Diversity and Inclusion Research – serie

The world is not an equal place. There are high- and low-income countries and high- and low-income households. For each group, there are differential educational opportunities, leading to differential educational outcomes and differential labor market opportunities. This pattern often reproduces the privileges and inequalities of groups in a society. This book explores this differentiation in education from a social justice lens. Comparing the United States and South Africa, this book analyzes each country’s developmental thinking on education, from human capital and human rights approaches, in both primary and higher education. The enclosed contributions draw from different disciplines including legal studies, sociology, psychology, computer science and public policy.

The world is not an equal place. There are high- and low-income countries and high- and low-income households. For each group, there are differential educational opportunities, leading to differential educational outcomes and differential labor market opportunities. This pattern often reproduces the privileges and inequalities of groups in a society. This book explores this differentiation in education from a social justice lens. Comparing the United States and South Africa, this book analyzes each country’s developmental thinking on education, from human capital and human rights approaches, in both primary and higher education. The enclosed contributions draw from different disciplines including legal studies, sociology, psychology, computer science and public policy.

“The book on offer here is fascinating. I do not think it is proper to classify it as ‘philosophy’ or ‘sociology’ or ‘comparative education’. It is a work sui generis. Its cultural and historical range is extraordinary. Its illustrations are themselves arresting. Its literature is well outside disciplinary conventions and ranges across a number of languages. Mirabile dictu!” Professor Robert CowenHow have modern societies arrived at assuming:·        Culture is non-essential!·        Higher education is to train economically but not socio-politically active & engaged citizens!·        Economic wealth is the most important and prominent form of individual and national assets!·        Precariousness and socio-economic gaps are due to individuals’ skills and capacities but not the failure of legal, political, and social systems!·        Freedom and equality are about “choices in having” but not necessarily about “ways of being and becoming”!Torabian argues these assumptions have not been constructed overnight and that COVID-19 has simply revealed their long-term fabrication and impact since the 1970s. This book is a fascinating voyage from the Middle Ages to today. It travels across different socio-cultural and political contexts drawing on arts, literary works, music, philosophical thoughts, economic and social concepts. It explores value systems and perceptions of wealth, poverty, and inequality and depicts the mutual impact and shifting role of (higher) education and culture and societies- particularly when related to social revolutions, political participation, and collective quests for equality and justice across time and spaces.Examining instrumentalisation of culture and education by the powerfulelite, Torabian delineates mechanisms through which values are fabricated and imposed on the masses. Drawing on some catching examples, she explains the authoritarian elite do so through visible rewards and punishments, while in capitalist societies power remains invisible and indirect. In both contexts, though, she skilfully demonstrates, the powerful groups transform the role and meaning of culture and higher education to facilitate normalisation and internalisation of their fabricated value system among the masses.Consequently, Torabian celebrates the recently accelerated quest for socio-ecological justice and sustainability across societies as a fortunate cosmopolitan shift. This, she believes, announces a rupture with the dominant capitalist ideology that has reigned the world since the 1970s through celebrity culture, media, propaganda, and by reducing higher education to an economic activity. The pursuit of a socio-ecological contract based on fairness, justice, and participation, Torabian argues, requires a renewed value system in which the socio-political role of culture and higher education can be revitalised. To this end, she introduces an innovative framework, i.e., the Big Wealth Pie (the topic of the author’s upcoming book in this series) and proposes using transgressive education, resistance pedagogy, and teaching ignorance. She reckons such a social contract can be a global reality if “being” replaces the capitalist ideology of “having”; a process that can be started and reified by questioning what is or is not essential in socio-ecologically just societies. The book is thought-provoking and timely in questioning values and social institutions that have normalised precariousness, inequality, and poverty within a consumerist logic.

