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1 – 10 of 59Arlene P. Weekes, Shirleecia Ward and Maureen Mguni
The aim of this research was to explore and gain an understanding of the lived experiences of Black females transitioning from social work practice into academia and the support…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research was to explore and gain an understanding of the lived experiences of Black females transitioning from social work practice into academia and the support and barriers they experienced.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this an adaptation of Wengraf (2004) Biographical Narrative Interview Model (BNIM) was employed alongside Braun and Clarke (2006) thematic analysis as foundation of the methodology employed in this study. Whilst the adverse issues relating to Black female academics is not new, the paper is original in the manner in which data was gathered.
Findings
The study identified four themes: (1) significance of early life, (2) passion for learning, (3) overcoming obstacles and (4) navigating academia. The case studies highlighted the various examples of resistance, rebellion and activism the Black female academics employed within UK universities. The paper concluded that despite the positive messaging from families and communities, about pursuing education, and the need for having a strong work ethic, the progress that can be achieved by Black female academics is limited due to the pervasive nature of racism, therefore dispelling the myth of meritocracy.
Research limitations/implications
The research sample was small and therefore not easily generalisable to the whole population. The findings of the paper will need to be considered as a contribution of knowledge to the issue of structural racism.
Originality/value
Whilst the adverse issues relating to Black female academics is sadly not new, the paper is original in the manner in which data was gathered. Namely, the academics were both researchers and the participants, therefore simultaneously providing and analysing the data.
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Marie K. Heath, Daniel G Krutka and Benjamin Gleason
This paper aims to consider the role of social media platforms as educational technologies given growing evidence of harms to democracy, society and individuals, particularly…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to consider the role of social media platforms as educational technologies given growing evidence of harms to democracy, society and individuals, particularly through logics of efficiency, racism, misogyny and surveillance inextricably designed into the architectural and algorithmic bones of social media. The paper aims to uncover downsides and drawbacks of for-profit social media, as well as consider the discriminatory design embedded within its blueprints.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a method of a technological audit, framed through the lenses of technoskepticism and discriminatory design, to consider the unintended downsides and consequences of Twitter and Instagram.
Findings
The authors provide evidence from a variety of sources to demonstrate that Instagram and Twitter’s intersection of technological design, systemic oppression, platform capitalism and algorithmic manipulation cause material harm to marginalized people and youth.
Research limitations/implications
The authors contend that it is a conflict of professional ethics to treat social media as an educational technology that should be used by youth in educational settings. Thus, they suggest that future scholarship focus more on addressing methods of teaching about social media rather than teaching with social media.
Practical implications
The paper concludes with recommendations for educators who might work alongside young people to learn about social media while taking informed social actions for more just technological futures.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to challenge the direction of the field of social media and education research. It is of use to education scholars, practitioners and policy makers.
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This study aims to critically discuss and reorient the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) debate toward the idea of addressing and rectifying the pervasive structural…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to critically discuss and reorient the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) debate toward the idea of addressing and rectifying the pervasive structural inequalities that DEI, in its undiluted form rooted in social justice (SJ), aims to combat. Drawing on Bourdieu, the study first examines the diffusion and contestation of DEI into international business (IB). It then proposes a Bourdieu-inspired agenda to advance the transposition of SJ principles into IB.
Design/methodology/approach
The study interpretively reconstructs the process of DEI’s ideational diffusion. It examines how the interplay between ideas and field dynamics in IB shapes ideational processes and outcomes.
Findings
In response to rising global inequalities – to which multinational enterprises (MNEs) have significantly contributed – SJ movements have propelled DEI into the wider social and political arena, including corporate boardrooms. Within IB, a diluted version of DEI – IB-DEI – emerged as a paradigm to improve MNEs’ performance, but failed to address underlying structural inequalities. As the social impacts, utility and legitimacy of DEI have been challenged, the DEI debate has come to a flux. The study proposes conceptual and contextual extension of DEI within IB and advancing socially engaged research and practice that help reinforce DEI’s core SJ purpose – tackling structural inequalities.
Originality/value
The study is one of the few to openly tackle SJ-IB contradictions on DEI, while advancing the application of Bourdieu to critical studies of IB.
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Tracelyn Cornelius-Hernandez and Amelia Clarke
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review and analyze the academic literature on integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into knowledge mobilization (KMb).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review and analyze the academic literature on integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into knowledge mobilization (KMb).
Design/methodology/approach
This systematic literature review of the body of scholarly literature published on integrating EDI with KMb follows established methods and protocols proposed by Popay et al. (2006) and Page et al. (2021). Using a relevant keyword string, a search was conducted in ProQuest and SCOPUS to find peer-reviewed articles, which were then screened using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, inductive and deductive analyses were conducted on the selected articles.
