Diverse Society Research Articles

Attitudes of Newly Recruited Icelandic Police Students Towards Diversity

Scholars have described prejudice towards various minority groups as one of the negative characteristics of police culture. Visible prejudice within the police has serious consequences for trust and legitimacy, thus reducing the willingness of the public to cooperate with them. However, little is known about the attitudes of police students towards police work in a diverse society in the Nordic context. This paper focuses on newly recruited police students in the Icelandic police university program. Police students’ attitudes towards diversity are analyzed in the context of various possible work-related scenarios. The study is based on a survey of all newly recruited police students in Iceland, conducted yearly from 2018 until 2023. The findings indicate that police students are generally positive towards at least certain types of diversity measures in policing, although support for diversity has declined slightly in the most recent year.

How simulated learning can support a more diverse inclusive society

Combinations of simulations and games provide learners with a virtual environment where they can immerse themselves in highly contextualised, work-related scenarios, encouraging experimentation and learning from mistakes without compromising the safety of real patients. This pilot study investigated how interactive online simulations supported students’ disciplinary knowledge, care of diverse patients, and the development of students’ professional attitudes and beliefs. Four urinary tract infection (UTI) scenarios (two involving Transgender patients) were delivered to medical and pharmacy students through an interprofessional-education (IPE) activity. Evaluation involved pre- and post-activity questionnaires. There were 26 participants (18 females/ 8 males; range: 18 – 36 years]), including 11 medical and 15 pharmacy students. We found statistically significant changes in self-reported knowledge, skills and confidence to manage UTI (all p<0.001); competence to care for Transgender patients (2.21 vs. 2.74; p=0.001) and awareness of specific health needs of Transgender people (3.74 vs. 4.42; p=0.028). This pilot study demonstrated the potential of simulation-gaming platforms in evaluating and enhancing students' learning, offering a novel and sustainable approach to IPE. Simulations are a versatile teaching approach that can be adapted to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity across various fields in higher education.

Teaching multicultural children’s literature in a diverse society: from a historical perspective to instructional practice

Teaching multicultural children’s literature in a diverse society: from a historical perspective to instructional practice

FOSTERING TOLERANCE THROUGH RELIGIOUS MODERATION: STRATEGIES IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION

Abstract: The development of the globalization era, marked by social diversity and the spread of foreign ideologies, has made religious moderation an urgent necessity in the education system. This study aims to identify the strategies employed by teachers at SMA Negeri 1 Kencong to instill values of tolerance and moderation in students, particularly in a context with diverse religious, cultural, and social backgrounds. The research uses a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving teachers and students in Islamic Religious Education. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman (1994) method, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that instilling values of tolerance and moderation through innovative methods such as group discussions and simulations successfully enhances students' empathy toward differences. The integration of materials in the PPKn and Indonesian language curricula, along with parental and community involvement, also contributes to the improvement of tolerance attitudes. Academic recommendations from this study include the development of specialized learning modules focusing on values of tolerance and moderation to further strengthen students' character in a diverse society.

Turkish adolescents’ perceived discrimination and sense of belonging to school: a comparative analysis in Germany and France

ABSTRACT This article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the relationship between perceived discrimination and the sense of belonging among 354 Turkish adolescents in Germany and France. The research employs a cross-country comparative methodology. Firstly, it seeks to identify both the commonalities and disparities in the perceptions of discrimination and the sense of belonging to school among Turkish adolescents across diverse societies while considering demographic variables. Subsequently, it explores whether the perceived discrimination experienced by Turkish youth is related to their sense of belonging. According to results, among Turkish adolescents in both countries, perceived discrimination diminishes the sense of belonging to the school.

Strategi Penguatan Moderasi Beragama Melalui Kegiatan Festival Anak Sholeh di Desa Perkebunan Tanjung Beringin

Religious moderation is the most important key in maintaining harmony and harmony in a diverse society to prevent radicalism. Religious moderation and tolerance are two different and different things. Religious moderation is a path that consists of several stages that must be passed, while tolerance is the result of the stages that have been passed before. From religious moderation, an attitude of tolerance will be formed between fellow human beings, so that harmony between religious communities will be created which will later function to strengthen the unity and unity of the Indonesia nation. Humans are required to interact to meet their needs in society. Relations between religious people are based on the principle of good brotherhood, working together to face enemies and defending those who suffer. Religious harmony is needed in establishing good relationships in community life. In this context, it is discussed that this research is an inculcation of the value of tolerance between religious communities.

