Inclusive Policies Research Articles

A virtuous cycle? Migrant integration policies, attitudes toward immigration, and populist radical right voting in Europe

Are citizens less likely to support populist radical right parties (PRRPs) in countries with more inclusive migrant integration policies? Studies show that integration policies foster positive attitudes toward migrants, which, in turn, are associated with a lower likelihood of supporting PRRPs. However, the impact of integration policies on PRRP voting has not been assessed yet on a cross-country level—neither direct nor dependent on (anti)immigration attitudes. Using data from the European Social Survey 2016 and the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) from 2011 and 2015 for 15 EU member states, we show that more inclusive integration policies are associated with a lower likelihood to support PRRPs. We also find a moderating effect of these policies on the impact of attitudes toward migrants on PRRP voting. However, the effect of migration policy change seems to be more context dependent.

Potential relations between psychological capital, subjective well-being, and academic adjustment among students with learning disabilities: the value of academic support centres

ABSTRACT We investigated the correlations between psychological capital (PsyCap) and academic adjustment in students with learning disabilities (LD), with a focus on the mediating role of subjective well-being (SWB). We compared LD students receiving support from academic centres to those not receiving support and analysed the disparities in PsyCap, SWB, and academic adjustment. We found significant correlations between PsyCap and both academic adjustment and SWB in LD students. There was a notable disparity in PsyCap, SWB, and academic adjustment between LD students with and without academic centre support. We also discovered a mediating effect of SWB in the relationship between PsyCap and academic adjustment. The findings underscore the importance of PsyCap to academic adjustment and well-being in LD students. Interventions aimed at increasing PsyCap should simultaneously focus on improving SWB to more effectively support LD students in their academic endeavours. The findings suggest the need for educational institutions to provide integrated support systems addressing both academic and psychological needs. The study contributes to understanding the dynamics between psychological resources, well-being, and academic success in LD students. It advocates for inclusive educational policies that integrate psychological support with academic assistance, fostering a more supportive learning environment for LD students.

Inclusive and Special Education Policy in Nepal: Reality, Rhetoric and Contradiction

ABSTRACT This study investigated inclusive and special education policy in Nepal. This paper employs social constructionism and discourse analysis as theoretical perspectives. This study is informed by the findings of the author’s doctoral research. Data were collected from a selected key policy document between 1970 and 2020. Discourses of disability was used as a methodology to examine how these policies construct the meaning of disability and inclusive education. The findings of this study demonstrated that Nepalese inclusive and special education policies have been influenced by the medical or deficit and social or human rights model discourse of disability. This article identified that the educational policies of Nepal were consistent and in variation between these two discourses of disability. This study found that inclusive education policies had rhetoric, contradictions and tensions within the policy documents. Limitations and recommendations of this research were also discussed.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Re-Developing the Defunct Panguna Copper Deposit in Autonomous Region of Bougainville

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has been obliged to devise socially inclusive mining legislation and policies that were realised through enactment of Mining Act (2015). It recognises community ownership of minerals found in predominantly maternal system of land ownership. The enactment of a separate mining legislation from that of Papua New Guinea (PNG) was a response to socio-political and environmental legacies associated with former Panguna mine. The cost benefit analysis (CBA) study was conducted using historical data from former Panguna mine and conceptual model of redeveloping the defunct Panguna resource. The results show redevelopment of the remaining copper resource could exceed the net benefits of the former mine. The historical and conceptual efficiency ratios (CBR) being greater than 1 depicted that monetary benefits could exceed production and opportunity costs of mining. Despite excluding social and environmental costs of mining, the positive NPV and IRR create opportunities to forge workable partnerships to enhance low-risk options to reduce net costs and maximize the benefits of mining. A major finding of the CBA study was that despite the local ownership of minerals, the mining lease permits and land access are competitive, similar to regalian ownership system. Also, the benefit redistribution structure was found to be similar to PNG’s regalian system where local ownership of minerals may not be a direct form of nationalisation.

