Participation In Society Research Articles

Online discussion or authentic dialogue? How design affects discussions in two alternative types of online forums

AbstractAuthentic dialogue demands that we respond, interpret and sometimes disagree with others' ideas—a key component of participation in a democratic society. Yet the sharing and uptake of different ideas can be hampered by traditional online platforms which divide students into isolated threads. To tackle this issue, we introduce two novel online forums designed to foster engagement and idea exchange: a linear chat, akin to SMS, and a collaborative writing forum we call CREW. Seventy‐three graduate students, divided into 18 small groups, tested these forums. We used discourse analysis to measure idea uptake and other dialogic features. From this analysis, seven discussions emerged as particularly interactive and engaging, exhibiting a high uptake‐to‐turn ratio. We noticed linear chat encouraged a high proportion of uptake, but also produced ‘tangles’—breaks in related post chains. CREW discussions sparked similar engagement but resolved most tangles since they required a collaborative written response. This study offers fresh insights in both research and teaching for improving online discussions. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic A vital practice for scholarly dialogue and democratic discourse is uptake: building on what others have written or said. Instead of encouraging uptake of others' words and ideas, typical online discussions in Learning Management Systems (LMSs) can inadvertently isolate students in separate threads. What this paper adds We introduce and analyse two new, innovative types of online discussions that may encourage more uptake of others' words and ideas. To eliminate isolation and encourage uptake, a linear chat forum makes all posts visible, but may produce interruptions, or ‘tangles’. A forum that includes collaborative responsive writing requires participants to converge on a collective response, encouraging dialogue and overcoming tangles. Implications for practice/policy Teachers and other stakeholders might consider how discussion forum designs in LMSs can support or limit authentic dialogue. Practitioners might consider how to incorporate deliberation about a shared focus into online discussions. Instructors might avoid tangles by aligning assignment purposes with dialogic principles: posing authentic questions that invite multiple interpretations and require uptake of others' responses.

Kielivalinnat ja kielenvaihtaminen ensikielisten ja ei-ensikielisten suomenpuhujien keskusteluissa – Kyselytutkimus

Immigration into Finland has increased in recent years. Learning Finnish is essential for integrating into Finnish society. We investigated L1 Finnish speakers’ language choices and language switching in everyday conversations with L2 Finnish speakers, and their reasoning for these choices. The data were gathered in an online survey with 358 respondents. The majority of L1 Finnish speakers reported starting conversations with L2 Finnish speakers in Finnish. However, 95% of respondents also reported switching the language of the conversation to English. The reported reasons were efficiency, speed, politeness and the desire to help. Most respondents also assumed that L2 Finnish speakers would react positively to the language switch. The results outline the need for mutual agreement on language choice and switching in everyday discussions. L1 Finnish speakers should understand the importance of offering possibilities to speak Finnish speakers should understand the importance of offering possibilities to speak Finnish to facilitate language learning and to ensure equality in discussions and aid participation in Finnish society.

Masyarakat Sebagai Pilar Penegakan Hukum: Konstitusi Kritis Warga Negara

This article discusses the role of society as one of the important pillars in law enforcement, particularly in the context of the critical constitution of citizens. This type of research is qualitative research, namely literature study. Data collection is carried out through research literature published through google scholar. Various articles relevant to the focus of research are reviewed and analyzed various findings. In addition, analysis and synthesis are carried out through various relevant book sources. The process of data analysis is carried out qualitatively which consists of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The finding of this study is that people who have a good understanding and awareness of the law can play an active role in supervising and criticizing the implementation of the law by the government and law enforcement officials. Civil society participation is essential to prevent abuse of power and ensure compliance with the constitution. Legal education for the community needs to be improved so that citizens understand their rights and obligations and can participate in the law enforcement process. Community involvement in the legal policy-making process is also needed so that the laws made are in accordance with the needs and sense of justice of the community. Partnerships between governments, law enforcement officials, and civil society are essential to effective and equitable law enforcement