“The book on offer here is fascinating. I do not think it is proper to classify it as ‘philosophy’ or ‘sociology’ or ‘comparative education’. It is a work sui generis. Its cultural and historical range is extraordinary. Its illustrations are themselves arresting. Its literature is well outside disciplinary conventions and ranges across a number of languages. Mirabile dictu!” Professor Robert CowenHow have modern societies arrived at assuming:·        Culture is non-essential!·        Higher education is to train economically but not socio-politically active & engaged citizens!·        Economic wealth is the most important and prominent form of individual and national assets!·        Precariousness and socio-economic gaps are due to individuals’ skills and capacities but not the failure of legal, political, and social systems!·        Freedom and equality are about “choices in having” but not necessarily about “ways of being and becoming”!Torabian argues these assumptions have not been constructed overnight and that COVID-19 has simply revealed their long-term fabrication and impact since the 1970s. This book is a fascinating voyage from the Middle Ages to today. It travels across different socio-cultural and political contexts drawing on arts, literary works, music, philosophical thoughts, economic and social concepts. It explores value systems and perceptions of wealth, poverty, and inequality and depicts the mutual impact and shifting role of (higher) education and culture and societies- particularly when related to social revolutions, political participation, and collective quests for equality and justice across time and spaces.Examining instrumentalisation of culture and education by the powerfulelite, Torabian delineates mechanisms through which values are fabricated and imposed on the masses. Drawing on some catching examples, she explains the authoritarian elite do so through visible rewards and punishments, while in capitalist societies power remains invisible and indirect. In both contexts, though, she skilfully demonstrates, the powerful groups transform the role and meaning of culture and higher education to facilitate normalisation and internalisation of their fabricated value system among the masses.Consequently, Torabian celebrates the recently accelerated quest for socio-ecological justice and sustainability across societies as a fortunate cosmopolitan shift. This, she believes, announces a rupture with the dominant capitalist ideology that has reigned the world since the 1970s through celebrity culture, media, propaganda, and by reducing higher education to an economic activity. The pursuit of a socio-ecological contract based on fairness, justice, and participation, Torabian argues, requires a renewed value system in which the socio-political role of culture and higher education can be revitalised. To this end, she introduces an innovative framework, i.e., the Big Wealth Pie (the topic of the author’s upcoming book in this series) and proposes using transgressive education, resistance pedagogy, and teaching ignorance. She reckons such a social contract can be a global reality if “being” replaces the capitalist ideology of “having”; a process that can be started and reified by questioning what is or is not essential in socio-ecologically just societies. The book is thought-provoking and timely in questioning values and social institutions that have normalised precariousness, inequality, and poverty within a consumerist logic.

This book provides deep insights about women in higher education and their contributions to society. Using Kenya as a case study, it places women in higher education at the center of the socioeconomic, political and cultural discourse both within and outside the higher education institution. It is notable that even with the progress made, both in Kenya and globally, gender considerations in social, economic, political and cultural spheres is still minimal.In higher education, gender imbalance is still distinct in varied areas such as career advancement, leadership, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities. In society, women’s efforts still seem to go unnoticed. The aim of these chapters, therefore, is to share women’s research in higher education and in society especially innovative policy and practice concepts, all aimed at contributing to social transformation.

This book provides deep insights about women in higher education and their contributions to society. Using Kenya as a case study, it places women in higher education at the center of the socioeconomic, political and cultural discourse both within and outside the higher education institution. It is notable that even with the progress made, both in Kenya and globally, gender considerations in social, economic, political and cultural spheres is still minimal.In higher education, gender imbalance is still distinct in varied areas such as career advancement, leadership, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities. In society, women’s efforts still seem to go unnoticed. The aim of these chapters, therefore, is to share women’s research in higher education and in society especially innovative policy and practice concepts, all aimed at contributing to social transformation.

This book describes the linkage between the worlds of culture and inclusion based on the concept of intercultural proficiency (IP). It explains the building blocks of intercultural proficiency by providing a conceptual framework that combines and structures the existing knowledge base and extends it by incorporating the author’s own empirical research work. The framework presents not only a comprehensive and universal model based on existing concepts but also implications for learning and teaching strategies. This book and the IP concept provide guidance for students, early working professionals as well as seasoned working professionals on how to thrive and succeed when interacting with different cultures. It allows us to think outside our narrow cultural boundaries and decode complex cross-cultural interactions. Thus, the IP approach can be applied in academic and corporate settings, as it facilitates potential for solution of the issues associated with multicultural workforces and global operations of organizations.

