The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in Norway

In Norway, contemporary challenges linked to racism, discrimination, and social exclusion advocate for original approaches to enhance inclusion and appreciation of diversity. In this article, we draw on empirical material from two workshops with four youths from diverse backgrounds. The empirical ma...

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Main Authors: Irene Bisasso Hoem, Marit Ursin, Carla Ramirez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1481628/full
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author Irene Bisasso Hoem
Marit Ursin
Carla Ramirez
author_facet Irene Bisasso Hoem
Marit Ursin
Carla Ramirez
author_sort Irene Bisasso Hoem
collection DOAJ
description In Norway, contemporary challenges linked to racism, discrimination, and social exclusion advocate for original approaches to enhance inclusion and appreciation of diversity. In this article, we draw on empirical material from two workshops with four youths from diverse backgrounds. The empirical material includes participant observation, group discussions, reflection logs, and informal dialogues. Using transformative learning theory, we explore whether and what kinds of learning processes occur when youths engage and interact in reflective activities aimed at appreciating diversity. Emphasizing the need to expand youths' existing frames of reference and points of view, the empirical material unveils the power of representation. The analysis suggests that although movies might have transformative potential, personal or peers' experiences make the movies “come alive” and more relatable. This increases the level of critical reflection and self-reflection among the youth participants, thus strengthening the transformative potential. Lastly, the analysis shows that both representation and context are crucial in activities seeking to enhance inclusion and appreciation of diversity.
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spelling doaj-art-008a9695ef1e440aadc5ad8f97c5b3432025-01-10T12:37:20ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-01-01910.3389/feduc.2024.14816281481628The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in NorwayIrene Bisasso HoemMarit UrsinCarla RamirezIn Norway, contemporary challenges linked to racism, discrimination, and social exclusion advocate for original approaches to enhance inclusion and appreciation of diversity. In this article, we draw on empirical material from two workshops with four youths from diverse backgrounds. The empirical material includes participant observation, group discussions, reflection logs, and informal dialogues. Using transformative learning theory, we explore whether and what kinds of learning processes occur when youths engage and interact in reflective activities aimed at appreciating diversity. Emphasizing the need to expand youths' existing frames of reference and points of view, the empirical material unveils the power of representation. The analysis suggests that although movies might have transformative potential, personal or peers' experiences make the movies “come alive” and more relatable. This increases the level of critical reflection and self-reflection among the youth participants, thus strengthening the transformative potential. Lastly, the analysis shows that both representation and context are crucial in activities seeking to enhance inclusion and appreciation of diversity.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1481628/fulltransformative learning theoryinclusive educationyouthrepresentationsocial inclusiondiversity
spellingShingle Irene Bisasso Hoem
Marit Ursin
Carla Ramirez
The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in Norway
Frontiers in Education
transformative learning theory
inclusive education
youth
representation
social inclusion
diversity
title The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in Norway
title_full The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in Norway
title_fullStr The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in Norway
title_full_unstemmed The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in Norway
title_short The transformative power of representation among youths: toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in Norway
title_sort transformative power of representation among youths toward appreciating diversity and inclusion in norway
topic transformative learning theory
inclusive education
youth
representation
social inclusion
diversity
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1481628/full
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