Inclusive Policies Research Articles

A Multicultural Approach in Islamic Education to Increase Tolerance

This study aims to explore the application of a multicultural approach in Islamic education as an effort to increase tolerance among students. In the midst of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity in Indonesia, Islamic education is faced with the challenge of not only forming a religiously devout person, but also respecting differences and living in harmony in a pluralistic society. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature study approach. Data were collected through observation and analysis of documents, then analyzed qualitatively to identify patterns of application of multicultural values in the curriculum, teaching, and social interaction in schools. The results of the study show that a multicultural approach in Islamic education can strengthen the attitude of tolerance among students. The implementation of values such as respect for diversity, empathy, and cross-cultural dialogue in the teaching and learning process has been proven to be able to reduce prejudice and increase cooperation between groups. However, the success of this approach is highly dependent on teacher commitment and support from educational institutions and inclusive education policies. Therefore, it is recommended that Islamic educational institutions integrate a more systematic multicultural approach in their curriculum to create a more tolerant and harmonious educational environment.

Assessing Evidence-Based Disability Inclusion Policy and Practices to Promote Employment of People With Disabilities in the Workplace: Scale Development and Validation

There is a strong commitment in the United States and the European Union to better support people with disabilities in the competitive labor market, where disability inclusion is widely viewed as a social imperative and underscored in policies, such as the European Union’s Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2020–2030, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. However, there is a lack of readily available strategies and tools for rehabilitation counselors to collaborate effectively with businesses and organizations in assessing their progress toward these inclusion goals. To address this need, the Disability Inclusion Profiler (DIP23) was developed to assess disability inclusion policies and practices. This study aimed to examine the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the DIP23 in a sample of 466 human resources managers. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor measurement structure: (1) Executive Level and (2) Middle Management and Staff Level Disability Inclusion Policies. Both factors demonstrated strong internal consistency and correlated with employment rates of people with disabilities. The DIP23 is a psychometrically sound measure for rehabilitation counselors to help organizations assess their disability-inclusive climate and identify areas of strengths and areas needing improvement to increase disability representation in the workplace.

Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Fertilizer Subsidy Program in Coffee Farming, A Case study of Kenya

Fertilizer subsidy program is used to boost productivity by availing fertilizer to farmers at a cheaper price than the market price. This research sought to determine the technical efficiency of fertilizer subsidy program on coffee farming in Kenya. Coffee is a major cash crop of small-scale farmers, which has been experiencing declining productivity. The study adopted non-experimental cross-section research design. The study was carried out in Mukurwe-ini Sub-County, in Nyeri country, Kenya. Structured questionnaire were used to collect primary data from coffee farmers. Stochastic frontier production function (SFA) was used to evaluate the technical efficiency of coffee farming by analysing the relationship between coffee inputs and outputs. The SFA results revealed that fertilizer subsidy has a significant effect on technical efficiency. The technical efficiency for the individual farmers was found to range between 10.44% and 95.15% with a mean of 77.87%. The results revealed that about 76% of the coffee farmers were operating above 70 percent or more technical efficiency levels. Additionally, about 94% of the coffee farmers were operating at a technical efficiency level of above 50%. The coffee cooperative societies had variance in their technical efficiency - Rumukia at 80.65%, Ruthaka at 76.12%, Rugi at 79.97% and Gikaru at 79.24%. Technical inefficiency was found to be significantly influenced by age of the farmers and cooperative societies’ management. The study recommends development of inclusive policies that address income disparities among coffee farmers, improvement of cooperative societies’ management, and enhancing farmers’ trainings

Equity in Public Facilities Provision in an Urban Area: A Spatial Analysis of Rajshahi City Corporation

In the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC)area, spatial sizeis not proportionate to the placement of public facilities due to rapid urbanization and population growth. This raises the question ofwhat is the level of equity present inthe provision of public facilities in the city corporation area. For this research, primary schools, high schools, colleges, health facilities, and markets were selected from the available types of public facilities.Location Quotient (LQ) method and Gini Coefficientwere used to analyze locational concentration and spatial disparity in the provision of public facilities in 30 wards of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC). Service area analysiswas done to show how much of the city corporation area falls under afavorable distance from the public facilities.The number of the wards having LQ value > 1 range from 9 – 15 based on different public facilities; showing locational concentration is present for all public facilities. The Gini coefficient (GC) values range from 0.41 to 0.67, showing a high level of spatial inequity. The service area analysis also shows the service area of the public facilities fail to cover all of the wards.In the future, inequity in provision of public facilities can compound with the increase in population and urban sprawl if not met with regulatory and inclusive planning policies.