Ideologies of teachers and students towards meso-level English-medium instruction policy and translanguaging in the STEM classroom at a Malaysian university

Abstract English medium instruction (EMI) as a language policy in higher education is based on monolingual conceptions and limits the use of the full linguistic repertoire of bilinguals/multilinguals in the university classroom. Informed by the constructs of language ideology (Spolsky, Bernard. 2009. Language management. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press), translanguaging (Li, Wei. 2018. Translanguaging as a practical theory of language. Applied Linguistics 39(1). 9–30) and pedagogical translanguaging (Creese, Angela & Adrian Blackledge. 2010. Translanguaging in the bilingual classroom: A pedagogy for learning and teaching? The Modern Language Journal 94(1). 103–115), this case study aimed to examine the ideologies held by micro-level stakeholders (i.e., teachers and students) towards institutional English-only EMI policy, translanguaging, and the significance and scope of pedagogical translanguaging in EMI classrooms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six teachers and 10 students at a public research university in Malaysia. Also collected were a variety of publicly accessible institutional documents, including the focal university’s programme brochures, promotional materials and policy statements on its website. Analyses of the interviews and documents revealed that although EMI was officially adopted in the programmes, both teachers and students advocated for translanguaging and underscored its important role in the transmission of new information, effective communication, and scientific meaning-making. In light of these findings, the study concludes that an inclusive language policy is required that allows teachers and students to access all their linguistic resources.

Exploring alternative care options for children in China: recent developments and challenges

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the complexities surrounding alternative care arrangements for children, especially within China’s changing childcare landscape. This paper addresses the gap in understanding the nuances of alternative care options in China by conducting a narrative review of existing literature and governmental documents, focusing specifically on kinship care, institutional care, family foster care, and adoption. The review reveals recent developments and current challenges associated with each form of alternative care, providing insights into the evolving childcare system in China. Key findings include significant progress in diversifying childcare options, increased funding investment in the system, and efforts to standardize alternative childcare practices through policies and legislative measures. However, challenges persist in promoting psychosocial development and preparing individuals living in institutions for leaving care, ensuring adequate resources and support for kinship caregivers, and enhancing participation rates in family foster care and adoption practices. Practical implications for policymakers and child welfare agencies are discussed, emphasizing the importance of promoting family-based care options, providing quality caregiver training, considering various aspects of children’s needs, extending support for kinship care, and formulating inclusive adoption policies.

The Effectiveness of Inclusive Education Policies for Students with Disabilities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the effectiveness of inclusive education policies for students with disabilities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the effectiveness of inclusive education policies for students with disabilities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that such policies played a vital role in promoting educational inclusion and academic success within mainstream educational settings. Despite encountering challenges such as inadequate resources and negative attitudes, inclusive education policies showed promise in creating equitable learning environments. The study emphasized the importance of addressing systemic barriers, promoting positive attitudes, and continuously monitoring and adapting policies to meet the evolving needs of students with disabilities. Overall, the findings underscored the potential of inclusive education policies to foster academic achievement and social inclusion for students with disabilities, contributing to a more equitable and supportive educational system. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Model of Disability, Ecological Systems theory and Critical Disability theory may be used to anchor future studies on inclusive education policies for students with disabilities. The study provided provided recommendations that enhanced theoretical frameworks, improved practice, and informed policy in inclusive education. It emphasized the importance of refining theoretical understandings of disability, providing professional development for educators, and developing comprehensive transition services for students with disabilities. Additionally, the study advocated for policy reforms that promote equity and social inclusion, fostered collaboration among stakeholders, and called for increased funding and support for inclusive education initiatives. These recommendations contributed to advancing inclusive education by promoting more responsive, equitable, and supportive educational environments for students with disabilities.

