Justice Advocacy Research Articles

From Roots to Practice: Ongoing Professional Development Experiences of Family Therapists Following Ethnic-Racial Socialization Discussions with Latino Families

This qualitative study explored couple/marriage and family therapists’ experiences following ethnic-racial socialization conversations with Latino families in therapy. Semi-structured interviews with therapists ( n = 20) were conducted. A rigorous thematic analysis revealed how multifaceted contextual influences shaped participants’ ongoing professional development, emphasizing growth from experiences and advocacy for justice. The results provide recommendations for enhancing inclusive practices among therapists working with Latino families, leveraging awareness of exposures and interactions across contexts.

The Role of Art in Empowering Marginalized Communities

Art has historically played a significant role in providing a voice to marginalized communities, enabling them to share their unique cultural narratives, express resilience, and advocate for social justice. This paper examines how visual, performing, and folk arts contribute to the empowerment of communities that have long been excluded from socio-political and economic development. Through historical analysis of art movements such as the Mexican Muralist Movement and the Black Arts Movement, alongside case studies like the Allsorts SLAM and “I am Liverpool,” the study underscores art’s role in fostering identity construction, well-being, and social capital. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges in aligning art-based initiatives with the true needs of marginalized groups and proposes strategies for creating sustainable, community-centered art projects that drive long-term empowerment. Keywords: Marginalized communities, Empowerment through art, Cultural identity, Social justice.

Pedagogizing Identity in Teacher Education Through Critical Autoethnographic Narrative

In this study, I report on my use of critical autoethnographic narrative (CAN) writing with English language teacher candidates (TCs) in a graduate-level teacher education course. In that iterative, scaffolded writing activity, I coached TCs to construct their teacher identity in narrative and make visible to themselves ideologies dominant in the sociopolitical context of language teaching. Drawing data from my CAN implementation in Spring 2023, I analyze Pamela's (pseudonym) case to address this research question: How does she construct her English language teacher identity in a semester-long CAN writing activity? The qualitative data analysis demonstrates that Pamela's language teacher identity involved: (a) becoming a social justice advocate, (b) grappling with neurodiversity, and (c) positioning language as an evolving local contextualized practice. Based on her positioning of language, she denies ‘one right way’ approach to language use, ‘teaching as correcting errors’ approach, and ‘assessment as gatekeeping’ approach as part of her teacher identity. Pamela's CAN shows that the personal, professional, and political dimensions of language teaching are intricately intertwined in teacher identity, and that teacher identity construction involves tensions of competing ideologies in the sociopolitical context.

Fairer Training in public health, the UK FPH example

Abstract Background Public Health (PH) advocates for health equity and social justice. The UK Faculty of Public Health (FPH) is committed to tackling inequalities across the public health career pathway. The Fair Training project is a multi-phased programme which focuses on fair recruitment into PH, reducing differential attainment during PH training and postgraduate examinations. Objectives • Analyse available data from various sources; • Identify gaps in fair training culture and any biases; • Identify where support or interventions may best be focussed to minimise disadvantages; • Identify improvements in data that could be used to monitor actions; • Identify areas of good practice. Variables explored were demographic characteristics e,g, age, sex, ethnicity, disability status, professional background, candidate status (UK or overseas), place of primary qualification. Results Results show that candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, those who are older, from international medical graduate backgrounds and backgrounds other than medicine are under-represented at the end of recruitment. Multivariable analysis of the diplomate exam shows that an attainment gap exists across increase with age, and those from black, Asian or white other ethnicity, professional background other than medicine, and overseas candidates. For the membership exam, multivariable analysis shows the attainment gap persists across those of increasing age and black ethnicity. Conclusions Recognising differential attainment as a structural problem requires organisational and individual leadership. Recommendations include an action plan to ensure: • Equality of opportunity for learning and career progression; • Collaborative working to eliminate discrimination in the design of education; • Ensure that training and the working environment are inclusive and diverse; • Inform future PH workforce planning; • Share good practice. FPH will implement the recommendations and share with other organisations and countries. Key messages • Structural causes of differential attainment during recruitment and training in public health do exist and should be mitigated. • FPH aims to promote Fair Training and excellence in public health practice.

