Social Justice Research Articles

Children and Practitioners as Truth Seekers and Truth Tellers: Innovative, Counter-Hegemonic Approaches to Evaluating National Inclusion Policies

This paper describes and defends the counter-hegemonic methods applied to the investigation of a high-profile national policy for Early Education and Care (ECCE) in Ireland. The policy, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) seeks to ensure the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities in mainstream, state funded ECCE. It makes a significant contribution to data and debate on how research about inclusion can become inclusion in the context of policy evaluation. The design of the policy evaluation included surveys, in depth interviews and qualitative case studies of pre-schools and children supported by AIM which were deliberately designed to be counter-hegemonic through the recruitment of practitioners as co-researchers (as expert representatives within a feminised workforce), and the use of a participative method of elicitation that sough the perspectives and lived experiences of inclusion among fourteen children supported by AIM. This method was multi-modal mapping. With a focus on these counter-hegemonic elements, the paper poses questions about how the approach was counterhegemonic in terms of its theoretical underpinning, practical approach, and outcomes. Thematic analysis of the data collected by practitioner researchers for the child case studies showed that the approach did achieve counter-hegemony through the achievement of redistribution, representation, and recognition in both the enactment of the research, and in the reporting of children’s lived experience in the study as a whole. However, the extent of counter-hegemony achieved was limited when practitioner researchers were unable to deploy the multi-modal mapping method because of limited time, or because the child was not a speaker of English or was as yet, non-speaking. In a context where policy makers have a preference for positivist and rationalist approaches to evaluating the impact of policies, we assert that research about policies for inclusion, should be enacted as inclusion and social justice through the deliberate deployment of participatory and counter-hegemonic methods. We also assert that multi-modal mapping holds particular promise for researching the lived experience of inclusion and participation from the perspective of children and argue that more work needs to be done on developing these methods so that they are effective with all children, including those who are non-speaking. Finally, we posit that Fraser’s triune model of social justice can be applied as a benchmark for designing and evaluating counter-hegemonic modii and outcomes.

Examining student and faculty attitudes in developing a social justice studies minor

Social justice in education is becoming a more prominent and necessary area of study in higher education. Facets of social justice align directly with values of liberal arts education, and students who are exposed to social justice pedagogy develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet critical learning outcomes associated with the liberal arts. Given such demands to incorporate social justice pedagogy and practice into curriculum, the purpose of this study was to understand student and faculty attitudes and values regarding social justice education in order to guide the creation of this academic program at our college, as well as other institutions, particularly liberal arts colleges and/or predominately white institutions, that are interested in creating or enhancing their social justice education programs. Themes from focus groups with students and faculty revealed needs, desires, and concerns from the campus community regarding social justice education. Additionally, we created a social justice studies program for our institution using a strategic review of existing curriculum, resulting in a new academic minor built on existing courses that required no new faculty lines and little additional work on behalf of the faculty. Insights from this process are shared.

A Brief Introduction into Scriptural Grounding of Contemporary Social Work

Social work, as a model of welfare practice in contemporary society, is based on the mutual aid principle of those in need or in a situation of vulnerability. Its historical foundations can be identified from the ancient writings, including the Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments. This paper brings to the attention of the students from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, the Social Work specialization, but also of those concerned with a deep social-theological knowledge, the perspective of a theoretical analysis, but also that of a good practice model for contemporary social work based on the examples existing in Holy Scripture. Also, the focus is on developing, through study, professional skills that provide for the projection and elaboration of a discourse based on sacred texts (verbal and written exposure), but also the correct statement of the doctrine of the Church and the means transmitted by it for the perfecting of the person and of the world in the context of a constantly changing society. Thus, through this comprehensive analysis, the paper highlights the relevance and sustainable impact of the teachings and practices of social work in the Old and New Testaments on contemporary issues solvable through social justice, christian love, solidarity and community responsibility.