Cultural Hybridity and Identity Formation in Globalized Societies

Purpose: The general purpose of the study was to explore cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. Preliminary empirical review revealed that cultural hybridity was pervasive, with individuals blending diverse cultural influences to construct hybrid identities. Identity formation was dynamic and influenced by globalization, migration, and historical legacies. Power dynamics, including race and socio-economic status, intersected with cultural hybridity to shape experiences of identity and belonging. The study emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity and dialogue to navigate the complexities of cultural hybridity and foster greater understanding across diverse cultural landscapes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Post- Colonial theory, Intersectionality theory and Transnationalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. The study provided valuable insights and recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It enriched theoretical frameworks by adopting a multidimensional approach to understanding identity formation and underscored the importance of recognizing cultural diversity. Educators, community organizations, and policymakers utilized the study's findings to develop inclusive practices and policies that promoted intercultural understanding, social cohesion, and equitable access to resources. Additionally, media practitioners incorporated the study's insights to produce content that challenged stereotypes and fostered positive representations of cultural diversity. Overall, the study's recommendations have had a significant impact on efforts to promote inclusive development and intercultural dialogue in globalized societies.

The Experiences of Refugees in Host Communities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the experiences of refugees in host communities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the experiences of refugees in host communities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that refugees encountered multifaceted challenges, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, shaping their integration experiences. Positive host community attitudes and inclusive government policies were found to facilitate integration, while negative attitudes hindered social inclusion. Community support networks played a crucial role in fostering refugees' sense of belonging and social cohesion. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of a holistic and rights-based approach to refugee integration, emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders to promote empathy, understanding, and cooperation among host community members and refugees, thus fostering inclusive and resilient societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Acculturation theory and Ecological Systems theory may be used to anchor future studies the experiences of refugees in host communities. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of refugee studies. It recommended further theoretical development to understand refugee experiences better and emphasized community-based initiatives for fostering positive interactions between refugees and host community members. Additionally, the study called for comprehensive integration policies, targeted interventions for vulnerable subgroups, and research-informed policymaking and practice. These recommendations aimed to create inclusive environments and promote the long-term integration and well-being of refugees in host communities.

Inclusion as a science, technology, and innovation policy objective in high-income countries: the decoupling dilemma

Abstract This paper scrutinizes the objective of inclusion in contemporary science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies by analyzing its manifestations within the broad STI policy language promoting a closer interaction between science and society. We contribute to the STI policy literature by revisiting current conceptualizations that primarily center on marginalized groups. By analyzing the Broader Impacts Criterion and Responsible Research and Innovation frameworks in the USA and the European Union, we show that inclusion in the context of high-income countries is partially decoupling from marginalization and increasingly being instrumentalized to serve impact agendas. Our conceptual framework synthesizing the dimensions of goal setting and agency illustrates the broadening scope of inclusive policies and the emergent decoupling dilemma that has been neglected in the literature. Future research must account for the growing ambiguity of policy language that is facing new legitimacy questions and the blurring of objectives focused on supporting marginalized groups.

The changing dynamics of the creative city: Toward an inclusive, participatory, and place-based cultural policy in Wellington, New Zealand

ABSTRACT The policies and practices of creative cities are transitioning from a more externally focused and neoliberally oriented creative agenda toward local, place-based approaches that are grounded in the principles of social and cultural inclusion, participation, and diversity. However, little research has specifically examined the tensions, trade-offs, and opportunities cities might face in this transition. This research explores the creative dynamics of Wellington, New Zealand’s creative capital, pursuing a more inclusive and community-oriented policy. Using a case study approach, we identified seven key themes critical to supporting more inclusive and place-based creative city policies: affordability; availability of creative and cultural infrastructure; a supportive built environment; celebration of Indigenous culture and creative expression; support for inclusion and diversity; reliable funding resources and supportive regulations and processes; and grassroots community innovators. We developed these themes by considering both Wellington’s creative city policies and the existing creative dynamics of the city, which provide implications and recommendations for other cities experiencing similar transitions in their creative city policies.

