Agyare, Patrick
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Journal : Research in Social Sciences and Technology

Contextualizing Human Rights in Multicultural Environments Agyare, Patrick
Research in Social Sciences and Technology Vol 9 No 3 (2024): Research in Social Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Research in Social Sciences and Technology- OpenED Network

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.46303/ressat.2024.56

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between socio-cultural dynamics and human rights in multicultural societies. It examines how norms, belief systems, and power structures shape the perception and exercise of these universal principles. The study employs a qualitative research design, specifically using the Cultural Relativism Framework, to investigate how cultural norms and values influence the interpretation and application of human rights. Through the analysis of literature and case studies, the paper elucidates the interaction between cultural context and human rights interpretations. It acknowledges that human rights are not uniform but are influenced by diverse cultural contexts. Key findings underscore the significance of multiculturalism in human rights interpretation, the impact of social, cultural, and political contexts, the intersection of values, beliefs, and customs, and the roles of states, civil society, and international organizations in shaping human rights discourse. The paper advocates for educational initiatives, intercultural dialogue, inclusive policymaking, and legal reforms to promote and protect human rights in diverse societies. It recommends enhancing human rights education, facilitating intercultural exchange, empowering civil society, addressing discrimination and inequality, and integrating customary laws with formal legal systems. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, societies can uphold human rights and cultural diversity, enabling peaceful, equitable coexistence. This assertion is based on empirical observations and scientific principles that highlight the importance of mutual understanding in preserving human rights and promoting cultural diversity. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of human rights, advocating for a balance between universal principles and cultural specificities.
Power, Knowledge, and Marginalization: A Foucauldian Analysis of Children from Low-Income Immigrant Households in Norway Agyare, Patrick
Research in Social Sciences and Technology Vol 10 No 1 (2025): Research in Social Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Research in Social Sciences and Technology- OpenED Network

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.46303/ressat.2025.1

Abstract

This study critically analyzes the discursive constructions of immigrant children from low-income households in Norwegian official publications between 2014 and 2024. The study uses Foucauldian discourse analysis to explore the representation of these children, the power dynamics and knowledge claims present in these discourses, and the implications for policy interventions and resource allocation. The analysis focuses on publications from key institutions, including the Directorate of Integration and Diversity, the Ministry of Children and Families, the Ministry of Labor and Social Inclusion, the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration, and Statistics Norway. The findings reveal that the portrayal of these children as vulnerable and socio-economically disadvantaged frequently exacerbates their challenges due to their immigrant background and poverty status. While such narratives drive targeted interventions aimed at alleviating poverty, they risk reinforcing hierarchical power dynamics and perpetuating the marginalization of immigrant families by focusing on remedial measures rather than addressing systemic inequalities. The study identifies a deficit-based framing that emphasizes dependency and vulnerability, which overlooks the potential, resilience, and agency of immigrant children. Instead, it advocates for a shift towards policies that address structural inequalities, promote social inclusion, and emphasize empowerment. A more comprehensive, intersectional approach to policy is recommended—one that not only provides economic support but also ensures equitable access to education, housing, and employment opportunities while dismantling systemic barriers. The findings underscore the necessity for transformative policies that challenge existing power structures and prioritize social justice, equity, and inclusive communities that better align with the host society’s values and social structure.