Inclusive Dialogue Research Articles

What do college students think about artificial intelligence? We ask them

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming different aspects of the economy and society of countries. There are diverse effects when comparing the impact in developed versus developing countries. In the educational sector, efforts to incorporate AI have largely ignored the input from those directly impacted by it. This document presents results from a survey about AI to university students in Latin America. The information presented comes from a survey conducted in November 2023 to college students with ages between 18 and 25 years in four Latin American countries: Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador. The results indicate that, in general, youth have a positive view about the potential of AI, though limited knowledge in the topic. Moreover, university students in the region do not want to be passive recipients of AI. They want to participate directly in conversations about this very current topic and have concerns about different aspects of AI implementation in the region. These findings highlight the need for universities, governments, civil society and international organizations and the private sector to work together to create spaces for inclusive dialogue where the youth could directly participate in conversations that crucially matter for their lives.

Kemerdekaan Berfikir dan Berteologi Kristen

This research discusses freedom of thought as an important element in the development of Christian theology and how the church responds to modern social challenges. Freedom of thought, although it often faces obstacles from church authority and attachment to tradition, provides opportunities for a more inclusive and progressive theological dialogue. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, which involves in-depth interviews with church leaders and document analysis. The results show that freedom of thought contributes to enriching Christian theology and strengthens its relevance in responding to social issues, such as gender equality and social justice. This study concludes that freedom of thought plays an important role in maintaining the relevance of Christian theology in the midst of changing times without ignoring the teachings of the core faith.

Navigating Information Equity, Access, and Literacy in the Context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In today's interconnected world, the ability to access and critically analyze information is essential for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. This proposal seeks to explore challenges and strategies related to information literacy amidst political and policy confrontations to continuously achieve fundamental principles. Objectives:•Highlight the importance of information literacy in promoting diverse perspectives and combating bias.•Discuss strategies for equitable access to accurate information, particularly for marginalized communities.•Explore the role of media and education in shaping inclusive narratives and fostering informed dialogue.•Address the impact of misinformation and polarization on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Panel Topics:Understanding Information Literacy: Define information literacy and its significance in empowering individuals to navigate complex information landscapes. Promoting Diverse Perspectives: Examine how access to diverse sources and viewpoints contributes to a more inclusive understanding of societal issues. Equitable Information Access: Discuss barriers to access reliable information, particularly in underserved communities, and propose solutions for greater equity. Expected Outcomes:•Increased awareness of the importance of information literacy in promoting diversity and inclusion.•Identification of actionable strategies for improving information access and combating bias in media.•Inspiration for collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive dialogues and empowering marginalized communities. Audience:Our target audience includes educators, media professionals, community organizers, policymakers, and individuals passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through enhanced information literacy.

From schools of thought to an ecology of practices: Categorizing circular economy's futures

AbstractIn response to pressing societal challenges, scholars are increasingly focusing on research aimed at fostering sustainable futures. We contribute to that discussion by theorizing the circular economy (CE) as an “ecology of practices.” The ecology of practices concept helps to make sense of a developing field that has been heavily practitioner‐driven. Through an analysis of the diverse CE practices in analytical and operational contexts, we investigate the roles, disciplinary influences, and visions for the future and categorize their trajectories. Drawing on the sociology of expectations, we consider the articulations of CE in practice, advocating for inclusive dialogue among stakeholders and collective engagement with ontological multiplicity in shaping CE futures. We propose a framework that contributes to broader debates in organization and management studies, emphasizing the significance of everyday practices in shaping sustainable futures beyond the realm of CE. In so doing, we focus on unpicking how sustainable futures are variously enacted as a way of enabling collaboration that might otherwise be hindered by disciplinary obligations.

The Fragility of Democracy: Political Conflict in South Asia

The complex interplay between political conflict and democratic fragility in South Asia is the focus of this research paper. The study examines South Asia to understand how conflict catalyzes and hinders democratic progress. The research delves deep into the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities, ethnic and religious tensions, and institutional weaknesses. It analyzes how conflict can trigger democratic reforms through popular mobilization and erode governance and institutions. The study highlights the fragility of democratic systems in the face of deep-rooted conflicts and the challenges of balancing competing interests. It underscores the need for South Asian nations to address underlying grievances to strengthen democratic institutions and foster inclusive dialogue to navigate conflict constructively and secure a stable democratic future. The research employs a qualitative approach, relying on a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis to draw insights into the multifaceted relationship between political conflict and democratic development in the selected region.