CASHLESS SOCIETY MANAGING PRIVACY AND SECURITY IN TECHNOLOGICAL AGE

A cashless society is an economic state which handles financial transactions not in the form of traditional mediums of currency, such as cash or coins, but by transferring digital data (usually by electronic means, such as credit cards and mobile data) between participating parties. Participants of a cashless society must Figure out a way to protect their transaction data, acknowledging the risks of organizations collecting mass amounts of said data, which result in a reduction of personal privacy. Balancing individual privacy with data security is vital in the information age, especially considering the increasing risk of data breaches and exploitation. In order to increase privacy in a cashless society, a few courses of action can be combined to produce a lasting and desirable result for users: A new kind of banking service that assigns randomized numbers to credit cards, the use of blockchain to monitor all transactions from individuals, and a campaign to educate and inform key stakeholders about security and privacy risks to provide the necessary tools and background knowledge to safeguard their own information before interaction with a foreign entity or other third parties i.e. cyber security departments, IT technicians, etc. Blockchain and card number randomization are both susceptible to zero-day errors, bugs, and varied levels of social acceptance. This preliminary research draws on a systems analysis of cashless systems to identify and analyze a set of social and technical solutions to support a robust cashless system that protects users’ privacy and maintains the security of the system. The information found and analyzed will be beneficial by exposing weak points in current methods of data integrity and security. Learning about current and future methods of managing privacy and data security in the technological age would be helpful in creating preventative counter measures. Key Words: Cashless economy, e-banking, card swipe, digital money, plastic money, transparency and digital transaction.

A nationwide study of the impact of social quality factors on life satisfaction among older adults in rural China

In rural China, the aging population faces unique challenges that affect their life satisfaction. These challenges are compounded by disparities in access to resources compared to urban areas, making it crucial to address these issues to ensure a dignified and fulfilling later life. Understanding and improving life satisfaction for this demographic is essential, not only for the well-being of the elderly but also for the overall social stability and economic sustainability of these communities. Using a rural sample from the Chinese Social Survey (CSS), this study investigates the interplay between social quality factors and life satisfaction among older adults in rural China. It focuses on the roles of socioeconomic security, social cohesion, social inclusion, and social empowerment in shaping the well-being of this demographic. It was found that the four conditional factors of social quality—socioeconomic security, social cohesion, social inclusion, and social empowerment—have different influences on life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. The statistical model shows that the influence of absolute family income on social and economic security does not have statistical significance. In contrast, housing, pension insurance participation, and public safety perception positively affect life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. Among the social cohesion factors, higher social morality, legal system evaluation, social identity, grassroots government, and interpersonal trust contribute to the life satisfaction of older adults in rural areas. Regarding social inclusion factors, good social tolerance, social equity, and perception of government public services can significantly improve life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. For social empowerment factors, social participation helps expand the social support network of older adults in rural areas, enhancing their life satisfaction. Paths to improving the quality of rural society should be explored to improve relative poverty in rural areas. They should continue to be pursued to strengthen the old-age security system for older adults in rural areas. Further, the National Medium- and Long-Term Plan for Actively Responding to Population Aging should be the base for forming an elderly-friendly society. A good atmosphere promotes the participation of people, families, and society; supports social cohesion; enhances inclusion; and promotes social participation, improving life satisfaction.

Becoming Changemakers: How Social-Emotional Learning Can Enhance Civic Agency Development

To better prepare students for active and thoughtful participation in a democratic society, civic education should foster an array of civic competencies. Cultivating student civic agency—an under-studied civic competency—is of particular importance to equip students to authentically use their voice in their communities. But what does it look like to foster student civic agency in a classroom setting? This article leverages a social and emotional learning (SEL) framework to uncover the active curricular ingredients and educational mechanisms through which a student-led civics curriculum has fostered civic agency. In this multi-site case study, we analyze the implementation of an eighth grade student-led civics curriculum in a northeastern U.S. state. We outline how implicit SEL processes in these classrooms, stemming from a pedagogical focus on “changemakers,” supported development of civic agency. We found that the changemakers theme facilitated student exploration of their own civic identity and values, while prompting students to critically examine political power structures. Notably, the theme also helped students to develop a narrative of self as changemakers and to envision themselves actively engaged in civic spaces. This study adds insights to growing evidence on the multi-faceted benefits that civically-oriented SEL may offer to preparing young people to engage in democracy.