This book describes the linkage between the worlds of culture and inclusion based on the concept of intercultural proficiency (IP). It explains the building blocks of intercultural proficiency by providing a conceptual framework that combines and structures the existing knowledge base and extends it by incorporating the author’s own empirical research work. The framework presents not only a comprehensive and universal model based on existing concepts but also implications for learning and teaching strategies. This book and the IP concept provide guidance for students, early working professionals as well as seasoned working professionals on how to thrive and succeed when interacting with different cultures. It allows us to think outside our narrow cultural boundaries and decode complex cross-cultural interactions. Thus, the IP approach can be applied in academic and corporate settings, as it facilitates potential for solution of the issues associated with multicultural workforces and global operations of organizations.

This book seeks to explain the nature of discrimination and exclusion and why these are so prevalent in our societies. The continued failure to overcome these obstacles prevent organisations from taking advantage of the significant benefits and returns that come from being inclusive in the face of diversity. It explores the key drivers of non-inclusive behavior and how they can be countered before providing guidance on how organisations can successfully pursue inclusive culture change. With a mix of applied academic theory, practical examples and real-world experiences, the book examines the topic of D&I from four perspectives: (I) Why diversity and inclusion matters. (II) The forces of exclusion and isolation. (III)The imperative conditions of change. (IV)The organisation of the culture transformation process.In doing so, the book meets the diverse needs of those involved in corporate governance, board members, executives, and even consultants who want to understand the intricacies of cultural diversity and inclusion and why so many programmes fail. For academics in organisational behavior, equity, diversity, and inclusion, trained in the social sciences and anthropology, the book offers a guide to the practical application of theory and the implementation of policies that cannot rely on the assumption of stability and consistency. This book is an invitation to anyone who wants to take on the challenge of making a difference and organisational change a reality.Dr. Doyin Atewologun, psychologist, scientist, practitioner and leading expert in the field of promoting inclusion and excellence in organizations, provided valuable consultancy to the author during the creation of this book.

This book seeks to explain the nature of discrimination and exclusion and why these are so prevalent in our societies. The continued failure to overcome these obstacles prevent organisations from taking advantage of the significant benefits and returns that come from being inclusive in the face of diversity. It explores the key drivers of non-inclusive behavior and how they can be countered before providing guidance on how organisations can successfully pursue inclusive culture change. With a mix of applied academic theory, practical examples and real-world experiences, the book examines the topic of D&I from four perspectives: (I) Why diversity and inclusion matters. (II) The forces of exclusion and isolation. (III)The imperative conditions of change. (IV)The organisation of the culture transformation process.In doing so, the book meets the diverse needs of those involved in corporate governance, board members, executives, and even consultants who want to understand the intricacies of cultural diversity and inclusion and why so many programmes fail. For academics in organisational behavior, equity, diversity, and inclusion, trained in the social sciences and anthropology, the book offers a guide to the practical application of theory and the implementation of policies that cannot rely on the assumption of stability and consistency. This book is an invitation to anyone who wants to take on the challenge of making a difference and organisational change a reality.Dr. Doyin Atewologun, psychologist, scientist, practitioner and leading expert in the field of promoting inclusion and excellence in organizations, provided valuable consultancy to the author during the creation of this book.

This edited volume delves into the intricate challenges that cities face in the midst of evolving socio-political, economic, and environmental landscapes. With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, the book thoroughly examines the transformation of urban systems and their manifestations within broader spatial contexts. Employing a trans- and interdisciplinary approach, the editors have strategically curated diverse research clusters to address key aspects of inclusive urban transformation from multiple perspectives. These clusters explore alternative paradigms for sustainable urban transformation, the dynamics of city regions, inclusive tourism development, the de-contestation of urban heritage to diversify urban identities, and inclusive intersectional city-making practices. By fostering collaboration and cross-pollination among these clusters, the volume fosters a transdisciplinary understanding of inclusive and sustainable urban transformation, facilitating the development of more holistic approaches in conceptualizing and promoting inclusive urban theory and praxis.

