tag:theconversation.com,2011:/institutions/toronto-metropolitan-university-1607/articlesToronto Metropolitan University2024-03-28T15:07:45Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2260872024-03-28T15:07:45Z2024-03-28T15:07:45ZColonialists used starvation as a tool of oppression<p>In this episode of <em>Don’t Call Me Resilient</em>, we <a href="https://theconversation.com/starvation-is-a-weapon-of-war-gazans-are-paying-the-price-226086">continue our conversation about forced famine</a> and its use as a powerful tool to control people, land and resources. Starvation has, for centuries, been a part of the colonizer’s “playbook.” </p>
<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/9789ad83-396b-4720-91fa-bfba743d6577?dark=true"></iframe>
<p>We speak with two scholars to explore two historic examples: the decimation of Indigenous populations in the Plains, North America, which historian David Stannard has called the <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/american-holocaust-9780195085570?cc=ca&lang=en&">American Holocaust</a> and in India, the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/29/winston-churchill-policies-contributed-to-1943-bengal-famine-study">1943 famine in Bengal</a>. According to a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68311520">recent BBC story</a>, the Bengal famine of 1943 killed more than three million people. It was one of the worst losses of civilian life on the Allied side in the Second World War. (The United Kingdom lost 450,000 lives during that same war.) </p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584865/original/file-20240327-24-2vsfp.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584865/original/file-20240327-24-2vsfp.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=698&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584865/original/file-20240327-24-2vsfp.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=698&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584865/original/file-20240327-24-2vsfp.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=698&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584865/original/file-20240327-24-2vsfp.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=877&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584865/original/file-20240327-24-2vsfp.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=877&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584865/original/file-20240327-24-2vsfp.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=877&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Plains Cree Chief Mistahimaskwa resisted signing a treaty with the ‘Crown,’ until starvation of his people propelled him to sign Treaty 6 in the hopes of gaining access to food.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Library and Archives Canada/C-001873.</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Although disease, environmental disasters and famine were features of life before colonialism, decades of research has shown how <a href="https://holodomor.ca/empire-colonialism-and-famine-in-comparative-historical-perspective-international-symposium/">these occurrences were manipulated by colonial powers to prolong starvation and trigger chronic famine.</a> In other words, starvation has been effectively used by colonial powers to control populations, acquire land and the wealth that comes with that. This colonization was accompanied by an <a href="https://academic.oup.com/book/32827/chapter-abstract/275134412?redirectedFrom=fulltext">“entitlement approach”</a> and the belief that Indigenous populations are inferior to the lives of the colonizer. </p>
<p>According to scholars, prior to the arrival of colonialists, both populations at the heart of today’s episode were thriving with healthy and wealthy communities. And although disease and famine existed before the arrival of Europeans, it cannot be denied colonial powers accelerated and even capitalized on chronic famine and the loss of life due to disease and malnutrition.</p>
<p>As the famous economist <a href="https://academic.oup.com/book/32827">Amartya Sen has said</a>, famine is a function of repression. It springs from the politics of food distribution rather than a lack of food. Imperial policies such as the Boat Denial Policy and Rice Denial Policy meant that, as <a href="https://www.documenta14.de/en/south/888_so_many_hungers">curator Natasha Ginwala wrote</a>: “freshly harvested grain was set on fire, or even dumped into the river.”</p>
<p>Joining on this episode were two experts on the North American and Bengal famines.</p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584491/original/file-20240326-24-kwv3yr.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584491/original/file-20240326-24-kwv3yr.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=897&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584491/original/file-20240326-24-kwv3yr.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=897&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584491/original/file-20240326-24-kwv3yr.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=897&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584491/original/file-20240326-24-kwv3yr.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1127&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584491/original/file-20240326-24-kwv3yr.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1127&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584491/original/file-20240326-24-kwv3yr.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1127&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Cover of ‘Clearing the Plains’</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(University of Regina Press)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>James Daschuk is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. He is the author of <em>Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation and the Loss of Aboriginal Life</em>. </p>