Voices unheard: Inclusive journalism in Indonesian election reporting

The media holds a pivotal role in shaping the public agenda, particularly in the context of elections. In this process, media coverage is expected to embody inclusivity by encompassing the multifaceted nature of our society, incorporating diverse sources, and narrating a story that reflects a myriad of perspectives, including those of marginalized groups. This research, grounded in the principles of inclusive journalism, investigates how Indonesian media sheds light on people with disabilities (PwD) within the framework of election reporting. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, this study examines articles published on two prominent online platforms – Kompas.com and Detik.com – focusing on their coverage of issues pertaining to PwD within the electoral context. The research highlights generally positive media coverage but notes a limited representation of PwD. Government sources dominate, indicating a need for more inclusive journalism. While legal and human rights perspectives prevail in framing, there is a call for more direct voices from PwD. Overall, the study underscores the importance of inclusive reporting, recognizing PwD as active participants in both politics and society for a more equitable democracy in Indonesia.

Public Control as a Tool for Combating Crime

The article is devoted to the analysis of the place and role of the institution of public control in the system of tools to combat crime. This institution of civil society is analyzed as the most important legal guarantee for the implementation, protection and defense of the system of constitutional principles in Russia, as well as the system of human and civil rights and freedoms, the rights and legitimate interests of numerous public associations and other non-governmental non-profit organizations. The authors substantiate the importance of the institution of public control in the Russian Federation as a tool for the prevention and suppression of crimes. At the same time, the role of this institution of civil society is particularly highlighted as a tool in the fight against corruption and other crimes committed by officials of public authorities, state and municipal organizations, and other bodies and organizations that exercise certain public powers on the basis of federal laws. The article formalizes and explores the main problems that impede the use of the institution of public control in the fight against crime in the Russian Federation, in particular due to: the lack of mention of this institution of civil society in the Basic Law of Russia; imperfect legislation on public control; weak powers of its subjects; removing from the scope of the Federal Law of dated of 21.06.2014 № 212-FL “On the Fundamentals of Public Control in the Russian Federation” the activities, acts and decisions of the majority of Russian law enforcement agencies, as well as types of public relations where there is a high crime rate; weak funding from the budgets of all levels of activities of subjects of public control; weak use of positive foreign experience of civil society institutions in the fight against crime; insufficient use of modern information and communication technologies. The authors have developed and justified a system of measures to resolve these problems, including by: incorporating public control into the Constitution of Russia; developing a system of federal laws devoted to the organization and implementation of public control in relation to the activities, acts and decisions of the country's law enforcement agencies; expanding the powers of subjects of public control; active use of foreign positive experience of civil society participation in the fight against crime; development of a system of federal programs for organizational, legal, financial, technical support for the institution of public control in Russia.

“Run for All”: Rob Burrow (and Kevin Sinfield) as a symbol of contemporary discourse about disability and sports participation

ABSTRACT Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are iconic Leeds Rhinos ex-rugby league players. In recent years they have collectively engaged in charitable work for the motor neurone disease (MND), a condition Rob was diagnosed with in 2019. One of their recent challenges was to participate in the ‘Run For All’ 2022 Leeds 10K road race. Kevin pushed Rob around the course in an adapted wheelchair. This kind of ‘assisted running’ has only recently become permissible in road race events. In this paper we present a commentary on the position of Rob and, by implication, Kevin in the ‘Run For All’ Leeds 10K as a symbol of contemporary discourse about disability and sports participation in society. Specifically, we consider the following questions: 1) What does it mean to be included and participate in sport? 2) How does the visibility of Rob in this event challenge the disability/ability binary? And 3) What role do non-disabled allies play in shaping perceptions of their disabled counterparts in sport? By exploring these questions, we contend that it should not matter that Rob and Kevin took on different roles, moved in different ways, and received different kinds of support. These facets of their collective participation signal the possibilities that open up when consideration is given to the ‘normality of doing things differently’. In concluding we argue that Rob and Kevin’s participation in the Leeds 10K represents the possibilities of what road races can become if some of the taken for granted conventions in sport are reconsidered.