This edited volume delves into the intricate challenges that cities face in the midst of evolving socio-political, economic, and environmental landscapes. With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, the book thoroughly examines the transformation of urban systems and their manifestations within broader spatial contexts. Employing a trans- and interdisciplinary approach, the editors have strategically curated diverse research clusters to address key aspects of inclusive urban transformation from multiple perspectives. These clusters explore alternative paradigms for sustainable urban transformation, the dynamics of city regions, inclusive tourism development, the de-contestation of urban heritage to diversify urban identities, and inclusive intersectional city-making practices. By fostering collaboration and cross-pollination among these clusters, the volume fosters a transdisciplinary understanding of inclusive and sustainable urban transformation, facilitating the development of more holistic approaches in conceptualizing and promoting inclusive urban theory and praxis.

The percentage of women applying for engineering licensure remains well below the percentage of women enrolling in engineering undergraduate programs--an issue of retention that continues throughout women engineers' career trajectories. Although there have been many efforts on the recruitment side to attract people of varying genders to study engineering and join the profession, such efforts are ineffective if this diverse population is not retained in engineering. This book identifies the factors affecting the recruitment of women into, and the retention of women in the engineering profession. The authors examine the experience of male and female students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels to better understand women's experiences at each stage in their careers through to becoming industry members or academics. Issues such as intimidation and discouragement at the undergraduate level, disproportionate funding and support at a graduate student level, and the correlation between retention and opportunities for collaboration at an industry/academic level are discussed. The book concludes by highlighting the key findings affecting the retention of women in engineering and offers potential solutions. The findings covered in this book may be used by engineering postsecondary institutions and workplaces to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. This book is also useful to researchers, scholars, students, and academics interested in the retention of women in STEM industries.

The percentage of women applying for engineering licensure remains well below the percentage of women enrolling in engineering undergraduate programs--an issue of retention that continues throughout women engineers' career trajectories. Although there have been many efforts on the recruitment side to attract people of varying genders to study engineering and join the profession, such efforts are ineffective if this diverse population is not retained in engineering. This book identifies the factors affecting the recruitment of women into, and the retention of women in the engineering profession. The authors examine the experience of male and female students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels to better understand women's experiences at each stage in their careers through to becoming industry members or academics. Issues such as intimidation and discouragement at the undergraduate level, disproportionate funding and support at a graduate student level, and the correlation between retention and opportunities for collaboration at an industry/academic level are discussed. The book concludes by highlighting the key findings affecting the retention of women in engineering and offers potential solutions. The findings covered in this book may be used by engineering postsecondary institutions and workplaces to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. This book is also useful to researchers, scholars, students, and academics interested in the retention of women in STEM industries.

This book explores the adverse economic effects of discriminatory language against LGBTQ+ people. The case studies under investigation are represented by the French and the Italian language, both boasting vast arrays of slurs employed to denote negatively the members of the LGBTQ+ community. Looking at the relative frequencies of slurs over time, the analysis proposed measures the extent of linguistic discrimination. Subsequently, the book identifies the negative impact of discrimination on economic performance in France and Italy in the long run. Slurs impose a psychological cost on the members of the LGBTQ+ community, who become as a result less productive in the workplace. Ultimately, slurs affect overall economic performance and reduce economic growth at the national level.This book stresses the role of inefficiencies associated with discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in various spheres of life, with a particular focus on their economic consequences. Discriminatory language thus emerges not only as a negative phenomenon per se, but also as an obstacle to economic growth. This work draws elements from different disciplines and the results it obtains may prove appealing to scholars of economics, linguistics and gender studies, as well as to policymakers seeking to overcome social exclusion while stimulating economic performance.