<p>We also spoke with Janam Mukherjee, an Associate Professor of History at Toronto Metropolitan University, and the author of <em>Hungry Bengal: War, Famine and the End of Empire</em>. Mukherjee was recently a primary historical advisor on the BBC Radio 4 series “Three Million,” a five-part documentary on the Bengal famine of 1943.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584490/original/file-20240326-18-es47ox.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584490/original/file-20240326-18-es47ox.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=939&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584490/original/file-20240326-18-es47ox.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=939&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584490/original/file-20240326-18-es47ox.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=939&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584490/original/file-20240326-18-es47ox.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1180&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584490/original/file-20240326-18-es47ox.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1180&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584490/original/file-20240326-18-es47ox.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1180&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Cover of ‘Hungry Bengal’</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Oxford University Press)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Listen and follow</h2>
<p>You can listen to or follow <a href="https://dont-call-me-resilient.simplecast.com/"><em>Don’t Call Me Resilient</em></a> on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dont-call-me-resilient/id1549798876">Apple Podcasts</a> <a href="https://www.apple.com/ca/newsroom/2024/03/apple-introduces-transcripts-for-apple-podcasts/">(transcripts available)</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/37tK4zmjWvq2Sh6jLIpzp7">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_mJBLBznANz6ID9rBCUk7gv_ZRC4Og9-">YouTube</a> or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. </p>
<p><a href="mailto:dcmr@theconversation.com">We’d love to hear from you</a>, including any ideas for future episodes.</p>
<p>Join the Conversation on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dontcallmeresilientpodcast/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ConversationCA">X</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationcanada">LinkedIn</a> and use #DontCallMeResilient.</p>
<h2>Resources</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/when-canada-used-hunger-to-clear-the-west/article13316877/">“When Canada used hunger to clear the West”</a> (by James Daschuk, July 19, 2013)</p>
<p><a href="https://uofrpress.ca/Books/C/Clearing-the-Plains"><em>Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation and the Loss of Indigenous Life</em></a> (by James Daschuk, 2013)</p>
<p><a href="http://doi.org/10.1353/his.2013.0015">“Administering Colonial Science: Nutrition Research and Human Biomedical Experimentation in Aboriginal Communities and Residential Schools, 1942–1952” </a>(in <em>Social History</em> by Ian Mosby, 2013) </p>
<p><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/proposed-class-action-seeks-damages-for-intergenerational-trauma-from-residential-schools-1.7136548">“Proposed class action seeks damages for intergenerational trauma from residential schools”</a></p>
<p><a href="https://goodminds.com/products/ashes-and-embers-stories-of-the-delmas-indian-residential-school"><em>Ashes and Embers: Stories of the Delmas Indian Residential School</em> by Floyd Favel</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/madhusree-mukerjee/churchills-secret-war/9780465022601/?lens=basic-books"><em>Churchill’s Secret War</em></a> (by Madhusree Mukerjee, 2010)</p>
<p><em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/book/2861">Hungry Bengal: War, Famine and the End of Empire</a></em> (by Janam Mukherjee, 2015)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0hd7scf">“Three Million”</a> (The documentary podcast by the BBC)</p>
<p><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1470412919879067">“Witnessing famine: the testimonial work of famine photographs and anti-colonial spectatorship”</a> (<em>Journal of Visual Culture</em> by Tanushree Ghosh, 2019)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/21/we-are-about-to-witness-the-most-intense-famine-since-world-war-ii-in-gaza">“We are about to witness in Gaza the most intense famine since the second world war” (<em>The Guardian</em>, March 21, 2024, by Alex de Waal)</a></p>