Rainbows and Ratings: Assessing indices of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the Japanese workplace

ABSTRACT With a growing global interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies, ESG indices and ratings have gained significant influence, but have also come under increasing academic scrutiny as to their validity. As part of this development, LGBTQ+ indices and pledges have also grown in popularity to signal the LGBTQ± friendliness of companies worldwide. This article begins by discussing the overall state of LGBTQ+ employees in the Japanese workplace and addresses to what extent Japanese LGBTQ+ indices can help to assess inclusive work environments. After proposing a novel framework to evaluate the components behind such indices, we apply it to two Japanese LGBTQ± friendliness indices, namely the PRIDE Index and the D&I Award. We find that both LGBTQ+ indices show potential to assess the degree of LGBTQ+ inclusive policy measures. At the same time, they still have weaknesses and leave room for misuse. Yet, these indices have a much stronger validity than other LGBTQ± friendliness markers used in Japan, such as the widely popular United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These findings are not only a timely contribution to the academic literature on the validity of ESG indicators, but they are also relevant to the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, as the newly enacted LGBTQ+ Understanding Law in 2023 lacks effective anti-discrimination measures.

Impact of Migration on Identity Formation: A Study of Second-Generation Immigrants

Purpose: This study sought to explore the impact of migration on identity formation looking at the second generation immigrants. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of migration on identity formation. Preliminary empirical review revealed that migration experiences profoundly influenced the construction of cultural identities. Through an analysis of diverse experiences, the study revealed the heterogeneous nature of identity trajectories among second-generation immigrants, ranging from strong attachment to ethnic heritage to fluid, hybrid identities. Socio-cultural factors such as family dynamics, socio-economic status, and institutional support played significant roles in shaping individuals' identity formation processes. The findings emphasized the importance of inclusive policies and supportive networks in facilitating positive identity development among second-generation immigrants, contributing to a deeper understanding of identity construction in multicultural societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Intersectionality theory and Acculturation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of migration on identity formation. The study made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy by elucidating the complex interplay between migration experiences and identity formation among second-generation immigrants. Drawing upon established theories such as Social Identity Theory, Intersectionality Theory, and Acculturation Theory, the study provided a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping identity trajectories. Recommendations included implementing culturally responsive teaching practices, developing interventions to support psychosocial well-being, and adopting inclusive integration policies. These insights empowered educators, mental health professionals, community organizations, and policymakers to create more inclusive and supportive environments for second-generation immigrants navigating their identities within the context of migration.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being and Productivity in Evolving Work Environments

The evolving nature of work environments has led to an increasing emphasis on holistic employee development, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, spiritual values, restoration, and motivation in the workplace. Research shows that emotional intelligence, workplace spirituality, emotional regulation, and emotional interdependence influence employee well-being and productivity. Spiritual values provide meaning, purpose, interconnectedness, and community, supporting performance. Restoration through natural environments and restorative practices enhances well-being and motivation. Employee engagement involves intrinsic factors like meaningful work, extrinsic factors like rewards, organizational support, work-life balance, training and development, recognition, job design, and organizational culture. Strategies for diverse spiritual beliefs include inclusive policies, nourishing spirit at work, managing beliefs, open expression, humanistic environment, accommodating demands, and studying experiences. Promoting work-life balance involves flexible policies, wellness support, arrangements, connections, formal and informal support, empowerment, family-friendly policies, and assessments. Rest, rejuvenation, and leisure contribute to health, reduced stress, productivity, and motivation. Motivational factors for engagement include intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, organizational support, work-life balance, training and development, recognition, job design, and culture.    Received: 12 February 2024 / Accepted: 19 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Social Inclusion and Justice for the Internally Displaced by the Herdsmen-Farmers Conflict in Benue State, Nigeria