Gender equality in the Qur’an: An Analysis of surah an-Nisa’ verses 1 and 34 in the exegesis of al-Tabari and al-Rāzī

Surah An-Nisa' verses 1 and 34 have been central to discussions on gender. According to the interpretations of Imam al-Ṭabarī and Imam al-Rāzī, these verses place women in a subordinate role, both in domestic and non-domestic spheres. This interpretation is considered biased, not reflecting the true essence of the Qur'an. Therefore, further research is necessary to uncover the Qur'an’s intended view on gender in these verses. The study uses a descriptive-analytical method with a qualitative approach, gathering data from books, theses, and articles. The findings reveal that al-Ṭabarī and al-Rāzī's interpretations reinforce male superiority in patriarchal tradition, stating that Eve was created from Adam's rib and that the husband is the absolute leader of the wife. However, contemporary scholars argue that interpreting "nafs" as referring to the unity of humanity without any connotation of gender superiority, emphasizing equality in Islam. The Qur'an advocates for justice in gender issues, making traditional interpretations obsolete in today's context. Regarding Surah An-Nisa' verse 34, al-Ṭabarī and al-Rāzī interpreted men as the rightful leaders over their wives due to the advantages given by Allah, with financial responsibility as the foundation of their authority. However, modern-contemporary tafsir scholars reject this view, interpreting qiwāmah as shared responsibility regardless of gender, emphasizing partnership in the household and gender equality in Islam. This reflects efforts to understand Qur'anic verses contextually and inclusively, supporting the principles of equality and justice.

‘It Never Ends’: Disability Advocacy and the Practice of Resilient Hope

Political advocacy is an important religious practice. But social activism can be discouraging. This paper integrates moral theology, virtue ethics, positive psychology and spiritual formation to highlight the importance of resilient hope for social justice advocates. Part 1 describes an important justice issue—public services for disabled people. Part 2 defines transformational advocacy and outlines an advocacy theology. Part 3 analyzes despair and hope. Part 4 summarizes spiritual practices for building resilient hope.

Preservice ethics teachers’ perceptions of AI ethics education

ABSTRACT In the ever-evolving landscape of AI, moral educators play a crucial role in promoting the positive development of youth and addressing potential ethical challenges posed by AI. This study employed Q methodology to explore the perceptions of 30 South Korean preservice ethics teachers on AI ethics education, and five distinct perception types emerged: Human-Centered Ethical Guardians of AI, AI Skeptics, AI Abuse Preventers, Competence Cultivators for Coexistence with AI, and AI Social Justice Advocates. These five types encapsulate the distinct gestalt of individuals that intertwines various perceptions regarding AI ethics principles as well as AI technology, the future of the AI era, and the purpose of AI ethics education. By aligning educational approaches with individuals’ perception types, teacher education programs can contribute to a more balanced viewpoint on AI and AI ethics education among preservice teachers.

(Re)Imagining the future of multicultural education: reinvesting, reorienting, and reshaping multicultural education

Abstract Multicultural education (ME) remains essential to the development of a critical mass of culturally and socially conscious global citizens. Yet, as a field, the minoritization of ME parallels the marginalization of those whom the field was designed to support and uplift. Despite growing movements to overturn policies and programs that support diverse learners, many still ponder whether ME remains relevant to American society. Thus, this article aimed to (re)imagine the future of ME by proffering three considerations to support the uptake and sustainability of ME. In the present article, we argue that scholars reinvest, reorient, and reshape ME. First, we argue that it is important to recognize that multicultural education (ME) is a unique field with a critical role in education as well as significant implications beyond the academic environment. Then, we must reinvest in the future of ME financially, socially, and emotionally. Through reinvestment, we can reorient the ME field, resituating it in relation to the challenges of today’s racially and ethnically tense, pluralistic society. To this end, reshaping ME programs is key, including revitalizing coursework to effectively prepare educators, lay persons, social justice advocates, and others interested in universal equity. Implications for the future of ME are provided, as well as recommendations for actualizing these considerations.