<h2>From the archives - in The Conversation</h2>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/making-our-food-fairer-dont-call-me-resilient-ep-12-171554">Making our food fairer: Don't Call Me Resilient EP 12</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/colonialism-was-a-disaster-and-the-facts-prove-it-84496">Colonialism was a disaster and the facts prove it</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-worlds-most-powerful-democracies-were-built-on-the-suffering-of-others-208443">The world's most powerful democracies were built on the suffering of others</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/john-a-macdonald-should-not-be-forgotten-nor-celebrated-101503">John A. Macdonald should not be forgotten, nor celebrated</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/churchill-and-india-imperial-chauvinism-left-a-bitter-legacy-36452">Churchill and India: imperial chauvinism left a bitter legacy</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226087/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
For centuries, colonial powers have used starvation as a tool to control Indigenous populations and take over their land and wealth. A look back at two historic examples on two different continents.Vinita Srivastava, Host + Producer, Don't Call Me ResilientAteqah Khaki, Associate Producer, Don't Call Me ResilientLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2244482024-03-21T20:52:25Z2024-03-21T20:52:25ZThe stakes could not be higher as Canada sets its 2035 emissions target<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/583506/original/file-20240321-30-o7bta5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=47%2C0%2C5233%2C3478&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The Canadian government is currently running a public consultation to help inform its 2035 emissions reductions targets.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Government of Canada is in the midst of a <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-launches-public-engagement-on-the-2035-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-target.html">public engagement on the 2035 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target</a>. </p>
<p>The timeline is short, and the stakes could not be higher. </p>
<p>According to Section 7 of the <a href="https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-19.3/fulltext.html">Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act</a> (Net-Zero Act), the 2035 milestone must be set by December 2024, <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement">in time to be formally announced to other Paris Agreement members in 2025</a>. </p>
<p>The risks of delaying decisive action are huge, with the European Union’s climate change service recently warning that global average temperatures have now reached <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-68110310">1.52 C of warming</a>.</p>
<h2>Why 1.5 C matters</h2>
<p>Section 8 of the Net-Zero Act requires the 2035 target to take into account the best scientific information available, Canada’s international commitments, Indigenous knowledge, and the recommendations of the <a href="https://www.nzab2050.ca/">Net-Zero Advisory Body</a>. </p>
<p>The scientific community is resolute that there are “<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/">robust differences</a>” between <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/why-a-half-degree-temperature-rise-is-a-big-deal/">global warming of 1.5 C and 2 C</a>, including increases in hot extremes and heavy precipitation. <a href="https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/eccc/en4/En4-544-2023-eng.pdf">For Canadians</a>, extreme heat has been the deadliest impact so far, with at least 619 deaths caused by the 2021 heat dome alone. </p>
<p>A <a href="https://canadianclimat.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Executive-summary-damage-control.pdf">recent report</a> found that “in 2025, Canada will experience $25 billion in losses relative to a stable-climate scenario, which is equal to 50 per cent of projected 2025 GDP growth.” Climate change related damages could reach between $78 and $101 billion annually by mid-century if adequate action is not taken. </p>
<p>Senior climate scientist at the University of the Bahamas Adelle Thomas notes that for island states and least-developed countries <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/meeting-the-1-5-c-climate-goal-will-save-millions-of-people-and-its-still-feasible/">“‘one-point-five to stay alive’ is reality, it’s not a slogan.”</a> Here and abroad, equity-seeking groups are those worst impacted.</p>
<h2>Why participate?</h2>
<p>The federal government’s <a href="https://canada-2035-target.ethelo.net/page/how-to-participate">public engagement platform</a> is available until March 28, 2024. While not perfect — I personally felt that the questions put too much emphasis on how to prioritize actions as opposed to the pace of action and how to fairly distribute transition costs — individuals and organizations can also upload a document of their choice to contribute beyond the questions provided.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-climate-assemblies-can-help-canada-tackle-the-climate-crisis-210843">How climate assemblies can help Canada tackle the climate crisis</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>These submissions correspond to Section 13 of the Net-Zero Act, which allows any interested person to make submissions on how to respond to what the Supreme Court <a href="https://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/18781/index.do">described</a> as “an existential threat to human life in Canada and around the world.” The Paris Agreement also envisions target-setting as a bottom-up process, and Article 12 calls on states to enhance “education, training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information.”</p>