Executive Summary Herdsmen-farmers conflict has displaced 1.5 million residents of Benue State, Nigeria, according to government officials. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have lost livelihoods, farms, personal property and community infrastructure. The paper highlights the social challenges they have experienced and the response by government and international humanitarian agencies (IHAs) to their situations. Based on interviews with 12 IDPs belonging to the displaced population from Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and interviews with seven humanitarian workers, the paper finds that the IDPs: • Have lost family members, neighbors, farms, churches, health centers, and means of mobility. • Cannot safely return home or access their ancestral lands. • Cannot support themselves. • Cannot attend public school or progress to a university. • Lack access to quality health care. • Live with multiple families in insecure shelters. • Cannot reliably obtain birth registration and replace other destroyed documents. • Can register their names, family relations, and former villages, but not their losses, which might lead to compensation and help them to rebuild their lives. The paper makes the following recommendations. • Registration, Effective Remedies and Access to Justice: The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs (FMHA) and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) should document personal and community socio-economic losses to ascertain the extent of damage to IDPs in order to facilitate effective remedies. The Ministries of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, and UNHCR should support the IDPs by providing them with information and procedures that allow them to secure full compensation for their losses, and with safe, permanent solutions to their situations, including full integration into their host communities, safe and voluntary return home, or resettlement in a third community. • Engage IDPs as Stakeholders: The Benue State Government should ensure that BSEMA communicates to IDPs the possibilities for voluntary and dignified safe return. If return is not immediately foreseeable, BSEMA should offer IDPs the means to relocate and resettle elsewhere. • Provision of Sustainable Social Amenities: BSEMA, the FMHA, and international humanitarian agencies (IHAs) should provide sustainable healthcare, shelter, education in IDP camps, financial assistance and the means to access services outside of IDP camps. • Peace through Establishment of Ranches: Benue State Government’s Peace Commission should resolve the herdsmen-farmer conflict and restore peace by promoting peaceful co-existence between the conflicting parties. Herdsmen should be educated on the procedures for legal land acquisition for ranching, and farmers should be able to seek legal redress when their farms are damaged by grazing cattle. BSEMA and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should also facilitate voluntary, safe and dignified return of IDPs or their resettlement in another community. • Safeguard IDP Camps: BSEMA and the Nigeria security agencies should safeguard official and unofficial IDP camps. • Inclusive Policy Implementation: The FMHA in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) should develop humanitarian response plans that are beneficial to all IDPs in Nigeria irrespective of the cause of their displacement.

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace: a conceptual framework comparing the USA and Nigeria

This paper offers a comparative conceptual analysis of diversity and inclusion practices within workplaces in the United States and Nigeria, elucidating the influence of cultural, economic, and legislative factors on these practices. Leveraging an extensive review of existing literature, this study examines the state of diversity and inclusion within corporate settings, identifying pivotal trends, challenges, and opportunities in both countries. The objective is to uncover how diverse societal norms and legislative backgrounds contribute to the shaping of workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives, highlighting the disparities and similarities in their execution and outcomes. The analysis reveals that while both nations acknowledge the value of diversity and inclusion for enhancing organizational performance and innovation, their approaches diverge significantly due to differing cultural imperatives and legal frameworks. In the USA, a robust legal framework and societal pressure towards equality propel sophisticated diversity and inclusion strategies. Conversely, in Nigeria, the evolution of such practices is more gradual, largely influenced by evolving societal norms and an increasing recognition of the economic imperatives for diversity. The paper concludes by presenting a conceptual framework that maps out the critical influences on diversity and inclusion practices in the workplace across both settings. This framework aims to serve as a foundational guide for future research, policy formulation, and practice, offering insights into the optimization of diversity and inclusion strategies in varying socio-economic and cultural contexts. Keywords:  Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Workplace Diversity, Organizational Culture, Unconscious Bias, Leadership Commitment, Inclusive Policies, Employee Engagement, Globalization, Technological Advancements, Intersectionality, Cultural Competence, Strategic Initiatives, Continuous Learning, Data-Driven Insights, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

The political value of letting hopes die

ABSTRACT Much recent philosophical discussion has explored the political value of holding onto certain hopes for shared ends. This paper considers whether there is correlative political value of letting go of certain hopes or at least of refraining from publicly affirming particular hopes for our collective future. For instance, recently a coalition of scientists and governance scholars have called on governments, international agencies, and other actors to agree to a moratorium on a controversial climate-change mitigation strategy known as solar geoengineering. They argue that there is no place for hope for a successful global solar geoengineering strategy in a just and inclusive climate policy portfolio. This paper asks: (i) what sort of demand are these coalitions making? (ii) Is giving up hopes the sort of thing that is warranted for people to do on the basis of these calls? And (iii) is this the sort of thing that can be legitimately demanded of others? Ultimately, I defend both the political value of our own letting go of certain hopes as well as the legitimacy of making such demands on others (at least in certain cases). This is because what I take people to be doing when they make such demands of others is not necessarily to get others to create new desires or to be more or less optimistic about a certain course of action; rather they are making such demands to outline the terms of continued political engagement as they work towards a shared future.