Youth perceptions of AI ethics: a Q methodology approach

ABSTRACT AI technology advancement has sparked a global initiative to educate youth on AI ethics. Understanding students’ prior knowledge is vital. This study explores the diverse perceptions of AI ethics among Korean middle school students using Q methodology. Four types emerged: Privacy Guardians, AI Coexistence Pursuers, AI Ethics Conservatives, and Domestic Distributive Justice Advocates. These classifications reflect the students’ concerns, attitudes toward AI, and value preferences. Despite differences, there is consensus on the importance of human dignity and disagreement with the fair distribution of economic benefits of AI between countries. The findings suggest the need for tailored educational strategies based on students’ perceptions to foster balanced ethical reflection.

From Debutante to Dominican Economist and Public Intellectual: Sister Thomasine Cusack and the Genealogy of U.S. Catholic Social-Liberalism

Abstract: Sister Thomasine (Jane Evelyn) Cusack (1905–1978) forsook her life of economic privilege to enter the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Trained as an economist, she was among the few women religious in the pre-Vatican II era who became prodigious scholars and public intellectuals. This research traces her chief influences, including her father, Thomas Cusack, members of her Dominican community, especially Sister Vincent Ferrer Bradford, and her priest mentors at the Catholic University of America. Their collective influence and her explication of their ideas and ideals suggest a genealogy of Catholic social-liberalism from the 1930s to the 1970s and indicate how Sister Thomasine and other like-minded educators and activists modeled a pathway for later social justice advocates.

Insurgent climate adaptation in Santiago de Cali: Resisting and reshaping flood-risk resettlements

Climate adaptation in Latin American cities involves navigating highly contested social and cultural terrains. In cities with black and indigenous communities they are confronted with challenges such as histories of racial exclusion and informal, self-built housing in high-risk areas. This study examines Project Plan Jarillón, a flood protection infrastructure project in Santiago de Cali which involves Latin America’s largest relocation project. Cali, home to a large Afro-Colombian population, is also one of Colombia’s fastest growing cities and the second largest reciever of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country. The study, based on 5 years of fieldwork including site visits and interviews, found the city’s failure to account for the segregation of black residents in high-risk areas has led to resistance, conflict and delays in the completion of the project. However, by forming an insurgent planning practice which draws from local culture and traditions of resistance, Afro-Colombian communities re-centered public debate on demands for racial and cultural recognition, and the right to decent housing. This insurgent planning is creating more democratic forms and approaches to climate adaptation in Cali at a pivotal moment in Colombia’s history as it negotiates a post-conflict process and positions itself as a global advocate for climate justice.

Just Participatory Research with Young People Involved in Climate Justice Activism

This commentary reflects on the tensions inherent in enacting creative, co-produced, and participatory methods with younger co-researchers who are also climate justice advocates. Whilst participatory research with young people involved in climate justice work has the potential to build intergenerational networks of solidarity, such research is contoured with complexity. The authors, two university-based researchers, juxtapose the social justice agenda at the foundation of participatory research, with the climate justice agenda, and consider the resonances and tensions between research and social movements. They advocate for an intersectional climate justice approach to participatory research that positions young people as co-researchers and co-authors, aiming to counter epistemic injustices and amplify the voices of those first and worst affected by climate change. Simultaneously, the felt value-action gap (between the justice sought and the injustices that persist within research) generates questions about the profound differences, even incommensurability, between university-generated research and the pursuit of climate justice in movement spaces. A series of questions are offered to those engaged in participatory research with younger people to prompt collective reflection on research processes and practises. The commentary concludes with a call for university-based researchers to engage critically with the power structures within academia and to prioritise the needs and goals of younger climate justice advocates over institutional demands.