<h2>Ongoing issues</h2>
<p>Canada’s current targets under the Net-Zero Act are a 20 per cent emissions reduction (against 2005 levels) by 2026, a 40-45 per cent reduction by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050. The 2030 target appears in the <a href="https://unfccc.int/NDCREG">global registry</a> of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) as Canada’s pledge under Article 4(2) of the Paris Agreement. </p>
<p>Several issues can be identified with the <a href="https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/NDC/2022-06/Canada%27s%20Enhanced%20NDC%20Submission1_FINAL%20EN.pdf">current pledge</a> which should be remedied in the 2035 target.</p>
<p>One of the main issues is Canada’s approach to “fair shares.” The Paris Agreement leaves it open to states to define ambition, fairness and equity in their own terms. However, there is a <a href="https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/canada/">growing consensus</a> that Canada’s efforts are “highly insufficient.” <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2021.1970504">One study of a range of NDCs (including Canada’s)</a> points out that defining fair shares in comparison with current emissions, or business-as-usual projections, is contrary to international environmental law as such a framework “grandfathers” in existing emissions — unfortunately, <a href="https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/NDC/2022-06/Canada%27s%20Enhanced%20NDC%20Submission1_FINAL%20EN.pdf">Canada’s NDCs does exactly this</a>. </p>
<p>By contrast, systems and <a href="https://climateequityreference.org/about-the-climate-equity-reference-project-effort-sharing-approach/">calculators</a> do exist which allow modelling fair shares based on different assumptions about historical responsibilities and current capacity to act. Canada should explain its approach going forward, since equity is a cornerstone of the Paris Agreement.</p>
<p>Another major issue with the 2030 target is Canada’s stance on emissions trading, since the current NDC “recognizes that internationally transferred mitigation outcomes could complement domestic efforts.” This statement makes it impossible to understand what part of the target will be achieved through systems transformation at home and what part will be compensated by emissions trading. This ambiguity requires urgent clarity in the 2035 target. </p>
<p>Furthermore, while the Paris Agreement allows emissions trading, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01245-w">experts warn that delaying true decarbonization may also reduce innovation and limit future options</a>. </p>
<p>A third and last issue is Canada’s approach to Indigenous-led climate policy. A full section of the 2030 target is dedicated to Indigenous climate leadership and includes references to Indigenous rights and a nation-to-nation relationship. However, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2022.2047585">scholars</a> have observed on the part of the federal government a “clear unwillingness to recognize Indigenous jurisdiction” in the implementation of climate policy in Canada. This unwillingness limits Indigenous <a href="https://afn.ca/environment/national-climate-strategy/">decision-making powers</a> over land and resources. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/canadas-nature-agreement-underscores-the-need-for-true-reconciliation-with-indigenous-nations-217427">Canada’s Nature Agreement underscores the need for true reconciliation with Indigenous nations</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>This should be remedied, especially since “<a href="https://files.ipbes.net/ipbes-web-prod-public-files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf">Nature is generally declining less rapidly in indigenous peoples’ land than in other lands</a>.”</p>
<h2>Keeping on task</h2>
<p>Ultimately, one of the key factors in reaching the 2035 target is <a href="https://www.canlii.org/en/commentary/doc/2023CanLIIDocs3169">whether the Net-Zero Act delivers strong accountability</a>. Indeed, both the <a href="https://dashboard.440megatonnes.ca/?_gl=1*v8ysbi*_ga*MTY0NTM3ODc1OC4xNzA5NTY5MjI0*_ga_DVTX0HL4Z5*MTcwOTU2OTIyNC4xLjEuMTcwOTU2OTI0MC4wLjAuMA..*_gcl_au*OTc4NDEzNzM3LjE3MDk1NjkyMjQ.">Canadian Climate Institute</a> and the <a href="https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_cesd_202311_06_e_44369.html">Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development</a> have raised alarming concerns regarding the progress Canada has made towards the 2035 target — stronger accountability is essential to meet these goals.</p>