Establishing Bandung as a Center of Nationalism: R. A. A. Wiranatakusumah V's Political Policies Amidst the Independence Movement

This study aims to analyze the political policies of R.A.A. Wiranatakusumah V in establishing Bandung as a center of nationalism amidst Indonesia's independence movement. This research uses a literature study method with a historical approach to explore Wiranatakusumah V's role as the Regent of Bandung, including his response to significant events such as the founding of the Indonesian National Party (PNI) and Bung Karno's trial by the Dutch Colonial Landraad. The findings indicate that R.A.A. Wiranatakusumah V's policies successfully made Bandung a region that welcomed the national movement while maintaining harmony between indigenous and colonial groups. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how inclusive and nationalist political policies can shape a city's identity as a center of the national movement. The study also offers lessons for the younger generation on the importance of leadership that can unite various societal elements in the struggle for independence.

The promise and limits of inclusive public policy: federal safety net clinics and immigrant access to health care in the U.S.

Abstract In the United States, exclusionary public policies generate inequalities within and across labor, financial, and legal status hierarchies, which together undermine immigrant well-being. But can inclusive public policies improve immigrant health? We examine whether and how an immigrant-inclusive federal program, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), shaped health care access and use among farmworkers over nearly three decades, paying particular attention to disparities at the intersection of nativity and legal status. Linking historical administrative data on the location and funding of FQHCs with the National Agricultural Workers Survey from 1989–2017, we first document trends in farmworkers’ county-level proximity to FQHCs and identify a steady increase in FQHC access among undocumented farmworkers following the Affordable Care Act. Next, using time-series cross-sectional regressions with a battery of fixed effects, we find that living in a county where FQHCs are available and better resourced is associated with increased health care use among undocumented farmworkers, but not among U.S.-born or documented immigrant farmworkers. We also find that county-level access to FQHCs is associated with reduced reports of language barriers to care among both documented and undocumented foreign-born farmworkers. These findings suggest that FQHCs may improve access for immigrants who are typically excluded from U.S. health care institutions. Still, county-level FQHC infrastructure is not associated with cost-related barriers to care for any nativity or legal status groups. Taken together, our study highlights both the potential and constraints of inclusive public policies for promoting health equity in a welfare state context characterized by commodification and stratification.

An Exploration of Lived Experiences of Sexually and Gender Diverse Staff Members in Higher Education: A Case Study

ABSTRACT Sexually and gender diverse staff in Higher Education Institutions may experience a sense of belonging and acceptance in inclusive environments, but may also face discrimination and bias, leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion. This paper reports on findings from 40 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions with LGBTQIA+ self-identified staff members in a HEI and LGBTQIA+ allies who may identify as LGBTQIA+ themselves. Findings reveal that first impressions when joining a university as a staff member may have a long-lasting effect, while both positive and negative experiences are present. Further, a pattern is developed among gay men who may be placing more emphasis on their relationship with line managers, which can be supportive but at times toxic, unsupportive and inattentive. In addition to this, the findings highlight discrimination faced by staff, its impact on their wellbeing, and the significance of visibility and representation. This paper concludes that lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ staff members in Higher Education continue to be mixed with a high percentage of staff experiencing discrimination, primarily in the form of microaggressions, but institutions need to be more pro-active to foster safe spaces for all with more inclusive policies and practices.

Gender differences in school leadership: Collaborative and task-oriented styles of principals in Andalusia, Spain

School leadership plays an integral role in meeting educational quality standards. In recent years, the interplay between gender and leadership has emerged as a contentious subject of discussion. This study delves into how the gender of school principals influences their perception and administration of designated professional competencies. Engaging 470 school leaders from state-owned schools from Spain (Andalusia), this analysis uncovers notable distinctions in the leadership styles and approaches employed by male and female principals, underscoring the significance of acknowledging the cultural and societal backdrop. Our findings indicate a pronounced appreciation for competencies linked with collaborative and transformational leadership among female principals. This observation underscores the imperative for the development of inclusive educational policies that recognize and leverage gender diversity as a pivotal resource for augmenting leadership in educational settings. The study accentuates the essential need for the establishment of educational strategies and policies that not only discern gender differences but also valorize them, enhancing the caliber of leadership across educational frameworks.