On Swami Vivekananda and Caste Prejudice: Ethical Implications of the Experience of Non-Duality

The well-known modern Hindu reformer and pioneer of Vedānta in the West, Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), based his ethical vision on mysticism: specifically, on the direct experience of non-duality and the ultimate unity and organic interconnectedness of all beings. This paper will explore the implications of this experientially based ethos for caste prejudice. Caste remains a hot-button issue in India to the present day and was no less so in the time of Swami Vivekananda. This system of social organization is rightly criticized by social justice advocates for the inequities it enshrines and enforces in Indian society. Because it has historically been justified by reference to Hindu textual sources—specifically such Dharma Śāstras as the Manusmṛti—prejudice based on caste, or casteism, has frequently been depicted, especially by critics of Hinduism, as essential or inherent to Hindu traditions. The implication of this identification of caste with Hinduism, and caste with social injustice, is that Hinduism is an intrinsically wicked and unjust religion. Such simplistic equations fail to consider the extent to which caste prejudice has been condemned by authoritative Hindu teachers, not least, by Swami Vivekananda himself. It is thus important to rearticulate Swami Vivekananda’s rejection of caste prejudice—and indeed, of all prejudice—based on Advaita Vedānta both to make the case against such prejudice in today’s world and to address criticisms of Hinduism as inherently or essentially casteist. Finally, it will be noted that Vivekananda’s criticisms of caste anticipate those of a contemporary anti-casteist voice from the Advaita tradition: that of Hindu theologian Anantanand Rambachan, who has also argued against prejudices of various kinds, including caste prejudice, based on Advaita Vedānta.

Reproductive Justice: Mary Wollstonecraft on Women’s “Rights Against Domination” for the “Cause of Virtue”

ABSTRACT Wollstonecraft's name and work have been invoked repeatedly since Dobbs, not only because she wrote the first major political treatise defending women's rights but also because several leaders of the so-called “prolife” movement have sought to reclaim the label “feminist” by enlisting Wollstonecraft in the contemporary antiabortion, anticontraception, and heterosexual family-centered cause. The article challenges these anachronistic and revisionist histories, which ignore Wollstonecraft's life experiences and wider corpus. Especially in her late novel, The Wrongs of Woman, abortion is both a prominent metaphor for the book as a whole and a crucial narrative event for both heroines. I argue that Wollstonecraft's life, work, and ethical commitments, particularly her advocacy for “rights against domination” and “for the cause of virtue,” make her a fitting historical ally to contemporary advocates of reproductive justice who see women's rights to abortion and maternity as among the many important issues for women's health and reproductive justice.

Kerentanan Perempuan dalam KBGO

Technological advancements have increased the forms and types of crimes, including online gender-based violence (GBV). The COVID-19 pandemic has driven Indonesian society to engage in online activities, leading to a 23% increase in internet usage by April 2020, but also triggering a surge in cyberattacks, with 190 million cases recorded during the same period. Cases of online GBV have risen from 281 in 2020 to 1697 in 2023. This research examines the vulnerability of women to online GBV and the challenges faced by the Gender Justice Advocates Collective (KAKG) in providing legal protection. Factors such as patriarchal culture, lack of digital literacy, objectification of women, and victim-blaming culture exacerbate women's vulnerability. KAKG faces obstacles including limited human resources, insufficient family support, and difficulties in determining the location of crimes. This study employs a non-doctrinal method, examining the implementation of laws in society. Interview data indicate that the majority of online GBV victims are women, with a significant increase in complaints from 2022 to 2023. The study highlights the importance of digital literacy education and training for law enforcement officers with a victim-centered and gender-equitable perspective to effectively handle online GBV cases.

Soil carbon offset markets are not a just climate solution

There is growing interest in enhancing soil carbon sequestration (SCS) as a climate mitigation strategy, including neutralizing atmospheric emissions from fossil‐fuel combustion through the development of soil carbon offset markets. Several studies have focused on refining estimates of the magnitude of potential SCS or on developing methods for soil carbon quantification in markets. We call on scientists and policy makers to resist assimilating soils into carbon offset markets due to not only fundamental flaws in the logic of these markets to reach climate neutrality but also environmental justice concerns. Here, we first highlight how carbon offset markets rely on an inappropriate substitution of inert fossil carbon with dynamic stocks of soil carbon. We then note the failure of these markets to account for intersecting anthropogenic perturbations to the carbon cycle, including the soil carbon debt and ongoing agricultural emissions. Next, we invite scientists to consider soil functions beyond productivity and profitability. Finally, we describe and support historical opposition to offset markets by environmental justice advocates. We encourage scientists to consider how their research and communications can promote diverse soil functions and just climate‐change mitigation.