Findings
The findings suggest that most of the authors are based in the Global North, the majority of literature was published in the last two years, and that it is conceptual. This synthesis highlights five solution-oriented themes: acknowledging inherent bias, centering marginalized groups, promoting responsible knowledge mobilization, establishing partnerships, and advocating for transformational and systemic change. This study also identifies four broad barriers: inherent, unconscious, and implicit biases, a lack of evidence-based best practices, siloing of research and information, and a lack of institutional support and resources. Findings also highlight the value of further research into barriers, gaps and opportunities.
Originality/value
By studying the intersection of EDI and KMb, this contemporary synthesis of the state of the field presents opportunities for future research into gaps, barriers and potential solutions.
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John Michael Diaz, Lendel Narine and Laura Greenhaw
The purpose of this study was to explore the current transformative leadership values and beliefs of Cooperative Extension leaders. Specific research objectives included, (1…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the current transformative leadership values and beliefs of Cooperative Extension leaders. Specific research objectives included, (1) characterize Extension leaders’ beliefs regarding transformative leadership, and (2) determine differences in transformative leadership beliefs based on selected characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study applied transformative leadership theory to examine the values and beliefs regarding equity, justice, and leading change held by leaders in the Cooperative Extension System. A sample of 138 administrators across the U.S. completed the Transformative Leadership Scale (TLS), which presents 32 contrasting statements representing dimensions of transformative leadership.
Findings
Results found the mean TLS score was 70.61 out of 100, indicating nascent awareness of equity concerns but substantial room for growth in fully embracing transformative leadership principles like social activism and egalitarian distribution of power. The score distribution skewed slightly left, with 16% possessing a highly transformative belief system, 71% demonstrating moderate awareness of equity issues, and 13% focused more on organizational efficiency over justice. Differences emerged based on diversity leadership roles and years of experience.
Practical implications
The findings establish an important baseline for aligning leadership development with Extension's mandate to champion inclusion and confront systemic barriers as social change agents. This research kicks off a vital dialogue regarding transformative leadership's implications for guiding community-engaged institutions like Extension pursuing democratic engagement.
Originality/value
This represents the first study to apply transformative leadership to a national assessment of values and beliefs among Extension education leadership.
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Sarah L. Rodriguez, Rosemary Perez, Angie Kim and Rudisang Motshubi
The purpose of this study was to examine how two socio-historical contexts within the United States, the Movement for Black Lives and the COVID-19 pandemic, informed approaches to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine how two socio-historical contexts within the United States, the Movement for Black Lives and the COVID-19 pandemic, informed approaches to improving racial climate in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) graduate education.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a general qualitative inquiry research study design to conduct focus groups (n = 121) with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members from across STEM disciplines as well as administrators whose work involves STEM graduate students. Participants were from two US institutions involved in a National Science Foundation networked improvement community seeking to create inclusive environments for STEM graduate students.
Findings
This study demonstrates how these socio-historical contexts illuminated and amplified on-going efforts to address racial climate for graduate students in US-based graduate education. In response to these events, STEM faculty devoted time that otherwise might have gone to purely technical or scientific endeavors to addressing racial climate. However, some faculty members remain hesitant to address racial climate and efforts appear to have further waned over time. While diversity, inclusion and equity efforts came to the forefront of the collective consciousness during this time, participants worry that these efforts are not sustainable, particularly without support from faculty and administrators.
Practical implications
The findings from this study will inform efforts to improve racial climate in STEM graduate programs.
Originality/value
This study fills an identified need to capture how socio-historical contexts, like the US Movement for Black Lives and the COVID-19 pandemic, have influenced approaches to improving racial climate in STEM graduate programs.
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The papers explores the emergence of an ideological consolidation amidst the theory of intersectionality put forth by Crenshaw and Mohanty's transnational feminist thought vis-à…
Abstract
Purpose
The papers explores the emergence of an ideological consolidation amidst the theory of intersectionality put forth by Crenshaw and Mohanty's transnational feminist thought vis-à-vis the thematic concerns of Punjabi immigrant fiction.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper attempts to follow a qualitative approach in terms of uncovering the various facets of Punjabi Diasporic Fiction vis-à-vis reflecting how intersectionality defines the diasporic condition of third-world immigrant women through contextualizing Fauzia Rafique's text, Skeena.
Findings
The performed study depicts the intellectual consonance between Crenshaw and Mohanty's theories and how immigrant literature aids Crenshaw and Mohanty's hypothesis into praxis.
Research limitations/implications
The research majorly focuses upon the works of the Punjabi diaspora and studies the diaspora's implications while analyzing how the diaspora contributes in rupturing contemporary hegemonic structures.
Originality/value
The paper has been originally drafted through the honest research performed by the author.