Building Bridges in Diverse Societies: A Meta-Analysis of Field Experimental Cooperative Learning Studies on Intergroup Relations in Educational Settings

Cooperative learning has been widely utilized as an intervention to enhance intergroup relations in diverse societies, drawing on intergroup contact theory. Despite numerous field experiments testing its effectiveness in educational contexts, a comprehensive meta-analyses evaluating its overall efficacy has yet to be conducted. This meta-analysis aims to assess the magnitude of the effect of cooperative learning on promoting intergroup relations within experimental field studies conducted in educational settings. The article search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria across ERIC, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SpringerLink. Data analysis involved generating forest plots, conducting heterogeneity tests, calculating summary effects using a random effects model, and identifying publication bias. The meta-analysis of 18 field experimental intervention studies, involving 5265 participants, revealed that cooperative learning intervention programs positively impact intergroup relations, with a moderate effect size (ES = 0.33; 95% CI [0.25, 0.40]). Consequently, cooperative learning can be employed as an alternative strategy to bridge gaps, reduce prejudice, and improve relations among groups with diverse social identities in educational settings.

Evolving National Identity in Korea (2012–2021) and Implications for Social Sustainability

National identity in Korea has undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting broader shifts in social and political landscapes. Traditionally rooted in ethnocultural and ethnic frameworks, the concept of national identity is increasingly influenced by civic and pluralistic values, reflecting Korea’s growing diversity and globalization. This study aims to explore the transformation of national identity in Korea between 2012 and 2021 and its implications for social sustainability, with particular attention paid to Sustainable Development Goal 16. Using latent class analysis, this research examines survey data collected from Korean adults over the specified period. The analysis reveals a decline in ethnocultural and ethnic identities, with a corresponding rise in civic-oriented and flexible identity groups, such as Non-Territorial Ethnocultural Civic, Pluralistic, and Territorial-Cultural groups. These new categories illustrate a more complex understanding of national belonging, shaped by multiple dimensions. The results suggest that this evolving identity landscape promotes greater inclusivity and adaptability, crucial for fostering long-term social cohesion in a diverse society. The study highlights the need for policies, educational reforms, and media narratives that embrace this dynamic understanding of national identity. The findings offer important insights for policymakers and educators as Korea continues to navigate the challenges of diversity and globalization, ensuring a sustainable social future.

BALANCING IDENTITY AND LIBERTY: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF LIBERAL NATIONALISM

Nationalism studies examine political and cultural nationalism as fundamental frameworks for understanding nation-building and identity formation. Political nationalism emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, self-determination and governance structures that support these principles. In contrast, cultural nationalism focuses on preserving and promoting shared heritage, language and traditions that define a community’s distinctive identity. Liberal nationalism, on the other hand, seeks to balance collective identity with the protection of individual rights and freedoms and seeks to harmonize these elements in a democratic context. Leading thinkers such as Yael Tamir, David Miller and Will Kymlicka have engaged in rigorous debates about the merits and challenges of liberal nationalism. These thinkers address the complexities and tensions that arise in different and pluralistic contexts regarding liberal nationalism and explore its potential to promote inclusive and harmonious societies. One critical debate focuses on the applicability of liberal nationalism, particularly in societies with significant ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. This article aims to fill an important gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of liberal nationalism. It compares this ideology with other forms of nationalism, such as ethnic and civic nationalism, providing a nuanced understanding of its distinct features and potential benefits. The article also assesses the applicability of liberal nationalism through literature reviews. By examining the theoretical foundations and practical implications of liberal nationalism, this study offers a perspective on its role in contemporary democracies. It highlights how liberal nationalism can be a viable framework for nation-building that respects collective identity and individual rights and offers a balanced approach to governance in increasingly diverse societies.