Counselors as Social Justice Advocates: Experiences Addressing Systemic Marginalization

A phenomenological study was conducted to determine how counselors are experiencing engagement in social justice advocacy. Participants included seven (N = 7) licensed clinical counselors in the United States. Several themes emerged from the data: social justice advocacy as part of counselor professional identity, experiences of emotional discomfort and gratification, advocacy in action on a micro-, mezzo-, and macro-level, skills utilized to be effective advocates, identity impacting advocacy efforts, challenges faced, and advocacy successes. Results highlighted advocacy action steps that counselors can take to support clients. Skills needed to effective advocates included gaining a knowledge of systems, self-awareness of bias and privilege, intentionality and strategy with advocacy actions, and use of common counseling skills such as compassion and managing challenging responses. Four main elements are identified for potential training implications: (1) establishing a clear professional identity/role around social justice advocacy, (2) teaching advocacy competencies, (3) education about what advocacy practice looks like, and (4) building skills frequently utilized in advocacy practice.

Forensic journalism: A sistematic literature review

This article provides a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on forensic journalism. This is a field which combines the areas of journalism and forensic investigation and plays an essential role in crime report and journalistic investigation, in connection with the legal system and advocacy of justice. The SLR considered a corpus of 90 scientific articles, from four databases: Web of Science, B-On, Communication Abstracts and Scopus. The authors demonstrate a particular interest in discussing the framing of crime news, as well as their effects on audiences. The idea that runs through is that of the relevance of quality journalism. An investment in journalism education and in the specialisation of journalists comes out as a possible path towards enhancing the quality of the news. Even though this is a well established area, “forensic journalism”, the concept itself, is yet to be widely adopted by researchers.

The Great Spirit of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Abstract Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, renowned as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a tireless advocate for social justice, has left an enduring impact on India’s socio-political landscape. This research essay delves into the multifaceted spirit of Ambedkar, emphasizing his profound engagement with Buddhism and the emergence of Neo-Buddhism as a potent catalyst for social transformation. His conversion to Buddhism symbolized a resolute renunciation of the entrenched caste hierarchy, heralding an embrace of the Buddha’s teachings that exalted the fundamental interconnectedness of all sentient beings. This underlines his steadfast belief in Buddhism as an antidote to the deeply ingrained caste system, marking his unwavering dedication to bestow a renewed spiritual identity upon the marginalized. Ambedkar’s profound reinterpretation of Buddhist philosophy, with a focus on its social dimensions and ethical code, exemplifies his spirit of adapting Buddhism to the contemporary struggles of the oppressed.

Republicans Listen to Rap, Too: Tupac’s Engagement with Black Conservatism

In the 25-plus years since his death, Tupac Shakur’s legacy has been reimagined as one of a fighter of social injustice and revolutionary whose discography ushered in an era of more “conscious” rap. The consensus scholarly and popular re-imagining of Shakur’s legacy as that of a progressive social justice advocate in the nearly 30 years since his death downplays or altogether overlooks his occasional alignment with conservative ideas. But this reimagining also ignores a longer history of Black music and conservative values. This essay examines Tupac’s complicated relationship with conservative thought and how his musings on the Black family mirrored the laments of conservative intellectuals like George Schuyler, Albert Murray, Stanley Crouch, Walter E. Williams, and Shelby Steele, as well as political figures such as Keyes, Armstrong Williams, and JC Watts. The authors also argue that looking at the legacies of rappers such as Tupac Shakur from purely a left/right perspective doesn’t properly account for the extent to which hip-hop culture has always been in conversation with the gamut of political discourses in the United States over the past 50 years.