Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Given the assumption that some sort of rational discourse, as an ideal-type, is approachable if not absolutely achievable, and the assumption that some segments of society are more practiced in the kinds of language that allows such a discourse, and, finally, the assumption that particular subjects are often disinterested in universal understanding, I ask whether we can identify and situate “uncivil” discourse strategies within the context of civil discourse. This analysis is concerned with one obstacle to democratic pluralism, the tendency for participants in public discussions to frame both issues and other participants in competitive terms. I posit that there will be discernable patterns to how, when and by whom such strategies are invoked, and that a significant use of these strategies will be to defend and reify as universal the particular perspective that is most closely associated with both modernist thought. To test this thesis, I analyze the content of online discussions linked to stories appearing in Inside Higher Ed, an online journal for higher education professionals. Relative to the population at large, IHE reader/participants are, on average, more practiced in effective communicative action and more privileged by the modernist value system that endorses civil society as an ideal. Thus, participants often get to choose between enacting civil discourse and defending their own positions. This paper examines uncivil discourse strategies in light of theories of civil society.

Publication Type: Roundtable Presentation
Abstract: This Project involves new approaches to training teachers to enable greater understanding of problems that affect children’s learning and strategies for dealing with difficulties. The discussion will focus on theoretical underpinning and recent developments in the Project.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper is an initial examination of prime time television's response to the events of September 11. Based on a review of the 2001-2002 television season's prime time programs, we identify 15 programs that incorporated 9/11 elements. Themes of these programs are discussed as are the strategies for inclusion adopted by show producers and writers.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: While wireless communication and other information linked technologies have rapidly achieved widespread levels of adoption, a significant array of stakeholder groups have been effectively excluded, not by as much by active intent as by inadvertent oversight and lack of awareness. Many of these technologies routinely used by the general population are frequently inaccessible to persons with disabilities. Barriers to the use of these technologies by people with varying disabilities may be subtle and unintentional, but never the less very real. This paper presents preliminary results of policy research designed to develop a framework for assessing the status quo, developing inclusive policy initiatives, and evaluating the efficacy of the research approach.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: How do transnational social movements overcome divisions to build the trust and solidarity necessary for effective cooperation?
I examine this question in the context of the global movement against gender violence. Although this movement was initially severely hobbled by internal division, over two decades activists have united, successfully cooperating to push for a number of international agreements. I argue that the movement against gender violence has achieved cooperation through the development of norms of inclusivity. Such norms include a commitment to descriptive representation, the facilitation of separate organizations for disadvantaged social groups, and a commitment to building consensus with institutionalized dissent. Existing scholarship on social movements accounts for the emergence of cooperation in social movements as a product of shared interests, identities or opportunities. But these accounts are incomplete because they do not confront the problem of relations of domination among activists. In contexts where some social groups dominate others, additional challenges for mobilization are present. I suggest that attending to the context of structural inequality in which social movements operate improves our understanding of social mobilization and illuminates overlooked paths to cooperation. I conclude by suggesting some concrete steps for overcoming divisions and building cooperation in the context of social relations of domination. Given the importance of achieving cooperation in the context of deep social cleavages, scholars should seek to understand and define every possible mechanism for developing such cooperation.