Does Financial Inclusion Matter to Population Health? Insight From a Global Dataset

AbstractCurrently, extensive empirical studies exist on the impact of financial inclusion on socio-economic outcomes such as economic growth, inequality, and poverty. However, research on financial inclusion and population health is limited and still at the infant stage. Therefore, this article adds to knowledge by inquiring into the health implications of financial inclusion using a global panel dataset for 121 countries between 2004 and 2020. After accounting for endogeneity with heteroskedasticity-based instrumental variable regression and cross-sectional dependency with the Driscol–Kraay estimator, we documented that financial inclusion improves population health outcomes. We found that the effect of financial inclusion on population health outcomes also depends on the level of information and communication technology penetration and existing socio-economic conditions in a country. Following this, we showed that financial inclusion improves population health outcomes in countries with lower income inequality and higher GDP per capita, mobile and internet penetration. We further found heterogeneity in the results across geographical regions and income groups. Following these findings, we suggest that financial inclusion policies could enhance population health.

Financial well-being of internal migrant labours: the role of financial socialisation, financial knowledge and financial behaviour

PurposeThe primary purpose of the research is to examine the impact of financial socialisation (FS) on the financial well-being (FWB) of unskilled internal migrant labourers, particularly focusing on the intervening roles of financial knowledge (FK) and financial behaviour (FB).Design/methodology/approachUsing a cross-sectional research design, primary data from 269 unskilled internal migrant labourers were collected, applying the purposive sampling method. Using the data, the direct and mediated effects are examined through a three-path mediation model with structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsDirect relationship analysis of FS on FWB exhibits an insignificant relationship, and FK also does not mediate the relationship; instead, FB acts as a potent mediator in both relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThe study enriches existing literature as it contributes to understanding the FWB of internal migrant labour, highlighting the pivotal role of FS and FB. Further, it provides insights for policymakers to enhance FWB through targeted interventions and inclusive policies, promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment and inclusive development.Originality/valueDespite the significant economic role of unskilled internal migrant labours, studies have not focused on their FWB. Hence, the study delves into their FWB through FS directly as well as indirectly using a three-path mediation model for achieving sustainable development.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2024-0044

Examining Grade 6 Teachers’ Knowledge and Understanding of Differentiated Instruction in O.R. Tambo Inland District in South Africa

It is essential to ensure differentiation in curriculum delivery to give all learners access to learning while also meeting the diversity of learner needs in the classroom in line with the Republic of South Africa’s inclusive education policy. This mixed methods study sought to examine grade 6 teachers’ knowledge and understanding of differentiated instruction to respond to the diverse needs of learners in OR Tambo Education District in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected from three randomly selected primary schools using interviews, questionnaires, and classroom observation tools. Four grade 6 teachers for mathematics and reading-to-learn were selected from each school (N 12). Key findings revealed that teachers lacked knowledge and understanding of differentiated instruction, and how it should be implemented in the classroom. This implies that all teachers should be trained or in-serviced (during and after training respectively) on how to respond to learners’ diverse needs during teaching and learning. This study contributes to knowledge in the field of inclusive education. The results of this study may influence universities to design teacher education programmes, methods, and/or interventions, which will enhance responses to learner diversity through differentiated instruction. This study could help researchers uncover the critical areas of differentiated instruction, its importance and its application in the classroom, its benefits for teachers and learners, and its impact on student learning. Keywords: Curriculum Delivery, Differentiated Instruction, Learner Diversity, Pedagogical Knowledge.