The Concept of Dissimilation in the Study of Inter-ethnic Marriages within Homogeneous Meskhetian Turkish, Azerbaijani Marriages in Turkestan

While analyzing the preservation of cultural heritage is more straightforward in homogenous households, inter-ethnic marriages present a captivating lens through which to examine cultural integration, social identity, and the preservation of tradition within diverse societies. This study explores the dynamics of inter-ethnic and homogeneous marriages among Meskhetian Turks and Azerbaijanis in Kazakhstan, applying the theoretical framework of dissimilation theory. By drawing on fieldwork conducted in 2024 which involved 45 interviews from two research villages, Turki Poselkasy and Kentau, located in the Turkestan province in the southern part of Kazakhstan, the research investigates the historical context and contemporary realities faced by these communities. In doing so, it highlights differences in culture, language, ​​and social norms that can influence the formation of both mixed and homogeneous marriages among minority groups in the region. The theoretical background of the study is grounded in dissimilation theory, which posits that individuals in inter-ethnic marriages tend to distance themselves from their own ethnic groups to establish new identities within the context of their relationships. Through interviews and surveys conducted across diverse settlements, the study explores social identities and groups as well as concepts of cultural and social differences including gender dynamics, to uncover the intricate mechanisms of dissimilation.

Mother tongue-based education in a diverse society and the acquisition of foundational skills: Evidence from the Philippines

The Philippines is an ethnolinguistically diverse country with 180 languages spoken. In 2012, the government massively expanded the language of instruction (LoI) options, a shift from a bilingual Filipino-English education to mother tongue-based education using 19 languages targeting students in kindergarten to grade 3. The policy intended to create a closer link between the school instructional language and students’ mother tongue in the early stage of formal schooling, which would improve foundational skills and increase the students’ ability to acquire proficiency in additional languages. We use nationally representative data to evaluate the policy's impact on foundational reading and mathematics skills, exploiting a variation between student cohorts and the variation in the instructional languages before and after the policy. We find that the policy reduced the mean linguistic distance between children's mother tongue and school LoI by between 43 % to 76 %. However, we find a statistically significant and negative effect on foundational reading skills when tested in Filipino or English. The magnitude is not negligible given the Philippines’ flat learning profiles. We find the policy also negatively impacted the foundational mathematics skills of the first cohort fully exposed to the policy. Our findings imply that governments need to reconsider the mother tongue-based education policy as a tool to improve foundational skills in a diverse society.

Ecology stereotypes exist across societies and override race and family structure stereotypes.

Perceivers hold ecology stereotypes-beliefs about how the environments others live in shape their behavior. Drawing upon a life history perspective, we examine the stereotypes people hold about those who live in relatively harsh and unpredictable ecologies. First, across diverse demographic groups and societies (the United States, India, Japan, Romania, the United Kingdom), people believe that individuals who live in harsh and unpredictable environments engage in "faster" behaviors (n = 2,078; ds from .80 to 2.14)-that they are more impulsive, sexually unrestricted, opportunistic, and invest less in education and their own children (Studies 1, 2, and 3). Second, these ecology stereotypes seem to underlie certain Black/White race stereotypes held by White perceivers in the United States (Study 1) and family structure stereotypes (i.e., growing up in a single-mother home) held by perceivers in both Japan and the United States (Studies 4a and 5a). Supporting this, the application of these race and family structure stereotypes is overridden or attenuated when perceivers are presented with direct information about a specific person's ecology (Studies 1, 4A, and 5B). Third, beliefs that there is high ecological mobility within a society reduce the magnitude of ecology stereotypes (Study 3), as one would expect if ecology stereotypes function to help perceivers better predict others' behavior. Last, ecology stereotypes do not seem to be just general valence biases or to simply reflect social class stereotypes. In sum, ecology stereotypes may be an influential but relatively unexamined type of stereotype, with broad implications for thinking about other group stereotypes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Multicultural Education in Xavier Learning Community, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand

The purpose of multicultural education is not only to preserve cultural traditions among multiethnic students but also to foster critical thinking and reflection on their newly acquired knowledge and on the events occurring around them. While many countries have already focused on the different needs of their student population integrating multicultural education, Thailand’s implementation has been limited, particularly at the preschool and secondary levels in some public schools. This research addresses this gap by focusing on a higher education institution in northern Thailand, Xavier Learning Community (XLC), which caters to students from various religions and ethnic backgrounds. The study aims to understand how XLC implements multicultural education to foster an inclusive learning environment. Employing qualitative research methods, such as participant and non-participant observation, interviews with 25 participants (including Jesuit priests, teachers, lecturers, and students), and document analysis, the research examines the curriculum and activities at XLC that promote multicultural education, critical thinking, and reflection. The research findings indicate that XLC embodies the principles of multicultural education by providing equal educational opportunities, preparing students for a diverse society, and promoting awareness of social justice. XLC’s approach effectively integrates students’ cultural backgrounds into the curriculum, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Notably, critical thinking and reflection courses empower students to address social issues in Thailand. This study provides insights into the effective implementation of multicultural education in higher education settings, emphasizing its potential to establish inclusive and equitable learning environments.

A Cosmopolitan Approach to Preparing Preservice Teachers for a Diverse World

This article considers the future of teacher education through researching the impact of encouraging cosmopolitan perspectives in an undergraduate children’s literature course for preservice teachers. The research question focuses on how preservice teachers respond to reading and dialoguing through a cosmopolitan lens. Reading literature through a cosmopolitan lens entails a reflexive consideration of personal convictions and a reflective openness to learning from the perspectives of others. The results of this study provide insights into how preservice teachers understood a cosmopolitan response. The results also highlight the need for further critical inquiry into how to invite greater reflexive consciousness and reflective openness to other perspectives in preparing teachers for a diverse society.

Variables influencing teachers’ attitudes towards disability at different educational stages

ABSTRACT In the light of an increasingly diverse society, a commitment to inclusive schools must be made, and to this end, it is essential to consider teachers’ attitudes, as these are closely related to the use of inclusive strategies in the classroom. For this reason, this research has analysed the attitudes of 500 teachers from all educational stages and has sought to discover whether significant differences exist according to different variables. For this purpose, two specific scales for assessing attitudes towards disability and teachers’ perceptions of inclusion have been used. The results show that the teachers surveyed have a positive attitude towards inclusion and that there are significant differences in all the variables studied.

Contextualizing Human Rights in Multicultural Environments

This paper explores the intricate relationship between socio-cultural dynamics and human rights in multicultural societies. It examines how norms, belief systems, and power structures shape the perception and exercise of these universal principles. The study employs a qualitative research design, specifically using the Cultural Relativism Framework, to investigate how cultural norms and values influence the interpretation and application of human rights. Through the analysis of literature and case studies, the paper elucidates the interaction between cultural context and human rights interpretations. It acknowledges that human rights are not uniform but are influenced by diverse cultural contexts. Key findings underscore the significance of multiculturalism in human rights interpretation, the impact of social, cultural, and political contexts, the intersection of values, beliefs, and customs, and the roles of states, civil society, and international organizations in shaping human rights discourse. The paper advocates for educational initiatives, intercultural dialogue, inclusive policymaking, and legal reforms to promote and protect human rights in diverse societies. It recommends enhancing human rights education, facilitating intercultural exchange, empowering civil society, addressing discrimination and inequality, and integrating customary laws with formal legal systems. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, societies can uphold human rights and cultural diversity, enabling peaceful, equitable coexistence. This assertion is based on empirical observations and scientific principles that highlight the importance of mutual understanding in preserving human rights and promoting cultural diversity. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of human rights, advocating for a balance between universal principles and cultural specificities.