Cultivating ambiguities within higher music education – preparation for singers’ professional societal participation in opera conservatory and music theatre programs

Earlier research has stated the need for conservatory education to prepare aspiring musicians more thoroughly for a dynamic and changing society. A project that challenges the conservatory tradition is Sammankonst (TogetherArt) where students at a musical theatre program at folk high school level collaborate with intellectually disabled adults. Based on a phenomenological way of thinking, this article aims to describe and analyze the education of aspiring musicians for professional participation in society based on an analysis of experiences among conservatory students, music theater students and their teachers. Interviews were made with six conservatory students, 15 musical theatre students, and two teachers. The results show ambiguities when it comes to what voice students should be prepared for and how the choice of preparations influence the view of singing and musicians’ quality competence.

Archaeological Chronicles of Viktor Hoshkevych (1860—1928)

In the article an attempt to comprehensively cover the chronology of the archaeological activity of the well-known local historian, archaeologist and founder of the first museum in Kherson, Viktor Ivanovych Hoshkevych (1860—1928) is presented. His scientific path from a student of the Faculty of History of the Kyiv University to an archaeologist is traced. It is proposed to divide the intellectual biography of the scientist into several nominal stages for a more systematic presentation of the material. Special attention was paid to his scientific and publishing activities and participation in scientific societies. This article is an English-language and updated version of one of the chapters of the monograph by A. V. Shevchenko (Шевченко 2023).

Contributions of Reading Support from Teachers, Parents, and Friends to Reading Related Variables in Academic and Recreational Contexts

AbstractReading skills are considered an important lever for success in school and active participation in society. They are positively associated with reading motivation, reading self‐concept, reading frequency, and behavioral engagement in reading (e.g., time, effort), variables that tend to decline as students move from elementary to secondary school. Few studies have yet compared the contributions of reading support from teachers, parents, and friends to each of these variables among students of different age groups. In this multicohort correlational study, students (n = 1246) in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 completed a questionnaire measuring the reading support they perceived receiving from three social agents (teacher, parents, and friends) as well as variables related to reading in academic and recreational contexts. The data collected were used to evaluate the construct relevance and predictive validity of the questionnaire. The results suggest that: (1) Reading support can be conceptualized in nine dimensions defined according to the source that provides it (e.g., teachers) and the type to which it corresponds (e.g., relatedness support); (2) secondary school students overall consider that they receive less reading support than do elementary school students; (3) reading support from teacher has unique contributions to certain variables measured in the academic context without, however, having as many positive contributions as parents in this context; (4) reading support provided by parents and friends is important in both reading contexts, particularly in the recreational context. Methodological, theoretical, and practical implications are discussed.

Child Education from Islamic and Western Perspectives

Child education is a crucial aspect of individual and societal development. This study discusses and compares the concepts of child education from Islamic and Western perspectives, focusing on educational objectives, teaching methods, and the role of teachers. The background of this research stems from the need to understand the differences and similarities between these two approaches to create a more holistic and inclusive educational system. This research employs a library research method, gathering data from various relevant primary and secondary literature, including books, academic journals, and research articles. Data analysis is conducted descriptively and comparatively to identify the main themes, differences, and similarities in child education concepts from both perspectives. The findings indicate that child education from the Islamic perspective emphasizes character and spirituality formation, while Western education focuses more on developing critical thinking skills and active participation in society. Teaching methods in Islam are holistic, emphasizing moral and spiritual education, whereas Western education employs student-centered and interactive approaches. The role of the teacher in Islamic education is more of a moral exemplar and authoritative figure, whereas in Western education, the teacher acts as a facilitator supporting student exploration. The conclusion of this research is that integrating Islamic and Western educational approaches can result in a more comprehensive educational system, which not only develops the intellectual aspects but also the moral and spiritual aspects of children. Therefore, it is recommended to develop curricula and teaching methods that combine the moral values of Islamic education with the critical and creative approaches of Western education. Adequate teacher training is also essential to support the implementation of a holistic and student-centered educational approach.

