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Article
Publication date: 1 November 2007

Oliver Schmidtke

This article starts from the theoretical assumption that successful multicultural integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities is critically dependent on providing them with…

Abstract

This article starts from the theoretical assumption that successful multicultural integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities is critically dependent on providing them with opportunities to engage in public debate and in policy‐making. Empowering cultural groups is important in particular to the traditionally vulnerable individuals in these groups, such as women. The argument is applied to Canada, a country whose turn to multicultural policies and an accompanying ethos of appreciating cultural diversity have created new opportunities for immigrant and minority groups to advocate for a pluri‐cultural opening of the health care system. These opportunities can be found in state‐monitored forms of community outreach and partial inclusion in the policy process, as well as in grassroots initiatives from immigrant or minority associations or professional networks. Promoting cultural diversity in the Canadian health care sector and empowering minorities in the system are depicted as challenging and, in spite of considerable progress over the last decade, successful primarily with respect to some exemplary practices and initiatives. Examples are drawn from the complex political fight of women with an immigrant or minority background for inclusion, diversity and social justice in the health care system.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Amina Raza Malik and Parbudyal Singh

The purpose of this paper is to examine how diversity of cultural minority newcomers and transformational leadership affect the socialization process of cultural minorities in…

1617

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how diversity of cultural minority newcomers and transformational leadership affect the socialization process of cultural minorities in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is developed based on diversity theory and past research studies.

Findings

The authors highlight the roles of transformational leadership and diversity mindsets in facilitating their socialization process.

Research limitations/implications

Using quantitative studies, future research should attempt to test the propositions presented in this paper by conducting employee-level studies.

Practical implications

The focus of diversity training needs to be changed from preventing unfairness and discrimination to viewing diversity as an important informational resource. Leaders of cultural minority newcomers should be trained to lead in a more transformational manner.

Originality/value

Scholars suggest that research on cultural minorities is lacking and their integration in organizations is examined less extensively. In this paper, the authors fill this gap and present a conceptual model examining the socialization process of cultural minorities.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2024

Shalom Levy, Yaniv Gvili and Hayiel Hino

Social media sites facilitate electronic word of mouth (eWOM) communication among consumers of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB)…

Abstract

Purpose

Social media sites facilitate electronic word of mouth (eWOM) communication among consumers of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the present research proposes a conceptual framework for minority consumers' engagement in eWOM associated with the mainstream culture. The model incorporates social capital and social interaction as key factors that affect cross-cultural eWOM communication between minority and mainstream consumers. This research also aims to explore the responses of minority consumers to eWOM communications originating with members of the majority group.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure was applied to data collected from social media (Facebook) users (N = 539) from two minority communities: Israeli Arab and Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Jewish minorities.

Findings

The findings show that: (a) minority consumers' engagement with eWOM is indirectly related to social capital, (b) this relationship is mediated by minority consumers' attitudes and their subjective norms regarding eWOM engagement with dominant cultural groups, (c) social interaction of minorities with the dominant culture enhances the influence of social capital on eWOM engagement and (d) behavioural engagement with eWOM varies across cultural minorities, depending on the minority group’s unique cultural characteristics.

Practical implications

The findings have managerial implications for practitioners who use social media in their marketing and business activities, as they demonstrate that the effectiveness of eWOM communication is contingent on the cultural characteristics of the ethnic minority consumer groups being targeted by managers.

Originality/value

The present research contributes to the theory of consumer engagement by demonstrating that engagement is contingent on the intercultural social context in which eWOM is communicated.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2011

Harald Pechlaner, Sandra Lange and Frieda Raich

Minority areas, with their cultural distinctiveness and a strong tendency to cultivate and preserve cultural identities, can offer guests special added value as tourist…

1874

Abstract

Purpose

Minority areas, with their cultural distinctiveness and a strong tendency to cultivate and preserve cultural identities, can offer guests special added value as tourist destinations. This study seeks to address whether and to what extent locals and guests of tourist areas populated by minority populations perceive and are aware of the uniqueness, variety and potential of the minority in a region.