This book explores the adverse economic effects of discriminatory language against LGBTQ+ people. The case studies under investigation are represented by the French and the Italian language, both boasting vast arrays of slurs employed to denote negatively the members of the LGBTQ+ community. Looking at the relative frequencies of slurs over time, the analysis proposed measures the extent of linguistic discrimination. Subsequently, the book identifies the negative impact of discrimination on economic performance in France and Italy in the long run. Slurs impose a psychological cost on the members of the LGBTQ+ community, who become as a result less productive in the workplace. Ultimately, slurs affect overall economic performance and reduce economic growth at the national level.This book stresses the role of inefficiencies associated with discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in various spheres of life, with a particular focus on their economic consequences. Discriminatory language thus emerges not only as a negative phenomenon per se, but also as an obstacle to economic growth. This work draws elements from different disciplines and the results it obtains may prove appealing to scholars of economics, linguistics and gender studies, as well as to policymakers seeking to overcome social exclusion while stimulating economic performance.

This volume presents interdisciplinary and intersectional contributions that outline the state of the art in the field of intercultural dialogue and diversity management. It discusses traditional and modern practices, as well as notions related to interculturalism and diversity, such as intercultural mediation, religious and non-confessional dialogue, cultural capitalism, and cultural pluralism. The book aims at stimulating the dialogue in academia and to foster interculturalism and tolerance of social diversity by sharing good practices and tools, especially through education, in overcoming any barriers that different cultures might pose to everyday affairs.The book will appeal to students, researchers, and scholars of political science, law, sociology, education, and business and management, as well as policy-makers and practitioners interested in a better understanding of intercultural dialogue and diversity management.

This book explores the meaning, perceptions, historical and current cultural and psychological roots of gender stereotypes and patriarchy in the workplace. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the types of stereotypes, their origins, and theoretical underpinnings as well as a comparison of the different paradigms across cultures. As the narrative progresses, the book then provides a conceptual model of impact of gender stereotyping on female expatriates and provides evidence of women’s experiences at work and in the society from across different countries. It also shows mindsets across different generations and examines the possible impact of generative AI tools. This all reveals how this phenomenon still exists despite the increased number of women in workforce and how these stereotypes perpetuate harmful norms that limit individual potential, reinforce inequality, and enhance discrimination. Relevant for scholars, researchers, students, practitioners, and policy makers, this book encourages readers to self-reflect on their own internalized beliefs and biases, paving the way for personal growth and societal transformation.

This book explores the meaning, perceptions, historical and current cultural and psychological roots of gender stereotypes and patriarchy in the workplace. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the types of stereotypes, their origins, and theoretical underpinnings as well as a comparison of the different paradigms across cultures. As the narrative progresses, the book then provides a conceptual model of impact of gender stereotyping on female expatriates and provides evidence of women’s experiences at work and in the society from across different countries. It also shows mindsets across different generations and examines the possible impact of generative AI tools. This all reveals how this phenomenon still exists despite the increased number of women in workforce and how these stereotypes perpetuate harmful norms that limit individual potential, reinforce inequality, and enhance discrimination. Relevant for scholars, researchers, students, practitioners, and policy makers, this book encourages readers to self-reflect on their own internalized beliefs and biases, paving the way for personal growth and societal transformation.

History, geography, culture, and the legal framework influence the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in and around organisations. Yet, most academics and practitioners still approach themes of diversity in organisations relying on standardised discourses and practices, often transferred uncritically from the Anglo-Saxon context. Adopting a contextual approach that takes into account the specificities of the Italian context, this book explores a wide array of themes related to diversity and inclusion in organisations and society.Focusing on the Italian context, the book offers new insights into themes already well-established in the diversity debate, such as gender, age and disability. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on categories, organisational forms, and stakeholders rarely associated with diversity, such as social class, family businesses, and trade unions, but also to consider the role of technology and the arts as tools for both inclusion and exclusion. The contributions draw on different disciplines and perspectives and provide insights relevant not only with respect to Italy but also to other national and international contexts. This volume is aimed at both researchers and practitioners who wish to develop a more nuanced and mature understanding of diversity in organisations and society.