Child Rights of Children with Disabilities

Approximately 16% of the global population have some type of disability. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines disability as having a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment that interacts with the environment hinders one participation in society on an equal basis with others. Despite their privilege to equal rights and opportunities, children with disabilities often face discrimination and barriers to expressing themselves fully. The study aims to assess the existing knowledge regarding the right of children with disabilities among stakeholders. A total of 72 stakeholders involved in childhood disability were surveyed using a cross-sectional, exploratory research design. Individual interviews with semi-structured questionnaires were conducted. The findings revealed that 56% of respondents had limited or no awareness of the rights outlined for children with disabilities by the United Nations. Only 24% of stakeholders were familiar with existing educational policies aimed at facilitating the education of children with disabilities. The study highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and education among stakeholders regarding the guiding principles of UN child rights to promote the equitable treatment and inclusion of children with disabilities in society.

“It's a form of psychological warfare against educators”: Protective factors for sustaining social justice education in contentious times

The recent onslaught of divisive concepts legislation in the U.S. threatens the psychological safety of social justice educators in the workplace and the preparation of K-12 students for participation in a diverse democratic society and global community. This study identifies supports that sustain social justice educators' commitment to teaching for justice and how these supports function as protective factors against external opposition. From interviews of 17 justice-oriented teachers and administrators, ethnographic field notes and documents, findings indicate five types of support that function as protective factors in contentious political times: community-oriented, educational/instructional, structural, legal, and declarative.

Navigating multilingual identities: The role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation

This paper explores the complex interplay between multilingual identities, social belonging, and political participation. It delves into how individuals navigate their multilingual identities within different social and political contexts and how they influence their sense of belonging and engagement in civic life. The research aims to shed light on how languages serve as bridges and barriers in social integration and political activism. Multilingualism is a complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' identities, social interactions, and political engagement. This Review explores the role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation, highlighting how multilingual individuals navigate their identities in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. Multilingual individuals often develop multifaceted identities shaped by their proficiency in multiple languages and experiences in multilingual environments. These identities are dynamic and fluid, influenced by language use, cultural background, and social context. Multilingualism allows individuals to express different aspects of their identity, negotiate cultural differences, and navigate complex social landscapes. Languages play a crucial role in shaping social belonging by providing individuals with a sense of connection to their communities and cultures. Multilingual individuals often use different languages to communicate with different social groups, reinforcing their sense of belonging and cultural identity. Additionally, languages can serve as markers of cultural heritage, allowing individuals to maintain and celebrate their linguistic and cultural diversity. Furthermore, languages also play a significant role in shaping political participation. Multilingual individuals often use their language skills to engage in political discourse, advocate for their rights, and participate in democratic processes. Language can serve as a tool for empowerment, enabling individuals to voice their opinions, mobilize communities, and influence political outcomes. In conclusion, multilingualism is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon that shapes individuals' social belonging and political participation. By exploring the role of languages in shaping identities and facilitating social and political engagement, this Review provides insights into the complex interplay between language, identity, and society. Understanding the role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation can inform policies and practices that promote linguistic diversity, cultural inclusivity, and democratic participation in diverse societies. Keywords: Multilingual, Social, Identity, Political.

