binary in PE in fear of confusing vulnerable youth. Thus, although the pre-service teachers challenged how gender is reproduced through PE practice, their perspectives remained within a cis-normative frame of reference. We argue that with increased understanding of how pre-service teachers rehearse and reproduce interpretative repertoires in their written assignments, teacher educators are better equipped to help students develop their critical thoughts and arguments.

THE IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION ON LEADERSHIP: A SIGNIFICANT REVIEW

Leadership is vital for organizational growth, necessitating examination of core competencies like communication enabling effective leadership especially in turbulent times. This review consolidates research on linkages between leadership communication and emergent leadership outcomes. While predominant focus remains leader-centric, literature reveals complex bidirectional communication flows across hierarchical levels influencing leadership effectiveness and acceptance. However, consolidated clarity regarding distinguishing facets of communication fundamental for impactful leadership remains lacking. This significant review synthesizes multi-level research connecting communication behaviors and processes with leadership emergence and performance spanning interpersonal, team and organizational contexts via conceptual analysis. A framework integrating competencies characterizing distinguished leader-communicators is also put forth based on evidence aggregated. Analysis points to key aspects ranging from conveying cultural empathy to elevating collective identity through inclusive discourse that distinguished leadership communication fundamentally binds leadership vision to contextual interactions driving performance. Findings also critically highlight need for added communication dimensions encompassing restorative justice where adversity erodes leader legitimacy. This seminal review definitively puts forth communication as the core binding element flowing through formal and informal leadership development conduits that ultimately nourishes organizational resilience fit to navigate unprecedented turbulence. The integrated framework crystallizes distinguished communication-based leadership competencies redressing complex sociotechnical mechanisms that can unambiguously advance scholarship and practice on optimizing human centered, ethical and digitally-enabled leader messaging crucial for collective advancement.

Bordering Inclusion and Exclusion in the Discourses of Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour

This paper focuses on the discursive construction of borders and discourses of exclusion and inclusion in French right-wing populist discourse. It elaborates on the idea of the politicization of borders in contemporary political communication and their symbolic meaning as an expression of national sovereignty, security, and identity. Using the approach of discourse analysis, the author investigates how bordering discourses were employed by Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour during the 2022 presidential campaign. The empirical analysis focuses on the parties’ programs, candidates’ discourses, and their social media communication. This offers valuable insights into how political actors construct borders and shape ‘us’ and ‘them’ groups.
 Keywords: populism, discourse analysis, borders, othering, inclusion, exclusion.

Инклюзивные принципы устойчивого развития в перспективе расширения БРИКС: Россия как драйвер глобальной трансформации

The article delves into the study of the implementation of inclusive principles of sustainable development through the creation and expansion of the BRICS international association. The aim of the work is to identify Russia’s role in the global transformations of the modern world, contributing to the growing importance of this union in overcoming inequality and establishing inclusive principles of sustainable development of the human community on the way to a multipolar and polycentric world. The paper provides a retrospective analysis of the conceptualization of sustainable development goals and Russia’s role in this process. It also reveals the coun-try’s decisive role in the formation of the BRICS organization. The commitment of the BRICS to inclusive princi-ples of interaction is outlined. The expansion of inclusive discourse in the BRICS interaction space is shown. Moreover, the perspectives of the association’s expansion in the vector of inclusive multilateralism are re-vealed. It is emphasized that due to the BRICS actions, the broadest possible worldview discourse of inclusion as a universal tool for overcoming inequality is gradually being formed.

Discourses of cultural diversity and inclusion in film policy: The case of Flanders (2002–2022)

This article examines how Flemish film policy actors and industry stakeholders have conceptualized, framed and operationalized cultural diversity and inclusion over the past two decades (2002–2022). Drawing on critical discourse and interpretive policy analysis of policy documents and a series of in-depth expert interviews, we investigate how discourses of diversity in cultural policymaking are consistently shaped by (neo-)liberal continuations of deregulation, state neutrality and marketization. This article identifies three discursive shifts over the years, highlighting their complex tensions with the persistent, liberal-egalitarian principle of difference-blind universalism. Framing these tensions as a major obstacle in achieving a paradigmatic policy shift toward the inclusion of ethnic/diasporic minorities in Flemish cinema, we advance a more comprehensive way of understanding why media diversity policies have, so far, proven inadequate.

Depathologising the university

ABSTRACT This paper develops a conversation with decolonisation to pitch a novel mode of engagement; depathologising the university. While higher education institutions are in the midst of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion revolution, I posit that all is not well. Too often disability staff and students have been sidelined in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion discourse and practice and this paper addresses this omission. First, I pose a question ‘what is the university for?’ and consider two recent campaigns by Black and Minority Ethnic and disabled students in the UK that offer partial responses to this question. I argue that these campaigns not only implicate the colonial and ableist heritage of universities but also illuminate two critical modes of engagement: decolonisation and depathologisation. Second, to focus the discussion, I introduce Disability Matters; a new six year programme of research which seeks to promote more inclusive university environments through positioning disability as the driving subject of inquiry. Third, I offer some provisional and anticipatory thoughts by sitting with decolonisation in order to expand upon a project of depathologisation. I conclude with an appeal; desiring disability’s disruptive qualities to rethink the university.

Gender and Culture Inclusivity in the Story of Hope Fashion Collection.

Discrimination against minority groups often still occurs and becomes a global problem. The problem of discrimination, such as minority gender and cultural minorities, is a social issue that needs to be exposed to get awareness. Inclusivity is one of the methods used to increase awareness of issues of gender and cultural discrimination. Inclusivity is one of the discourses to answer the challenges of sustainable development goals related to the topic of gender equality and reducing inequality. Fashion is a branch of design that often presents the context of inclusivity through works. The discourse of glocalization in the fashion industry also provides an opportunity to raise local content related to minority culture and gender as inspiration and communication through fashion works. The Story of Hope collection is an example of a fashion creation with the theme of gender and minority culture. The problem discussed in this paper is how gender and cultural inclusivity communicated through fashion stories of hope. The study applied qualitative methods with primary data collection techniques through observation and interviews. The secondary data obtained through literature studies. The theory used in analyzing the data uses a Barthes semiotic approach and postmodern aesthetic of bricolage. The Story of Hope collection is a fashion creation that adapts gender-fluid trends and applies traditional fabrics to represent culture in contemporary clothing. Story of Hope collection can be used as a communication tool in conveying inclusive discourse through its constituent visual elements.

The ‘Mascara Boys’: Performance, Subversion, and the New Pakistani Masculinity

This study offers an exploration into the performative expressions of gender and masculinity by the "Mascara Boys" in Pakistan. Situating the research within the frameworks of performativity theory and hybrid masculinities, the study investigates how these individuals subvert and challenge established masculinity norms through the strategic use of Instagram as a transgressive digital space. The findings reveal a multifaceted landscape where digital platforms act as both a stage and a catalyst for conversations on gender diversity, both within Pakistan and transnationally. The Mascara Boys emerge as agents of change who navigate complex intersections of socio-cultural expectations to embody a form of hybrid masculinity that is both locally informed and globally resonant. Through their intentional acts, they not only disturb entrenched heteropatriarchal structures but also contribute to a richer, more complex understanding of masculinity. The study concludes that their emergence as practitioners of hybrid masculinity within the Pakistani context signals a significant paradigm shift, urging a re-evaluation of normative gender roles and paving the way for a more inclusive discourse on gender diversity in Pakistan.