Bridging Divide with Innovative Media: Telexistence and Human Augmentation

This paper explores the transformative potential of haptic design and human augmentation, inspired by Dr. Minamizawa's keynote address at the 2024 Emerging Media for Communicating Sustainable Development Goals conference (held in Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 30 March, 2024). By integrating tactile feedback into prosthetics and wearable devices, and employing robotic avatars and virtual interfaces, these technologies bridge the physical and virtual realms, redefining presence and interaction. The convergence of haptic design with telexistence and human augmentation enhances sensory engagement and bodily awareness, challenging traditional boundaries between biology and technology. However, these advancements might also raise ethical considerations and societal concerns about privacy, accessibility, autonomy, and safety. The future of human augmentation demands responsible development and inclusive dialogue to ensure empowerment, equity, and collective progress. This paper highlights the need for a human-integration approach to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by these emerging technologies.

Ethical Aspects of Human Genome Research in Sports-A Narrative Review.

Human genome research in sports raises complex ethical considerations regarding the intersection of genetics and athletic performance. Pursuing genetic enhancements must uphold fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity. This narrative review explores the ethical dimensions of human genome research in sports, its potential implications on athletes, and the integrity of sports. As a narrative review, this study synthesizes the existing literature and expert insights to examine the ethical aspects of human genome research in sports. This study extensively examined the current literature on genetics, sports performance, ethical concerns, human rights, and legal regulations within the European context. The literature was searched using the SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases. Exploring human genome research in sports reveals significant ethical implications, including potential genetic discrimination, impacts on human rights, and creating a genetic underclass of athletes. There are also definite benefits surrounding genetic testing. In conclusion, this review contends that integrating ethical considerations into developing and applying genetic technologies in sports is crucial to upholding fundamental principles of fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity. It stresses the importance of open and inclusive dialogue about the potential consequences of genetic advancements on athletic performance, future generations, and the integrity of sports.

Universality versus Cultural relativism in International Human Rights: A Case Study of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of Uganda 2023

This research examines the frequent conflict that has emerged between the universal human rights standard and the indigenous cultural practices with special attention paid to the Anti-Homosexuality Act of Uganda of 2023. The Act criminalized same-sex relationships, an act that is in violation of universal human rights principles and showed a probable conflict between international norms and local cultural values. This review unravels how the Anti-Homosexuality Act of Uganda fits with or goes against international human rights commitments and further to determine more general implications of balancing universal principles against cultural relativism. The doctrinal approach adopted in this study includes a review of relevant international treaties, Uganda’s legislation and academic literature. The findings reveal that the Act, to an extent, undermines universal principles of human rights through the violation of rights to privacy, dignity, and equality. Such tug of war will require a lot of inclusive dialogue with the local communities and advocacy for protection of human rights which respects the cultural context. In addition, international organizations should support capacity building and facilitate debates that improve tolerance and respect for human rights. The work will engender a debate in reconciling universal human rights and cultural diversity, as well as emerging lessons for more effective and sensitive strategies in international human rights advocacy. Keywords: Universality, Cultural relativism, Human Rights and Homosexuality

Perception of Youth Regarding Aurat March in Pakistan: An Exploratory Study

The current study explores the perception of youth regarding Aurat March in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance in understanding young people’s perspectives on gender issues. The semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct the interviews with young people. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings indicate that young people hold positive and negative views of the Aurat March. On the positive side, many perceive it as a crucial protest against gender inequality and injustice, offering a platform for individuals to advocate for women's rights. However, there are also concerns among youth that the Aurat March promotes vulgarity and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, which some perceive as a western agenda. Additionally, some participants feel the march primarily represents the issues of elite women rather than addressing broader societal concerns. This study highlights the importance of involving young, educated individuals in the Aurat March to raise awareness of gender issues, challenge societal norms, and create a more inclusive dialogue around women’s rights in Pakistan. Understanding these diverse perceptions is essential to increase meaningful conversations and progress toward gender equality in the country.