Evolution of the Minangkabau Inheritance System and its Relevance to Gender Justice in Islamic Law

The inheritance system in Minangkabau, known for its matrilineal lineage, offers a unique perspective on property distribution, especially when contrasted with the patrilineal structure of Islamic inheritance law. This research delves into the historical and cultural evolution of the Minangkabau inheritance system, examining how it has adapted over time due to various social, legal, and religious influences. While Minangkabau customary law (adat) traditionally prioritizes female heirs, particularly through maternal lines, Islamic inheritance law advocates a more balanced approach, emphasizing the rights of both male and female heirs based on predetermined shares. The contrast between these two systems raises important questions about gender justice and the equitable distribution of wealth. Through a detailed exploration of Minangkabau customs and Islamic jurisprudence, this study investigates how these systems have coexisted and the efforts made by scholars and legal authorities to reconcile the differences. A significant focus is placed on the role of reformist thinkers within the Minangkabau community, who have sought to align local practices with the broader principles of Islamic inheritance law while preserving cultural identity. The research also examines the practical implications of these reform efforts, particularly in light of the evolving role of women in Minangkabau society and the growing calls for gender equality. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential for developing an inheritance model that respects both cultural traditions and Islamic values of justice, ultimately contributing to a broader discourse on gender equity in inheritance laws across diverse Muslim societies.

Ethnicity Detection with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN): Bangladesh Perspectives

Ethnicity detection, or the automatic determination of people's ethnic backgrounds using visual data, has become important in a number of disciplines, including social sciences, demographics, and computer vision. With a focus on Bangladesh's complex cultural landscape, we describe in this paper a novel method for ethnicity detection using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). We gathered a dataset of photographs depicting members of the three main ethnic groups living in the Chittagong hill neighborhood: Chakma, Marma, and Tripura. Utilizing the DenseNet121 model's robust feature extraction skills, we customized the architecture to meet the needs of our particular ethnicity detection application. A wide range of performance indicators were used to train and assess our unique CNN model. The outcomes illustrate accurate ethnicity detection technology's potential for identifying and resolving social inequities while showcasing a promising level of accuracy. To address possible biases in the model's prediction, ethical considerations are also covered. Overall, this work advances knowledge of Bangladesh's ethnic variety and demonstrates the potential of CNNs for ethnicity detection. The results provide up new avenues for investigation and applications that advance a more diverse and inclusive society.

Community-based Islamic education: Democratizing learning through local wisdom

This study examines the role of community-based education in the context of Islam as a means of democratizing education and integrating local wisdom, motivated by the need for a more inclusive and responsive education system. Using a literature study method, this research analyzes primary and secondary sources related to Islamic education, democratization, and local wisdom. The results reveal that community-based education has strong historical and normative roots in Islamic tradition, reflected in various forms of traditional educational institutions such as mosques, kuttabs, and pesantrens. This educational model is proven to encourage active community participation, decentralization of decision-making, and integration of local values into the curriculum. However, its implementation faces challenges in balancing national standards with local autonomy, as well as potential conflicts between universal Islamic values and local cultural practices. This study highlights the complexity of integrating local wisdom into modern Islamic education in the era of globalization, paving the way for further research on optimal mechanisms for adapting this educational model to increasingly diverse Muslim societies.

Systematic scoping review of ageing in place strategies in Japan, Singapore and Thailand: A comparative analysis.

Given the differing cultural contexts and service needs of older persons in the west and the east, programs or policies should be thoughtfully redesigned to accommodate these diverse societies. This paper presents a systematic scoping review of ageing in place (AIP) strategies in Japan, Singapore and Thailand, emphasising how they are tailored to address the unique challenges of ageing populations in Asia. A systematic literature search was conducted through seven databases. Empirical, peer-reviewed studies in English that discussed AIP-related programs or policies involving aged populations in the target countries were included. Themes were identified using the policy triangle framework, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of AIP across the countries. Three key components of AIP, place, support network and workforce, were identified from 44 included studies. Each country exhibits distinctive approaches to implementing these components. Japan has extensive AIP systems with comprehensive services and strong community and family support. Singapore offers innovative aged care with significant government involvement, though on a smaller scale. Thailand's localised initiatives focus on community health care and age-friendly city assessments, with a less developed AIP infrastructure. The study proposes a comprehensive framework for developing ageing policies in Asia, emphasising the need for a person-centred approach in developing AIP strategies that cater to the diverse needs of ageing populations, and underscores the importance of integrating health-care services, community support and home environment modifications. The three AIP elements advocate for a person-centred approach, providing valuable insights for policymakers to effectively manage challenges of rapidly ageing populations.