Gentrification of tourism: a bibliometric study in the Scopus database

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of how gentrification and tourism intertwine and affect urban environments. Using a bibliometric methodology to review publications between 2018 and 2023, the study identifies the main trends and dynamics in the literature on this topic. The results reveal a growing academic interest in the interaction between gentrification and tourism, with a geographic concentration of studies in Europe and North America, although research is also emerging in Asia and Latin America. Key words highlighted in the literature include sustainability and social impact, highlighting concerns about equity and access to tourism benefits for local residents. This bibliometric analysis offers valuable insights into the consequences of tourism gentrification and suggests the need for more inclusive policies that balance economic development and social justice in urban contexts transformed by tourism

The gentrification of health: an analysis of its convergence

The article explores how gentrification impacts public health, with a particular focus on urban transformations and their repercussions on communities. Using a desk review methodology in the Scopus database, this study analyses the literature between 2018 and 2023 to identify how changes in urban structure influence the accessibility and quality of health services. It highlights that while gentrification can improve infrastructure and services, it can also exacerbate health inequalities and lead to the displacement of vulnerable populations. The analysis reveals the need to adapt medical education to these new urban challenges and suggests future lines of research to develop more equitable interventions. This multidisciplinary approach offers valuable insights for more inclusive policies that consider both urban development and health equity

Social Causes of Abortion in Tanzania

The article "Social Causes of Abortion in Tanzania" explores the multifaceted social factors contributing to abortion rates in the country. It highlights the interplay of cultural, educational, and systemic challenges that influence the decision to terminate a pregnancy. Juvenile delinquency and truancy, compounded by a lack of comprehensive sex education, create an environment where adolescents are ill-prepared to navigate sexual health. The pressures of academic achievement further complicate this landscape, as many young people feel compelled to prioritize schooling over parenting. Limited access to reproductive health services exacerbates the issue, with many women unable to obtain necessary information or support.Fear of stigma and discrimination plays a crucial role, as societal attitudes towards single motherhood and abortion lead to social exclusion and negative stereotypes, increasing the burdens felt by women. Additionally, peer pressure, along with familial and relationship dynamics, such as pressure from boyfriends or physicians, further complicates personal decision-making. The article also discusses the implications of timing and the physician's role in oversimplifying abortion procedures, contributing to the dilemma faced by women. By examining these intertwined social causes, the article aims to shed light on the broader societal context influencing abortion in Tanzania, ultimately calling for more inclusive policies and support systems that address these pressing issues. Through a deeper understanding of these factors, stakeholders can better advocate for reproductive and comprehensive health education, fostering a more supportive environment for the lives of women and youth.

Financial inclusion and environmental pollution in sub-Saharan Africa: moderating effects of economic growth and renewable energy

A thriving literature exists about the role of financial inclusion in socio-economic development. Nevertheless, the environmental effects of financial inclusion are largely unknown in the literature, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study explores the association between financial inclusion and CO2 emissions utilizing data from 23 sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2004–2019. Based on different estimation methods such as dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), canonical correlation regression (CCR), and an instrumental variable generalized-method of moment (IV-GMM), the results show that financial inclusion is responsible for a substantial increase in CO2 emissions. In addition, financial inclusion moderates economic growth, resulting in higher CO2 emissions. Alternatively, financial inclusion moderates renewable energy use to lower CO2 emissions. The outcomes also verify the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis (EKC). This study proposes uniting financial inclusion and environmental policies as a strategy for reducing CO2 emissions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Analysis Of Home Ownership Credit (KPR) Financing Flpp Prosperity For Customers Low Income (Case Study of Bank BJB Medan Branch Office)

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Sejahtera Home Ownership Credit (KPR) financing through the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) scheme implemented by Bank BJB for Low Income Communities (MBR). The research method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection through in-depth interviews, observation and documentation analysis. The research results show that the FLPP Prosperous KPR program run by Bank BJB has a high level of effectiveness in helping MBR have livable houses. This effectiveness is supported by several factors, including easy access to financing with low interest rates and flexible terms, significant government subsidy support, increasing the welfare of MBR through home ownership, Bank BJB's active role in socialization and education, high levels of realization and customer satisfaction. , as well as good collaboration with developers. With this achievement, the FLPP Prosperous KPR program is proven to be able to provide more affordable financing solutions and contribute to improving the quality of life for MBR. It is hoped that the results of this research can become a reference for developing more inclusive and sustainable banking policies.