Jewish Self-identification and Political Compromise: Evidence from the IsraeliPalestinian Conflict

This paper explores the relationship between Jewish self-identification and their attitudes to political compromise in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, grounded in social identity theory. The multifaceted dimensions of Jewish identity, such as religious, cultural, and national ones, and their impacts on political stances and peace negotiations. Through semi-structured interviews, the study reveals that Jewish collective identity significantly influences their political positions and behavior. Most respondents held that their Jewish identity shapes their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, mainly due to experiences of being persecuted and the establishment of Israel after the Holocaust, which lead them to a cautious attitude to political compromise, especially regarding security or sovereignty. Additionally, internal divisions within Jewish community (e.g., conservative to progressive) significantly influenced their attitudes to the conflict and a two-state solution. It emphasizes the important impact of recognizing and respecting Jewish identity on fostering inclusive dialogue, bridging ideological gaps, and promoting peace. It is necessary to pay attention to the crucial role of historical memory and cultural heritage in shaping political positions for effective conflict resolution strategies. This study offers insights but also exists limitations, suggesting future research, such as quantitative analysis and widening data collection to capture evolving political attitudes within the global Jewish diaspora.

From mandate to co-create: leading the development of inclusive performance evaluation criteria

PurposeAnnual performance evaluations of faculty are a routine, yet essential, task in higher education. Creating (or revising) performance criteria presents an opportunity for leaders to work with their teams to co-create evaluation metrics that broaden participation and minimise inequity. The purpose of this study was to support organisational leaders in developing equitable performance criteria.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted the “dual-agenda” dialogues training that draws on concepts of collective self-efficacy and intersectionality for department leaders to co-create annual review criteria with their faculty members at one university. We used qualitative and quantitative data to assess the training and conducted an equity audit of the resulting annual review criteria.FindingsSurvey results from faculty members and departmental leaders (n = 166) demonstrated general satisfaction with the process used to create new criteria, perceptions that their criteria were inclusive and optimism about future reviews. Those with greater familiarity with the dialogues process had more positive perceptions of the inclusivity of their department’s criteria and more positive expectations of future reviews. The examination of eight indicators of equity illustrated that the resultant criteria were transparent and holistic.Originality/valueThis study builds on the relatively little research on faculty members’ annual performance evaluations, focussing on inclusive dialogues that centre equity and diversity. Results highlight the value of providing department leaders with evidence-based tools to foster system-level change through equitable evaluation policies. A toolkit is available for adaptation of the “dual-agenda” leadership training to both co-create annual review criteria and improve equity and inclusion.

Molecular farming navigates a complex regulatory landscape.

Molecular farming, the practice of engineering plants to produce recombinant proteins, presents novel challenges and opportunities for domestic markets and international trade. This article explores the multifaceted risks associated with these biotechnological advancements, including public health concerns related to recombinant animal proteins produced in plants, cross-contamination and unintended allergens, and the necessity for stringent identity preservation systems to avoid past failures. On the global stage, the trade of such genetically engineered crops brings about unique regulatory concerns, underscoring the need for internationally harmonized policies and reevaluating existing low-level presence (LLP) thresholds to address unexpected allergens. Moreover, molecular farming ventures into complex religious and ethical territories, particularly affecting communities with strict dietary laws, such as Islamic, Jewish, and those following vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. Addressing these concerns requires a collaborative approach among scientists, regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and religious figures, aiming to foster an inclusive dialogue that navigates the ethical, religious, and environmental implications of integrating animal proteins into plant-based systems. Such efforts are essential for ensuring the responsible development of molecular farming technologies, contributing to a future of sustainable, secure, and inclusive food systems that respect diverse cultural and ethical values.

Grušovnik, Tomaž, Reingard Spannring, and Karen Lykke Syse, eds. Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2021

Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze edited by Tomaž Grušovnik, Reingard Spannring, and Karen Lykke Syse, stands as a groundbreaking work that delves into the intricate phenomenon of denialism, a critical barrier in addressing ecological crises and advancing animal rights. Through its compelling interdisciplinary lens, the book dissects the psychological, sociocultural, and political underpinnings of denial, challenging entrenched anthropocentric views. This review provides a critical analysis of the book and highlights its pivotal role in bridging theoretical ethics with real-world environmental and animal welfare challenges. The editors’ adept selection of contributions guides readers through a thought-provoking journey in denialism, encompassing personal introspection, societal critique, and a scrutinizing look at economic, political, and legal frameworks. Despite its primarily Western-centric perspective, the book is essential in advocating for a broader, more inclusive global dialogue in future research. The book emerges not just as an academic text but as an urgent call to action, resonating with scholars, policymakers, and activists. In essence, this work emphasizes the necessity for a transformative shift in how we perceive and interact with the natural world and its non-human inhabitants.