Decolonising neo-colonial hegemonies in Africa: A comparative case for socialist realism in the drama and law of Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa

Through a comparative investigation of the function of socialist realism in the drama and law of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, this research investigates the decolonization of neo-colonial hegemonies in Africa. Using the drama and legal systems of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa as comparative case studies, the research explores how African societies can challenge and demolish oppressive systems of domination sustained by colonial legacies and contemporary neo-colonial forces. Relying on the Socialist Realism and Critical Postcolonial theoretical frameworks which both support literary and artistic genre that encourages social and political transformation, the research deploys the case study analysis, comparative literature analysis and focused group discussion methods. Data obtained are subjected to content and thematic analysis. The study emphasizes how important the relationship between the legal and artistic worlds is to the fight against neo-colonialism. It further reveals the transformational potential of socialist realism as a catalyst for social change by looking at themes of resistance, social justice, and the amplifying of disadvantaged voices in drama and legal discourse. The research contributes to ongoing discussions about de-neo-colonization through this comparative case study, and emphasizes the role socialist realism plays in overthrowing neo-colonial hegemonies. The study sheds light on the distinct difficulties and opportunities these nations—and indeed, all of Africa—face in their pursuit of decolonial justice by examining the experiences of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Spirituality, Security, Compassion, and Play: Innovative Ways Group Psychotherapy Addresses Human Suffering

ABSTRACT We are surrounded by trauma, grief, pandemics, health care inequality, poverty, climate change, and social injustice, not to mention increases in suicide, depression, and loneliness. How can group therapists address these issues and thrive? The current special edition focuses on how groups foster compassion, provide spiritual healing, and address human suffering in effective and innovative ways. Instead of focusing on symptom reduction alone, group therapists and researchers are exploring ways that group therapy can provide healing and resources to people including health care providers, and those who are on the front lines. The current special edition will highlight how spiritual interventions, compassion and attachment-focused interventions, and group interventions can engender positive outcomes for diverse group members that include parents of inner-city children to first responders. If there ever was a time for us to focus on compassion, faith, and forgiveness, it is now.

Differential Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence during COVID-19: A Cross-Regional Study in Mexico

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a marked increase in intimate partner violence (IPV) worldwide, Mexico being no exception. Factors that exacerbated gender-based violence (GBV) in the household during the pandemic include gendered loss of income, regression in access to social and legal justice resources, reversal to more traditional gender norms and roles, and increased alcoholism. While there are studies about the prevalence and determinants of IPV in rural and urban Mexico, there appears to be a lack of information regarding how these realities differed as they interacted with the compounding pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stemming from 10 ethnographic interviews with women across rural and urban localities of Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Mexico State, who were recruited from NGOs providing psychological and legal services against GBV, we analyze some factors associated with the prevalence of IPV during confinement. We conclude that all women in our study experienced IPV both before and during the pandemic, with variations in IPV patterns influenced by their rural or urban residence, socio-economic status, ethnic-racial identity, and proximity to the abuser’s network. We also found that not all impacts were negative, rather COVID-19 measures had a paradoxical effect for some women where restrictions on geographical mobility and decrease in access to alcohol became pivotal protective factors. We recommend that public policymakers and civil society organizations alike pay attention to these differential challenges and benefits in their crisis responses.

Confronting Taboo Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders: How Conversations Can Uncover Cultural Blind Spots

Purpose: An increase in social justice movements has renewed the focus on topics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the speech, language, and hearing sciences. For example, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association publicly renewed its commitment to advance DEI initiatives. This commitment includes restructuring the certification maintenance standards around these initiatives and the standards of graduate education on cultural responsiveness. Despite these requirements, there remains a slow movement toward impactful and sustainable changes. One explanation is the hesitation to engage in conversations that are difficult and often considered taboo. Conclusion: This article aims to discuss taboo topics in communication sciences and disorders related to race and racism, privilege, and support through allyship.