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Maulupeivao Betty Ofe-Grant, Miura Elikana, Losi SauLilo, Lillian Vimahi, Seipua O'Brien and Evangeleen Joseph
Colonial epistemes distort ideologies through power structures and control, perpetuating differences and the development of an inferior status. This study aims to serve dual…
Abstract
Purpose
Colonial epistemes distort ideologies through power structures and control, perpetuating differences and the development of an inferior status. This study aims to serve dual purposes: Firstly, the authors advocate for Pacific and international business (IB) researchers to consider adopting inclusive research practices, particularly regarding Pacific and indigenous populations. Secondly, the authors argue that decolonization presents conflicting challenges, demonstrating that the authors still have a long way to go regarding the decolonization agenda within academia, the university, IB and broader society.
Design/methodology/approach
An essay style is adopted to introduce inclusive Pacific research practices specific to the Pacific context, what that looks like and the advantages of using culturally appropriate methods.
Findings
This paper highlights some examples that justify why Pacific methods should be used, such as spirituality and prayers underpinned by the va (i.e. relational spaces) – a concept well-known in Pacific cultures but missing in Western academic frameworks, models and approaches. Additionally, the authors found that the endeavours to be inclusive can paradoxically lead to exclusion and marginalization within academia, the university and popular mainstream media.
Social implications
This paper enriches IB theory and pedagogy by advocating for the co-creation of inclusive research practices in collaboration with Pacific and indigenous communities. It contributes to the broader movement to restore indigenous knowledge and scholarship research spaces.
Originality/value
The originality and value of the viewpoint lie in its potential to stimulate conversations and reflections among IB researchers regarding inclusive research practices of decoloniality. Thereby strengthening the “trumpet-shell” call to decolonize the field and academia, which IB as a discipline should not be immune to.
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Michelle J. Eady, David Drewery, Monica Burney, Wincy Li and Kimberley Livingstone
In light of the expanding prominence of work-integrated learning (WIL), the pedagogical model that integrates work experiences into an academic curriculum, this paper presents a…
Abstract
Purpose
In light of the expanding prominence of work-integrated learning (WIL), the pedagogical model that integrates work experiences into an academic curriculum, this paper presents a systematic review that uncovers little-explored students’ reflections of quality (RoQ).
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the concept of wayfinding rocks and Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological systems theory, the “students’ RoQ (pronounced [ROK]) WIL model” offers guidance for future research, policy development and educational interventions aimed at optimizing students' experiences of WIL.
Findings
This paper highlights RoQ WIL through student voice. The outcomes offer a model, contributing insights for institutions, employers and students involved in WIL experiences.
Research limitations/implications
While the study addresses specific limitations such as the use of specific search terms and potential biases, future research is needed to explore cultural capital’s influence on WIL quality. A focus on broadening the scope of data collection to include a more comprehensive range of student perspectives is needed.
Practical implications
The paper suggests practical implications for institutions, employers and educators in designing WIL programs that prioritize student perspectives, ultimately enhancing the quality of WIL experiences.
Originality/value
By focusing on students' RoQ in WIL, this paper fills a significant gap in the literature and provides a foundation for future research and practice in optimizing WIL engagement and outcomes.
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Latifa Sebti and Brent C. Elder
In this article, we highlight ways in which disability critical race theory (DisCrit) (Annamma et al., 2013), inclusive education and community-based participatory research (CBPR…
Abstract
Purpose
In this article, we highlight ways in which disability critical race theory (DisCrit) (Annamma et al., 2013), inclusive education and community-based participatory research (CBPR) can be used within professional development schools (PDS) to provide students with disabilities with more access to inclusive classrooms. At a grade 4–6 elementary school, we developed a model of a critical PDS to promote inclusive education and facilitate the transition of students of color with disabilities from self-contained to inclusive classrooms. We conducted semi-structured interviews and used action plan meetings with school administrators, teachers, professionals and students with disabilities and their parents to assess the impact of our critical PDS model. Findings suggest this model had a positive impact on administrators’ and teachers’ critical consciousness, ideological and instructional practices, students of color with disabilities’ social, academic and personal outcomes, as well as a schoolwide culture of inclusion and social justice. This study can inform tailored professional development efforts to improve educators’ inclusive practices.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted semi-structured interviews and used action plan meetings with school administrators, teachers, professionals and students with disabilities and their parents to assess the impact of our critical PDS model.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest this model had a positive impact on administrators’ and teachers’ critical consciousness, ideological and instructional practices, students of color with disabilities’ social, academic and personal outcomes, as well as a schoolwide culture of inclusion and social justice.
Practical implications
This study can inform tailored professional development efforts aiming to improve educators’ inclusive practices.
Originality/value
We developed a model of a critical PDS to promote inclusive education and facilitate the transition of students of color with disabilities from self-contained to inclusive classrooms.
Details