History, geography, culture, and the legal framework influence the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in and around organisations. Yet, most academics and practitioners still approach themes of diversity in organisations relying on standardised discourses and practices, often transferred uncritically from the Anglo-Saxon context. Adopting a contextual approach that takes into account the specificities of the Italian context, this book explores a wide array of themes related to diversity and inclusion in organisations and society.Focusing on the Italian context, the book offers new insights into themes already well-established in the diversity debate, such as gender, age and disability. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on categories, organisational forms, and stakeholders rarely associated with diversity, such as social class, family businesses, and trade unions, but also to consider the role of technology and the arts as tools for both inclusion and exclusion. The contributions draw on different disciplines and perspectives and provide insights relevant not only with respect to Italy but also to other national and international contexts. This volume is aimed at both researchers and practitioners who wish to develop a more nuanced and mature understanding of diversity in organisations and society.

This book addresses the profound changes brought by digital technologies. Virtual teams, cloud-based collaboration, and real-time communication have eliminated geographical boundaries, creating a hyperconnected world where cultural nuances blend seamlessly. This book further examines the relationship between culture and effective leadership, highlighting the challenges of managing diverse teams in our interconnected era. It redefines the understanding of management within the social sciences, emphasizing the development of cultural competencies to build and sustain unified teams, and focusing on leveraging knowledge, honing judgment, evaluating performance, and preparing individuals for leadership positions.Incorporating perspectives from renowned scholars such as Edgar Schein, House, Triandis, Bass, Hofstede, and others, the book discusses often neglected topics. It covers essential skills for the global business landscape and analyzes the beliefs, values, work behaviors, communication styles, and business practices that differ across cultures. By examining the perceptions of natives and foreigners and adaptable managerial strategies for various settings, the book supports leaders with efficient strategies for success. Focusing on developing effective leadership, the chapters include topics such as: global leadership competencies, building cross-cultural teams during disruptive times, impactful communication, strategic decision-making, managing transitions, embracing diversity, and the dynamics between leaders and followers.The book is written in accessible language and provides real-world examples, offering a novel perspective on leadership in an increasingly diverse world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in a better understanding of modern cross-cultural management against today's turbulent political and economic climates and will appeal to global business professionals, academics, practitioners, students, and management researchers from diverse fields, in both the humanities and business sectors.

This book addresses the profound changes brought by digital technologies. Virtual teams, cloud-based collaboration, and real-time communication have eliminated geographical boundaries, creating a hyperconnected world where cultural nuances blend seamlessly. This book further examines the relationship between culture and effective leadership, highlighting the challenges of managing diverse teams in our interconnected era. It redefines the understanding of management within the social sciences, emphasizing the development of cultural competencies to build and sustain unified teams, and focusing on leveraging knowledge, honing judgment, evaluating performance, and preparing individuals for leadership positions.Incorporating perspectives from renowned scholars such as Edgar Schein, House, Triandis, Bass, Hofstede, and others, the book discusses often neglected topics. It covers essential skills for the global business landscape and analyzes the beliefs, values, work behaviors, communication styles, and business practices that differ across cultures. By examining the perceptions of natives and foreigners and adaptable managerial strategies for various settings, the book supports leaders with efficient strategies for success. Focusing on developing effective leadership, the chapters include topics such as: global leadership competencies, building cross-cultural teams during disruptive times, impactful communication, strategic decision-making, managing transitions, embracing diversity, and the dynamics between leaders and followers.The book is written in accessible language and provides real-world examples, offering a novel perspective on leadership in an increasingly diverse world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in a better understanding of modern cross-cultural management against today's turbulent political and economic climates and will appeal to global business professionals, academics, practitioners, students, and management researchers from diverse fields, in both the humanities and business sectors.