Public Relations and LGBTQ+ Equality Issues: Supporting the Rights and Representation of the LGBTQ+ Community in Media and Society

The function of Public Relations is very important in shaping public opinion, especially regarding sensitive issues such as LGBTQ+ equality. Since the representation and rights of the LGBTQ+ community are often still limited and biased in the media and society, it is important to examine further how public Relations can support advocacy for these communities. This study aims to investigate Public Relations strategies and actions that support LGBTQ+ equality and assess how effective they are in increasing the positive image of the LGBTQ+ community in the media and general public. This research focuses on identifying Public Relations actions that assist in accepting and respecting LGBTQ+ rights. The research methods used are quantitative and qualitative. This method was chosen for data collection and analysis involving interviews, media content analysis related to the LGBTQ+ equality campaign, and surveys regarding public perceptions of the campaign. The results of this research show that inclusive and educational communication strategies from Public Relations can increase awareness and support for LGBTQ+ issues. Campaigns that highlight personal stories, collaborations with influencers, and advocacy activities are effective in creating a more inclusive and empathetic dialogue in society. This research concludes that Public Relations plays a crucial role in supporting LGBTQ+ equality through effective and inclusive communication approaches. Strong collaboration between Public Relations practitioners, the media, and the LGBTQ+ community is needed to expand LGBTQ+ representation and rights. Public Relations serves as an important intermediary to promote better understanding and social acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community

THE SECURITY OF EU CITIZENS WHEN CONFRONTED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISINFORMATION

The paper explores the evolving challenges of disinformation campaigns and climate change migration within the European Union (EU) and NATO. It highlights the urgent need for proactive and coordinated responses to safeguard democratic societies and governance systems. Disinformation, propagated through digital platforms, threatens democratic processes and public discourse. Meanwhile, climate change exacerbates societal upheaval and migration patterns, posing complex security implications. The paper emphasizes the imperative of integrating environmental considerations into conflict resolution strategies and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to counter disinformation effectively. By elucidating the multifaceted nature of these threats, the paper underscores the importance of collective action to address climate-related security challenges and preserve international stability. Ultimately, it calls for comprehensive strategies that promote media literacy, enhance digital resilience, and foster inclusive dialogue to mitigate the adverse effects of disinformation and climate change migration.

Christian anthropology-based contributions to the ethics of socially assistive robots in care for older adults.

Our society, in general, and health care, in particular, faces notable challenges due to the emergence of innovative digital technologies. The use of socially assistive robots in aged care is a particular digital application that provokes ethical reflection. The answers we give to the ethical questions associated with socially assistive robots are framed by ontological and anthropological considerations of what constitutes human beings and how the meaning of being human relates to how these robots are conceived. Religious beliefs and secular worldviews, each of which may participate fully in pluralist societies, have an important responsibility in this foundational debate, as anthropological theories can be inspired by religious and secular viewpoints. This article identifies seven anthropological considerations grounded in the synthesis of biblical scriptures, Roman Catholic documents, and recent research literature. We highlight the inspirational quality of these anthropological considerations when dealing with ethical issues regarding the development and use of socially assistive robots in aged care. With this contribution, we aim to foster a global and inclusive dialogue on digitalization in aged care that deeply challenges our basic understanding of what constitutes a human being and how this notion relates to machine artefacts.

Harnessing Dialogue as a Social Technology for Systems Change in Development Institutions

Across global development discourse and practice can be seen a growing a recognition that deep transformation of social, economic and ecological systems cannot be achieved through new policies, data or technology alone. The capabilities needed for 21st century leadership and governance relate to the ability to create new conditions, relationships and pathways for social and moral imagination to flourish. Drawing from an in-depth case study of several interlinked initiatives of the United Nations Development Programme to build such capabilities among development practitioners, this conceptual paper elaborates the continued need for, and pathways and barriers to institutionalizing, more dialogic- and process-based approaches to systems transformation in mainstream development processes. It posits that a reconceptualization of dialogue within multilateral and government-led systems transformation frameworks in particular can help valorize the seeds of development impact that reside in the sites where culture, relationships and shared consciousness are built. Further learning is needed, however, to understand and address barriers that lie in normative perceptions, organizational culture, and accountability frameworks of these institutions, which impede the rhetorical interest in inclusive and transformative dialogue from translating to more process- and relationship-centric ways of working. As a contribution to this learning, the paper considers how conceptual frames that give weight and visibility to the role of social containers in systems change processes, with dialogue as a core technology for container-building, canhelp advance more transformative development paradigms and praxis that tend to the reciprocal relationships between inner change and societal change.