The Relevance of Rawlsian Justice in India

Rawls defines justice as fairness, equality, and social justice. According to philosopher John Rawls, justice should be founded on fairness and equality, not what individuals believe or do. Rawlsian justice is crucial in India because rank, poverty, and inequality have produced unequal treatment. Original circumstance and veil of ignorance are key to Rawlsian justice. The initial idea was that individuals may not realize their social standing, class, or other distinguishing features. They would choose moral norms that benefit everyone. The wall of ignorance suggests individuals should judge fairness without understanding their experiences. This allows them determine what's best for everyone. Rawlsian justice can heal India's poverty, inequality, and bigotry. Laws that make sure everyone gets the same education and job opportunities could end racism and poverty. Scheduled Caste and Tribe rules might make people less prejudiced. India needs to make its society open, fair, and respectful of people's rights. Fairness laws based on Rawls might let this happen. Everyone can achieve and be happy in India if society is fair and equitable.

Implications of Philosophical Thinking on the Practice of Inclusive Education in a Social Context

Inclusive education refers to an education system that allows all children without exception to learn together in one classroom. Inclusive education is based on philosophical thinking that emphasizes equality, social justice, and respect for diversity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the implications of philosophical thinking for the practice of inclusive education in a social context. This study applies a qualitative research approach, using a literature study as a data collection technique. The collected data were analyzed through three stages, namely data reduction, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results show that philosophical thoughts on equality, social justice, and respect for diversity form the basis for inclusive education practices. Philosophical thinking has significant implications for inclusive education practices. Inclusive schools that are based on strong philosophical thinking have greater potential to achieve their goal of providing quality and equitable education for all children

“The A.M. Kovalev’s Conception of ‘Just Society’ in the Context of Current Political and Philosophical Discussions”

In modern political and theoretical discourse, the concept of a ‘ just society’ is usually perceived as a normative idea that expresses the notion of what society “should be”. Nowadays, social justice as a political slogan is becoming an increasingly universal requirement made by social movements, political parties and groups regarding the ways of social organization and its functions. Regardless of the different interpretations, it is inseparable from other related concepts, such as ‘equality’, ‘ freedom’ and many others. It also represents the projection of various concepts of justice on social relations in individual countries, regions, and, finally, throughout the world (‘global justice’ on the scale of all mankind). Comparative analysis of the A.M. Kovalev’s concept of a just society and the main trends in the interpretation of this idea in modern Western socio-political theory indicate that the methodology developed by an outstanding Russian scientist can rightfully be considered one of the most promising. Its distinguishing feature is the creative interpretation of a set of ideas about a just society, dating back to the early works of Marx. It is combined with the analysis of the ideas of the Western European Enlightenment, the philosophy of Kant, Hegel and Fichte, the evolution of the social philosophy of the Frankfurt School and other equally influential areas of modern political theory (R. Aron and others). An analysis of modern political theories shows that the dyad “ justice / state” constitutes the ontological core of the political and philosophical discourse, in the structure of which the ideas of Marxism play an important role. In the A.M. Kovalev’s theory of a just society, the various assessments of the heuristic potential of Marxism acquire additional incentives, opening the way to new creative discussions. The article is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of A.M. Kovalev.

Humanizing Black lives in protest: emotion, embodiment, and interracial witnessing

ABSTRACT The video of Derek Chauvin’s murder of George Floyd sparked a wave of protests and civil unrest, leading white support of Black Lives Matter to reach an all-time high in 2020. During this time, the heightened visibility of Black death by police and public conversations about anti-racism prompted conversations about institutionalized whiteness, interracial solidarity, and meaningful social justice action. This participatory rhetorical study, based on our analysis of twenty-six interviews with protest participants, investigated how racially diverse participants narrated their experiences of attending and/or organizing protests. We argue that the protests produced rhetorically impactful instances of witnessing through embodied experiences of relationality and collective feeling. Considering the protests’ impacts along with critiques of white witnessing and performative allyship, we explore the rhetorical potentialities of protest for humanizing Black lives by increasing anti-racist emotions and contributing to coalitional interracial subjectivities. Our theorization of interracial witnessing extends rhetorical witnessing to specifically address how spatial reconfigurations of racialized materialities and emotions during protest create new forms of recognition. In addition, the use of participatory approaches also extends media witnessing through the use of interviewing as an inventive space for deepening the witnessing process.