Assessment of Landscape Change and its Relationships with Surface Temperature and Geo-spatial Indices during 1992 - 2022 at Haldia Industrial Region, West Bengal, India

Unplanned local development and alterations in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) are an early alert for towns and cities around the world. The population pressure has resulted in the conversion of natural land into impermeable areas, which has altered the surface energy budget and created microclimatic differences locally. The main objective of the present study is to estimate LULC changes and its relation to increases Land Surface Temperature (LST) in the Haldia Industrial Region (HIR) of West Bengal using multi-temporal Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) of 1992 and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) of 2022 with 30-m spatial resolution images were obtained from the USGS website. The supervised classification method was applied by using Maximum Likelihood classification (MLC) to classify the satellite images into various LULC classes such as settlement, waterbody, vegetation, agriculture land, and fallow land, respectively. The result suggested an overall increase of settlement area from 13.49 km2 in 1992 to 44.54 km2 in 2022. On the other hand, the agriculture land decreased from 214.26 km2 to 152.34 km2 due to fast urbanization, decline green lands, and expansion of barren lands. The outcome result from LST was exhibited that the LST value has increased 3.77°C during 1992 to 2022 in this study area. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was showed a strong negative relationship with LST with a determination coefficient (R2) values found as 0.491 (1992) and 0.356 (2022). The positive determination coefficient between LST with Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) was found as 0.0002 (1992), and 0.0417 (2022). R2 values were estimated as 0.174 (1992), and 0.0347 (2022) between LST with Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) that indicated a positive determination coefficient. The findings enhanced understanding of the relationship between urban LST and LULC in developing an inclusive climate resilience policy and making the HIR more sustainable to the effects of climate change.

Parental financial inclusion and child proficiency in low-income settings: Family effects

Sustainable Development Goal 4 highlights universal education, yet in low-income economies, educational achievement levels, such as children's proficiency, often fall short of satisfactory standards. This study explores how family traits link parental financial inclusion to children's proficiency, using recent Ghana Living Standard Survey data 2016/2017 (round 7). Non-linear probit regression was employed, with standard errors corrected for both within cluster dependence and heteroscedasticity, yielding the following findings. This study highlights the connection between parents' financial inclusion and their children's proficiency levels, with outcomes varying based on family dynamics. Having bank accounts positively affects children's literacy, especially in households with educated mothers and male heads. Gender differences are notable in insurance and loan uptake, possibly reflecting different risk attitudes. The study recommends tailoring financial inclusion policies to accommodate family-specific traits.

한국 정치인 테러양상과 요인경호대책

Politics is a process through which stakeholders negotiate and states determine policies to enhance citizen welfare and establish optimal public policies for societal stability and prosperity. At its core, this process involves politicians striving to attain power to realize their beliefs, and it must be democratic. Consequently, terrorism against politicians, being both undemocratic and violent, must be rigorously condemned. An examination of the terrorism patterns targeting South Korean politicians reveals a persistent inclination to suppress opposition through violence—a vestige of regressive tendencies not yet fully eradicated since the post-liberation period. This study finds that security of key personnel for major politicians opposing current power structures are significantly inadequate. Therefore, we propose the urgent establishment of a “Security of Key Personnel Law” to strengthen national security for key political figures. Additionally, given the frequency of terrorist attacks on domestic politicians, it is crucial to expand the number of security personnel and enhance their training. Moreover, adopting socially inclusive policies towards political opposition and reinforcing the roles of media and popular culture are essential for fostering a more advanced political culture.

A Collaborative Approach to Understanding the Intersections of Practice and Policy for Peers in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Sector.

Peers in the alcohol and other drug sectors possess lived-living experience (LLE) crucial for shaping community care. However, genuine consumer collaboration is often confounded by stigma. This study examined peers' perceptions, exploring their experiences regarding workforce dynamics, policy implications, and impacts on health equity. In presenting the research, we sought to synthesise the research methods and illustrate the methodological innovation and knowledge production in substance use research through authentic collaboration. We purposively sampled peer networks and community organisations, involving peer-researchers in planning, design, and analysis. We conducted semi-structured digital interviews with 18 peers and applied iterative coding to analyse the data. This collaborative process provided nuanced insights into sectoral challenges. Peers expressed emotional strain revisiting personal substance use experiences, blurring personal and professional boundaries. Tokenistic peer involvement critiques underscored the need for genuine leadership and organisational support. We advocate for a shift towards equitable and inclusive policy development through both organisational and systemic restructuring. However, these changes are hamstrung by broader policy frameworks, which require a shift to peer-led principles, ensuring the expertise of peers is genuinely valued. Policymakers should invest in expanding peer frameworks, acknowledging the diversity within communities of people who use drugs to improve health equity and public health outcomes. This innovative approach to substance use research emphasises the transformative impact of integrating LLE into research.