This monograph, based on the author's successful PhD dissertation, examines the community radio (CR) landscape in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. It introduces an inclusionary South Asia-specific framework for analyzing CR, grounded in global alternative media theories.Using a mapping methodology, the monograph presents both primary and secondary data. Secondary data, gathered through desk reviews, is organized into a Community Media Database (CMD) for South Asia, while primary data from interviews and case studies is analyzed across four thematic areas: policy environment, ownership, community, and programming.The book offers detailed country profiles, case studies profiles, and a comprehensive analysis of the thematic areas in each country. It concludes with 24 guiding principles aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities for CR in South Asia.

This monograph, based on the author's successful PhD dissertation, examines the community radio (CR) landscape in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. It introduces an inclusionary South Asia-specific framework for analyzing CR, grounded in global alternative media theories.Using a mapping methodology, the monograph presents both primary and secondary data. Secondary data, gathered through desk reviews, is organized into a Community Media Database (CMD) for South Asia, while primary data from interviews and case studies is analyzed across four thematic areas: policy environment, ownership, community, and programming.The book offers detailed country profiles, case studies profiles, and a comprehensive analysis of the thematic areas in each country. It concludes with 24 guiding principles aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities for CR in South Asia.

This open book presents the latest advances in models and data for evaluating the efficacy of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services provided to individuals with disabilities.  For the first time, the VR-ROI (return on investment) model is used to simultaneously compare short- and long-term labor market outcomes across multiple state agencies and four distinct disability groups. For each disability group, the book provides information about the return on investment, as measured by the rate of return, for VR services. By offering this broad and in-depth evaluation in concert with intuitive explanations of the model and the estimation methodology, the book helps to bridge the gap between research and practice and to equip stakeholders with data-driven insights to enhance vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities.This is an open access book.

This open book presents the latest advances in models and data for evaluating the efficacy of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services provided to individuals with disabilities.  For the first time, the VR-ROI (return on investment) model is used to simultaneously compare short- and long-term labor market outcomes across multiple state agencies and four distinct disability groups. For each disability group, the book provides information about the return on investment, as measured by the rate of return, for VR services. By offering this broad and in-depth evaluation in concert with intuitive explanations of the model and the estimation methodology, the book helps to bridge the gap between research and practice and to equip stakeholders with data-driven insights to enhance vocational rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities.This is an open access book.

The volume takes an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to recent trends in European identities, social exclusion and poverty on the one hand, and social rights and equality legislation and policies in the European Union on the other. It examines whether legal instruments and policies can effectively address structural discrimination and social exclusion, explores their interplay with identity politics and stereotypes, and examines how legal principles and policies translate into societal progress and inclusion at both the EU and national levels.The book highlights the social rights safeguarded in the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Council of Europe's European Social Charter, as well as the role of EU and national courts in interpreting social rights and non-discrimination legislation. Using case studies from Greece, Italy and Spain, the book examines state and civil society initiatives to combat poverty and marginalization.The book will appeal to students, researchers and academics in political science, law, sociology and education, as well as policy-makers and practitioners interested in equality and social policies aimed at combating social exclusion, marginalization and poverty.

This book helps organizations discover the essential insights from the concept of "Work-Life-Flow" – a vital resource for understanding occupational health in today's flexible work environments, including remote and hybrid setups. Sustainable occupational health is the cornerstone of organizational success, and this book focuses on the dynamic equilibrium between one's professional and personal life roles. As the European Union's work-life balance directive and the International Labour Organization's 'Decent Work' initiative underscore the relevance of work-life flow, the book explores the integration of work and life, offering readers a roadmap to master a healthier balance. Featuring in-depth knowledge from extensive academic and empirical research, innovative self-assessment tools, virtual training, and practical cases, this book empowers professionals and organizations to bridge the gap in work-life balance management, promoting positive well-being, health, and performance for all. This comprehensive guide shows a path toward a healthier, inclusive, and more productive future.Featuring a foreword by Dr. Joan Guàrdia Olmos, Rector of University of Barcelona, Spain.