Canadian social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants with different legal statuses in Canada

Summary This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to address systemic inequality within social work by examining Canadian social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants who are permanent residents (PR), refugees, temporary residents (TR), or undocumented immigrants. Using a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample (n = 653), we explore how social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants vary in relation to (a) respondents’ demographics, (b) contact with immigrants, (c) perceptions of equal opportunities among immigrants, (d) perceptions of deservingness for immigrants with different legal statuses, and (e) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these attitudes. Findings While Canadian social workers generally express positive attitudes toward immigrants, there is a slightly stronger endorsement for PR and refugees to access public services compared to nonstatus (NS) immigrants and TR. Social workers who identify as conservative or have limited contact with immigrants are more likely to perceive NS immigrants as potential criminal threats or burdens on the healthcare system. Significantly, a majority of respondents feel that their social work training inadequately prepares them to work effectively with immigrants. Applications Canadian social workers advocate for principles of diversity, inclusion, and commitment to social justice. However, perceptions regarding which immigrants deserve access to social services vary based on legal status, suggesting a limitation in social workers’ professional mandate. The study discusses implications for social work education and training, emphasizing the need to address and unsettle systemic racism within the profession.

Planning rights: what are they, and how to use them

ABSTRACT Planning rights are institutional rights: the rights of affected parties in a specific planning system. Three kinds of planning rights are identified: 1) abstract-general; real planning rights in a specific planning system: 2) positive and 3) potential. Positive planning rights are recognized and enforceable; potential planning rights are suggested, but not recognized. Planning rights can be ascertained for a particular planning system; advocates and communities can use them in three ways: 1. Consciousness-raising and empowerment; 2. Promoting social justice: political action to turn potential into positive planning rights. 3. Advocacy and defense: contesting plans and actions that violate planning rights.

Professional Critical Consciousness: Bridging Classroom Theory with Workplace Practice

ABSTRACT In this Methodologies and Approaches piece, I introduce the concept of professional critical consciousness (PCC). PCC combines professional consciousness and critical consciousness to form a workplace praxis centered on social justice. I describe PCC using work and classroom experiences and provide instructors with assignment ideas to promote PCC. By learning how to increase one’s power and legitimacy in the workplace, technical communicators can use PCC in ways that are more intentional and socially just.

Lutheran Theological Education to Christian Education in (South) Africa: A Decolonial Conversion in the African Church

It can be debated whether a Lutheran identity is still relevant in the midst of ecumenical development in (South) Africa, with special reference to theological education and Christian education. The Lutheran Church is a unique body within the ecumenical family as it contributes to work on the mission of God. Theological education and Christian education are educational centres which aim to promote social justice towards community development. These two educational centres are branches of the Lutheran Church. Taking into account the fact that theological education and Christian education were introduced by European and American missionaries with various church traditions in (South) Africa as part of community development, the purpose of this article is to discuss the impact of Lutheran theological education and Christian education, to demonstrate their contribution in the church, and call for their decolonisation and contextualisation.

Relationality as Relationalities and a Model of Human (and Other) Justice Through Qualitative Inquiry

Based on the most recent meeting of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (2023), it is clear that using theories of relationality to situate our work is on the rise. Given this growing interest in relationality, I attempt to describe several philosophical approaches to relationality, explain how relationality is not simply a theory but an ontic stance, and consider relational theory’s implications for social justice. Regardless of the varieties of relationality that exist (be they ancient, current, Eastern, or Indigenous), research adopting a relational stance is antithetical to the world in which we find ourselves today: in brief, well-populated with (substantialist) sentiments that would seek to divide and isolate individuals, rather than show our inherent connectivity. Qualitative work is in a position to tease out the nuanced, multifaceted, and shared relationships that, by relationality’s standards, are our ontic foundations. I close with the idea that qualitative work may be pedagogical in its ability to spread these sentiments not only to fellow researchers, but to participants in this work as well.

When I say … social justice.

When I say … social justice.