Mapping the terrain of hate: identifying and analyzing online communities and political parties engaged in hate speech against Muslims and LGBTQ+ communities

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of X on political discourse and hate speech in Finland, focusing on Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities from 2018 to 2023. During this period, these groups have experienced increased hate speech and a concerning surge in hate crimes. Utilizing network analysis methods, we identified online communities and examined the interactions between Finnish MPs and these communities. Our investigation centered on uncovering the emergence of networks propagating hate speech, assessing the involvement of political figures, and exploring the formation dynamics of digital communities. Employing agenda-setting theory and methodologies including text classification, topic modeling, network analysis, and correspondence analysis, the research uncovers varied communication patterns in retweet and mention networks. Retweet networks tend to be more fragmented and smaller, with participation primarily from far-right Finns Party MPs, whereas mention networks exhibit wider political representation, including members from all parties. Findings highlight the Finns Party MPs' significant role in fostering divisive, emotionally charged communications within politically segregated retweet communities, contrasting with their broader engagement in mention networks. The study underscores the necessity for cross-party efforts to combat hate speech, promote inclusive dialogue, and mitigate political polarization.

Ethical perspectives regarding Euthanasia, including in the context of adult psychiatry: a qualitative interview study among healthcare workers in Belgium

IntroductionPrevious research has explored euthanasia’s ethical dimensions, primarily focusing on general practice and, to a lesser extent, psychiatry, mainly from the viewpoints of physicians and nurses. However, a gap exists in understanding the comprehensive value-based perspectives of other professionals involved in both somatic and psychiatric euthanasia. This paper aims to analyze the interplay among legal, medical, and ethical factors to clarify how foundational values shape the ethical discourse surrounding euthanasia in both somatic and psychiatric contexts. It seeks to explore these dynamics among all healthcare professionals and volunteers in Belgium.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Dutch-speaking healthcare workers who had encountered patients requesting euthanasia for psychiatric conditions, in Belgium, from August 2019 to August 2020. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied to the interview transcripts.FindingsParticipants identified three pivotal values and virtues: religious values, professional values, and fundamental medical values encompassing autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, linked to compassion, quality care, and justice. These values interwove across four tiers: the patient, the patient’s inner circle, the medical realm, and society at large. Irrespective of their euthanasia stance, participants generally displayed a blend of ethical values across these tiers. Their euthanasia perspective was primarily shaped by value interpretation, significance allocation to key components, and tier weighting. Explicit mention of varying ethical values, potentially indicating distinct stances in favor of or against euthanasia, was infrequent.ConclusionThe study underscores ethical discourse’s central role in navigating euthanasia’s intricate landscape. Fostering inclusive dialogue, bridging diverse values, supports informed decision-making, nurturing justice, and empathy. Tailored end-of-life healthcare in psychiatry is essential, acknowledging all involved actors’ needs. The study calls for interdisciplinary research to comprehensively grasp euthanasia’s multifaceted dimensions, and guiding policy evolution. While contextualized in Belgium, the implications extend to the broader euthanasia discourse, suggesting avenues for further inquiry and cross-cultural exploration.

Client-centered flexible planning of home-based postpartum care: A randomized controlled trial on the quality of care.

Standardization of health systems often hinders client-centered care. This study investigates whether allowing more flexibility in the planning range of the Dutch home-based postpartum care service improves its quality of care, as innovative approach to client-centered care. A randomized controlled trial was conducted (2017-2019), in which pregnant women who intended to breastfeed were assigned into two groups (1:1). The intervention group was allowed to receive care up to the 14th-day postpartum, instead of the first 8-10 consecutive days ("usual care"). Primary outcome measure was the proportion of newborns still receiving exclusively breastmilk on final caring day of the service. This so-called successful breastfeeding rate is currently used by the Dutch health sector to measure the quality of care. Secondary outcome measures were self-care experience, overall care experience, and exclusive breastfeeding duration rate. Based on data from 1275 participants, there was no difference in exclusive breastfeeding on final caring day (86,7% intervention group vs. 88,9% control group, RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.98-1.07). Both groups showed similar self-care experiences. Women in the intervention group had slightly poorer overall care experience and lower exclusive breastfeeding duration rates. This study found no effect on the quality of care when allowing more flexibility in the planning range of home-based postpartum care. Women can, therefore, be offered more flexibility to suit them. Given the confusion in interpreting the sector's current main quality indicator, we call for an inclusive dialogue on how to best measure the quality of home-based postpartum care.