Pluralist economics in an era of polycrisis

Interacting crises at economic, societal, ecological, and geopolitical levels reveal the fragility of connected global systems and give momentum to pluralist economic thinking as a suitable approach to address the complexity and uncertainty of today’s economy. This special issue (SI) explores how young economists, educated in this era, study economic phenomena through pluralist lenses. Due to the structure of interdependent crises and inherent uncertainty, pluralism of values, theory and methods may benefit the academic and policy debate on solutions for today’s political, social, and scientific challenges. Applied to the crisis context, this SI shows a range of research methods and interdisciplinary approaches, reflecting a shift in economic thinking that embraces the complexity, limited predictability, and fragility of socioeconomic systems. The SI aims to promote a dialogue across schools of economic thought to enhance our understanding and contribute to robust and inclusive policy.

Forging Pathways to Equity: The Nexus between Land Redistribution, Health, and Healthcare Access

This article explores the nexus between land redistribution policies and healthcare accessibility to mitigate social and economic disparities arising from inequitable land distribution. Historically, concentrated land ownership has marginalised rural communities, limiting their access to healthcare services. Land reform initiatives focusing on redistribution and secure tenure have the potential to empower marginalised groups economically and enhance their health outcomes through improved access to healthcare facilities. The study fills Gaps in existing research by investigating the interconnectedness of land tenure security, health outcomes and healthcare access, drawing insights from global contexts, including successful cases in Denmark, New Zealand, and South Korea, alongside challenges in Russia, India, and South Africa. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of data from the Global Health Security Index, the study highlights the critical role of equitable land distribution in fostering health equity and sustainable development. Findings suggest that countries with inclusive land policies demonstrate improved public health indicators, highlighting the importance of integrating land reform into broader health and development agendas. In conclusion, land redistribution holds promise for enhancing healthcare access and achieving health equity. Ultimately, this research advocates for strategic interventions that prioritise fair land distribution as a cornerstone for achieving universal health coverage and addressing persistent health disparities worldwide.

Women-owned businesses and access to finance in Pakistan: a study of perceptions, experiences and behaviors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions, experiences and behaviors of women entrepreneurs and industry professionals in raising finance for women-led businesses and associated problems faced by the women entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research adopts a narrative inquiry strategy. In-depth interviews are used to collect data from women entrepreneurs and women industry professionals in Pakistan. NVivo qualitative data analysis software is used to organize, analyze and find insights in the qualitative data. Findings This research finds that women entrepreneurs struggle to secure financing for their businesses, and most of them have not been successful in obtaining loans from banks. Women entrepreneurs have relied on various sources of funding, including microfinance banks, grants, personal finance and family members. Some of the barriers to finance attainment for women entrepreneurs include sociocultural inhibitions, lack of awareness and limited information dissemination by financial institutions. Women professionals suggest that entrepreneurs should maintain a bank account, have proper documentation and show dedication to their business to improve their chances of obtaining financing. Research limitations/implications This research provides theoretical contributions and methodological advancements in the study of financial inclusion for women-owned businesses in Pakistan. This research raises awareness about the difficulties women entrepreneurs face when trying to obtain credit from banks and other financial institutions and provides policy recommendations to inform the government about financial inclusion policies and financing policies for women entrepreneurs. Overall, this research contributes to the literature on financial access and access to finance for women-owned businesses in developing countries. Originality/value Based on the vulnerable group theory and theory of discouraged borrower, this paper has two important theoretical and practical implications. First, the findings of this study reveal that the financial services are indifferent to women, and there is a denial of women being vulnerable in the financial system, hence requiring a major policy shift to not portray women as vulnerable, as they will rationally feel risky and prefer to opt out of the financial system. Second, the findings suggest that the issue of access to finance for women is not in the financial services but in the women's capabilities and awareness. Therefore, a policy shift is suggested from “financial services for women” to “capability and awareness of women” to avail and access the current services.