Enhanced Approaches for Safeguarding Communication Channels from Illicit Messages

This research project presents a comprehensive strategy aimed at mitigating the pervasive threat of human trafficking through the innovative application of machine learning methodologies. The primary objective revolves around the development and deployment of sophisticated algorithms to identify and intercept human trafficking- related communications. Leveraging the power of Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification, the system meticulously scrutinizes textual data streams, flagging messages indicative of trafficking activities for further investigation. Moreover, our approach extends beyond mere message analysis by incorporating cutting-edge Utilize Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models for performing facial recognition, age estimation, and gender identification. By harnessing the rich visual information embedded in images and videos, the system enhances its capability to identify potential victims and perpetrators with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. A pivotal component of our solution is the seamless integration of an alert mechanism facilitated by a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server. This critical feature ensures that pertinent authorities are promptly notified upon the detection of suspicious activities, enabling swift and decisive intervention. Through this amalgamation of advanced technological frameworks, our research endeavors to empower law enforcement agencies and humanitarian organizations in their tireless efforts to combat the heinous crime of human trafficking. In essence, this research represents a significant stride towards the realization of a technologically fortified defense against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. By amalgamating state-of-the- art machine learning techniques with real-time alert systems, we aspire to create a formidable deterrent against the perpetrators of this egregious crime, thereby Ensuring the protection of human dignity and advocating for social justice.

Exploring social justice dialogues in EFL conversation clubs: discursive moves and affordances

ABSTRACT There has recently been a growing interest in social justice language education, with the goal of challenging entrenched social, cultural and economic hierarchies within educational institutions and the society at large. Contributing to this line of research, the present study focused on an online conversation club that aimed to develop EFL learners’ communicative skills and critical literacy through the discussion of social justice issues which have traditionally been deemed ‘taboo’ and ‘controversial’. Data were collected online via demographic information survey, the recordings of the conversation club sessions, facilitator’s field notes and reflective journals, and student interviews. The results revealed several discursive moves adopted by EFL learners, which mostly revolved around that's our responsibility vs others in relation to environmental issues; and that’s the government’s-job when it comes to themes related to immigration. The findings illustrated the potential of social justice-oriented conversation clubs to foster diverse perspectives and authentic conversation in language classrooms, and to cultivate EFL learners’ critical literacy. The study provides insights into how language educators can integrate social justice issues into the language curriculum in ways that help language learners question their already-existing beliefs and take action for a socially just world.

Привязанность к домашним питомцам и любовь к людям – есть ли связь?

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective. </strong>The study is aimed at investigating the relationship between attachment to pets and pro-social personality characteristics – environmental identity, moral motives, and ecological lifestyle. <br><strong>Background. </strong>Attachment to pets is being investigated in the context animal-assisted therapy animal rights protection but the question of the possible contribution of this phenomenon to the development of humane treatment of people is still open. Is it possible to expect that attachment to a pet has a humanizing effect or does retain its specificity without being related to the pet owners’ pro-social attitudes – this research question reflects the main problem of the study. <br><strong>Study design.</strong> The study has correlational design; data was collected online using the 1ka.si service.<br><strong>Participants.</strong> The study sample consisted of 284 respondents (224 women, 60 men, aged 18-76, <em>M</em><sub>age</sub> = 25,4, <em>SD</em><sub>age</sub> = 9,7, mostly owners of cats and dogs, mostly Russian citizens). <br><strong>Measurements.</strong> Validated Russian versions of the questionnaires were used, i.e., the Lexington attachment to pets scale (modified 8-item version prepared in this study), the 30-item Moral motives scale, the 14-item Environmental identity scale, and the 7-item Ecological lifestyle scale. <br><strong>Results</strong>. It has been found that different aspects of attachment to a pet are indeed associated with environmental identity, moral motives (with the exception of self-restraint), and social eco-activism. It is also shown that two aspects of attachment to pets (pet rights and the experience of happiness from communicating with a pet) in different combinations predict the motives of not-harming, helping, social justice, and social eco-activism. <br><strong>Conclusions</strong>. Attachment to pets is positively related to the pro-social attitudes of the pet owners, mostly those reflected an active pet owners’ position, but is not connected with the self-restraint qualities.</p>