Design/methodology/approach

Research has already been developed that analyses the inter‐relations between the local population and tourism, but is scarce regarding national minorities and tourism. This paper pursues a new research field focusing on the potential of tourist destinations that offer specialised characteristics due to their cultural, ethnic or minority populations. The authors carried out an empirical study using quantitative, standardised questionnaires in 2008 in two minority areas: South Tyrol, Italy (which has a Ladin minority population) as well as Transylvania, Romania (which has a German and Hungarian minority population). The South Tyrol situation is doubly unusual, because the Ladin minority population is a minority within the German minority region in Italy.

Findings

The study shows that ethnic minority populations can definitely offer added value for holidaymakers in tourist destinations. The special interest and attraction of these types of holiday stay for guests is explained, above all, by the varied cuisine and the locals' proficiency in languages (South Tyrol) as well as the specific architecture and the more extensive cultural offerings (Transylvania). In Transylvania no significant differences and in South Tyrol significant differences in the perception of the special cultural situation by locals and guests have been observed.

Research limitations/implications

This study was confined to 250 interviewees per group and study region, due to budget restrictions. Compared to the volume of research on native population and tourism, research on minorities and tourist activities is quite new. Therefore this research paper provides only an exploratory study and could be developed further.

Originality/value

The paper shows that ethnic minorities, with their customs and traditions, languages and architectural styles, can definitely offer added value for holidaymakers.

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2011

Sanjica Faletar Tanackovic, Darko Lacovic and Snjezana Stanarevic

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a small scale study the aim of which was to survey the information needs and library usage of major long‐established…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a small scale study the aim of which was to survey the information needs and library usage of major long‐established national minorities (Serbian, Hungarian and Slovak) in eastern Croatia (Osijek‐Baranya county); in particular in relation to the information and reading material in their native languages.

Design/methodology/approach

Owing to spatial limitations this paper focuses on the Serbian national minority. Data were gathered with the help of quantitative methodology. Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed through Serbian cultural associations (the snowball sampling method). In total, 140 valid and usable questionnaires were returned. Descriptive statistics and variant analysis were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The study indicated that respondents had the need for diverse information and reading material in their mother tongue and that for that purpose they used public libraries less often than some other information sources, such as TV, newspapers, internet and local Serbian cultural associations.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research are inherent in the methodology. The authors will, in the next phase of the project, carry out in‐depth interviews with respondents.

Practical implications

The importance of this research lies in its implications for the development of library services to multicultural communities in Croatia, as well as offering suggestions for improving collection building in Croatian public libraries. This study could encourage librarians in Croatia to systematically collect and analyse information about their local community minorities; especially their library and information needs.

Originality/value

This is the first investigation into the information needs and library usage of long‐established national minorities in Croatia.

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2014

Lucinda Ferguson

This article explores the neglected issue of the overrepresentation in the child protection system of children from ethnic, cultural, religious, racial, and linguistic minorities

Abstract

This article explores the neglected issue of the overrepresentation in the child protection system of children from ethnic, cultural, religious, racial, and linguistic minorities. It focuses on the accommodation of children’s diverse backgrounds within the s 31(2) threshold and s1 “best interests” stages of intervention under the Children Act 1989. First, it introduces the ethnic child protection penalty as a new tool for capturing the complex nature of overrepresentation of these children. Second, it proposes a framework for understanding the judicial approach in higher court decisions on the current extent and nature of accommodation. Third, it employs the penalty concept to help explain why case law analysis reveals difficulties with the current factor-based approach, whereas empirical research suggests generally satisfactory accommodation in practice. It concludes by proposing a contextualized framework for decision-making in relation to child protection.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Xiaolin Sun and Eugene Ch’ng

This article examines curatorial practices, both traditional and digital, in the Guizhou Provincial Museum’s ethnic exhibition to assess their effectiveness in representing ethnic…

Abstract

Purpose

This article examines curatorial practices, both traditional and digital, in the Guizhou Provincial Museum’s ethnic exhibition to assess their effectiveness in representing ethnic minority cultures, fostering learning and inspiring curiosity about ethnic textiles and costumes and associated cultures. It also explores audience expectations concerning digital technology use in future exhibitions.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was employed, where visitor data were collected through questionnaires, together with interviews with expert, museum professionals and ethnic minority textile practitioners. Their expertise proved instrumental in shaping the design of the study and enhancing the overall visitor experience, and thus fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of ethnic minority cultures.

Findings

Visitors were generally satisfied with the exhibition, valuing their educational experience on ethnic textiles and cultures. There is a notable demand for more immersive digital technologies in museum exhibitions. The study underscores the importance of participatory design with stakeholders, especially ethnic minority groups, for genuine and compelling cultural representation.