The Changing Implications of ‘Tabunka Kyōsei in Regional Societies’: The Confused Reformation of Official Concepts of Multicultural Co-Living in Japan in the 2010s

ABSTRACT While ‘multicultural co-living (tabunka kyōsei) in regional societies’ was established in the mid-2000s as the principle justifying public policies for foreign residents in Japan, it was often criticized for espousing a logic that hides foreign residents’ lack of participation in Japanese society. Responding to such criticism, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and an academic advocating ‘tabunka kyōsei 2.0’ tried to reform the concept to promote community cohesion and foreign residents’ social participation by introducing the values of interculturalism and inclusion. In the same period, however, through the development of ‘regional empowerment (chihō sōsei)’ policies, another interpretation of ‘tabunka kyōsei in regional societies’ emphasizing the utilization of ‘foreign human resources’ to compensate for declining populations and economies in local areas emerged. It became the dominant logic justifying the Japanese government’s new ‘society of kyōsei with foreign nationals’ principle until the end of the 2010s. The MIC’s interpretation of tabunka kyōsei in regional societies was marginalized due to its internally confused logics. This article critically examines the complicated intertextual reformation process of concepts and principles around tabunka kyōsei in Japan in the 2010s through detailed text critiques of numerous official documents published by the central and local governments.

Navigating complexity: looking at the potential contribution of a boundary organisation in Portugal to evidence-informed policy

Governments deal increasingly with multidimensional problems involving high levels of complexity. These so-called wicked problems, such as climate change, demand coordinated and coherent government action, as well as multi-stakeholder approaches. Boundary Organisations (BO), working at the knowledge-interface of the science–policy–society nexus may contribute substantially to both ends. This paper considers the potential contribution of the recently created Competence Centre for Planning, Policy, and Foresight of the Public Administration (PlanAPP), a Portuguese BO at the centre of government, to evidence-informed policy. To this goal, we focus on two streams of literature, Policy Coordination and Coherence (PCC) and Knowledge Governance (KG). An analytical framework with two dimensions is proposed: the first dimension considers if and how PlanAPP engages in boundary work; the second dimension looks at the activities that PlanAPP implements and their potential for PCC and KG. Our results support the idea that PlanAPP is promoting work on the knowledge-interface for public policy, with the potential to become a main player in supporting governments to address policy issues, including wicked problems, whilst potentially triggering a shift to knowledge governance in Portugal’s public administration. Nevertheless, PlanAPP could further intensify boundary activities, especially by increasing civil society participation and producing shared outputs that all actors involved recognise as legitimate, increasing trust in policy and institutions. This study’s methodology may be replicated to improve understanding of BOs and their contribution to policymaking in other contexts.

Research and development expenditure gap: does women’s political empowerment matter?

ABSTRACT Sustained economic growth has been high on the list of priorities of many developed and developing nations, and the importance of new technology to sustained economic growth has long been recognized in the literature. Despite the extent of this literature and the importance of innovation to economic outcomes, surprisingly little is known about the effect of women’s political empowerment in the research sector. This study proposes filling this gap by examining the effect of women’s political empowerment on research and development expenditure. Using data from 66 developed and developing countries and system GMM estimation, we show that women’s political empowerment has exerted, on average, a positive effect on research and development investment. Moreover, further study shows that women's level of participation in civil society has the largest effect, followed by women’s civil liberties. By analyzing these underlying transmission channels, we find that this effect is partly due to the positive effects of women's political empowerment on the accumulation of human capital and on institutional quality, which in turn improve the level of spending on research and development. Based on these results, economic policy implications are discussed.

Keynote address by Hon Professor Robert Doya Nanima

The Right Honourable Judge of the High Court of Kenya,Honourable Judges of the First Model African Committee of Expertson the Rights and Welfare of the Child (First Model Committee),representatives from the state(s), civil society organisations, academia,students, participants, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon.I thank you for extending the invitation to me. I bring you warmregards from the African Committee of Experts on the Rights andWelfare of the Child (ACERWC). The Chairperson and the Bureau areaway in Zambia celebrating the Day of the African Child. I thank youall for adding value to this First Model Moot Competition premised onthe auspices of the ACERWC. It shows that you believe in the work ofthe ACERWC and that you have taken a dissemination strategy thatinforms both the students in the competition and the participants heretoday.