Originality/value

This study delves into the potentials of digital technologies in the curation of ethnic minority textiles, particularly for enhancing education and cultural communication. Ethnic textiles and costumes provide rich sensory experience, and they carry deep cultural significance, especially during festive occasions. Our findings bridge this gap; they offer insights for museums aiming to deepen the visitor experiences and understanding of ethnic cultures through the use of digital technologies.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 December 2011

Henan Cheng

Using Kunming, the capital of China's southwest Yunnan Province, as an example, this mixed-methods research examines three interacting dimensions of social change in contemporary…

Abstract

Using Kunming, the capital of China's southwest Yunnan Province, as an example, this mixed-methods research examines three interacting dimensions of social change in contemporary China: migration, ethnicity, and education. In particular, it sheds light on the issue of educational achievement of migrant children, especially children of ethnic minority background. The quantitative portion of the study is based on data gathered from over 700 sample students, teachers, and principals who participated in the “2008 Kunming Migrant Children's Survey.” A two-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) is employed to identify student- and school-level factors and to estimate the impacts of these factors on migrant children's academic achievement. The qualitative portion of the study is based primarily on the data collected through in-depth individual interviews and focus-group discussions with 97 migrant students, teachers, and school principals from 10 government and nongovernment migrant children's schools in Kunming between 2008 and 2009. The qualitative and quantitative results highlight four interrelated groups of educational barriers experienced by migrant students in pursuing compulsory education: institutional, socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological barriers. In particular, cultural and psychological barriers, including difficulty in school adaptation, low self-esteem, lack of family support, and discrimination against ethnic minorities due to their different religious beliefs and ethnic traditions, are found to have exerted particularly significant negative influences on academic achievements of ethnic minority students.

Details

The Impact and Transformation of Education Policy in China
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-186-2

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 27 September 2019

Emily S. Meadows

Heteronormativity and cisnormativity are dominant perspectives ensuring that social structures, including educational systems, operate with a bias for heterosexual, cisgender…

Abstract

Heteronormativity and cisnormativity are dominant perspectives ensuring that social structures, including educational systems, operate with a bias for heterosexual, cisgender people. Gender and sexual minority (GSM) children worldwide attend schools where they are excluded and harassed because of their gender identity and/or sexuality. While many education professionals would not tolerate such discrimination perpetrated on the basis of minority ethnicity, race, or religion, relatively little attention is given to the marginalization of GSM students. The term ‘context paralysis’, coined here, describes a reluctance to engage with issues when the cultural context may make doing so difficult. Gender and sexuality are indeed sensitive and provocative topics, deeply connected to cultural norms and customs. However, to dismiss discrimination against GSM people in the name of local traditions is to be complicit in a tradition of bigotry. This chapter calls upon comparative and international education (CIE) scholars to employ their aptly nuanced training and expertise to elevate the visibility of issues barring GSM students from equal participation in school, to disseminate findings about effective interventions and policies that protect and support GSM students, and to interpret and adapt this research for application across cultural and geographic settings. Indeed, it is those in the field of CIE who may be best suited to carry out the sensitive implementation of educational research across borders and are, thus, particularly well-positioned to overcome context paralysis on behalf of GSM children worldwide.

Details

Annual Review of Comparative and International Education 2018
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-416-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2011

Vinita P. Ambwani, Louise Heslop and Lorraine S. Dyke

The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain barriers to differentiation for minority focused advertising agencies and propose modification to the existing framework of…

3558

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain barriers to differentiation for minority focused advertising agencies and propose modification to the existing framework of agency selection process.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with key industry personnel. The data from these were augmented with proprietary research conducted by the relevant organizations and extensive review of the literature.

Findings

Few advertising agencies differentiate themselves by specializing in campaigns targeting minority populations. Several barriers to differentiation exist which can be explained using Institutional Theory and Economic Detour Theory. Rational Goal model and the Learning and Effectiveness Paradigm of diversity are used to suggest modification to current approaches.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should test the validity of the proposed framework.

Practical implications

The proposed framework for agency selection will lead to differentiation opportunities for advertising agencies and potential business for clients.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the theoretical drivers of the barriers that exist for minority focused advertising agencies. The modified framework proposed uses theoretical rationale to addresses these barriers.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

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