<p>In response to these many challenges, we must resist the temptation to go for a weak 2035 target and use the current process to think creatively about how it can be transformational and fair at the same time.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/224448/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Christopher Campbell-Duruflé receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) for his research. He serves on the Legal Committee of the Centre québécois du droit de l'environnement.</span></em></p>We must resist the temptation to go for a weak 2035 target and use the public consultation process to think creatively about how the net-zero transition can be both transformational and fair for all.Christopher Campbell-Duruflé, Assistant Professor, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2254422024-03-12T21:53:32Z2024-03-12T21:53:32ZAs Erdoğan hints at retirement, how has his rule shaped Turkey?<p>Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently gave the clearest indication yet about his political future, stating, <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-erdogan-says-march-election-his-last/a-68480102">“With the authority that the law confers on me, this election is my last election.”</a> Erdoğan has been in power since 2003, first serving as prime minister before being elected president in 2014.</p>
<p>The statement, made at a meeting for the Turkish Youth Foundation, was not an official announcement by any means. Rather, it was what appeared to be a frank statement communicated to a young party audience. Mincing words is not usually Erdoğan’s style; he can be quite direct and candid, which has been one of the key appeals of his charismatic personality.</p>
<p>Understandably, response to the speech, both within and outside of Turkey, has so far been somewhat muted. Erdoğan still has four years left to serve as the country’s president.</p>
<p><a href="https://t24.com.tr/haber/imamoglu,1155253">The Republican People’s Party, the main opposition party,</a> has argued Erdoğan’s statement was nothing more than a strategy to garner support in the upcoming local elections for his Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) candidates. That certainly may have played a role; as a seasoned politician Erdoğan is known for his timing.</p>
<p>A lot can change between now and 2028 when Erdoğan’s term ends. The Turkish constitution states that <a href="https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/presidency/power/#">a person can only be president for two terms at the most</a>. However, with enough pressure from his followers and <a href="https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/turkey/10032024">political support from the Turkish Parliament to introduce the necessary constitutional changes</a>, Erdoğan may seek another term. At the same time, it appears he is growing tired of political life and is waiting for the right moment to step aside. And Friday’s statement is an indication of that.</p>
<h2>Erdoğan’s legacy</h2>
<p>It is perhaps too early to judge Erdoğan’s political legacy comprehensively. But his impact on the nation’s trajectory, its regional standing, social structures and government institutions has been undeniable.</p>
<p>Since the AKP came to power in 2002, Turkey has experienced its most politically stable era since it transitioned to the multi-party system in 1946. The country went through fundamental readjustments and transformations. The dominant secular class and the elite of all upper social strata were largely displaced and replaced by religious conservatives, and to a limited extent, at least in the first decade of AKP rule, by the progressive camp.</p>
<p>One of the most significant structural changes has been the subjection of the military to civilian rule and oversight, an institution that had been for many years the <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/7/16/timeline-a-history-of-turkish-coups">key decision-maker in Turkish politics</a>. </p>
<p>There was a brief power struggle with <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21567689.2018.1453244">the Gülen movement who had initially played an important role in helping the AKP wrest power from the military establishment</a>. The two sides had a falling out and <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/erdogan-turkey-coup-latest-news-blames-us-west-terrorism-gulen-a7168271.html">Erdoğan accused the movement of being behind the failed coup in 2016</a>.</p>
<p>In the economic sphere, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/69a30398-4fd6-4e94-a111-435cc01c3386">Erdoğan’s success has not been consistent</a>. From 2002 until the early 2010s, Turkey’s economy experienced unprecedented growth, fueled by increased foreign investment and large scale projects. The economic success of these years lifted millions into the middle class and led to higher living standards overall. <a href="https://www.mei.edu/publications/turkish-economy-under-presidential-system">Since the mid 2010s</a>, however, inflation has skyrocketed, the currency’s value plunged, foreign capital inflow slowed and economic conditions deteriorated.</p>
<p>The country’s foreign policy over the last two decades mirrors its economic ups and downs. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1353/sor.2021.0014">Erdoğan and his party expected the nation to be more involved in regional politics and to further improve relations with the West</a>. It was successful in doing so in the first decade as <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna33253825">relations with neighboring countries</a> improved. But as Turkey’s foreign policy grew more assertive, the strategy faltered and the country found itself surrounded by more enemies and fewer friends.</p>
<p>In the first decade in power, the AKP introduced highly encouraging democratic initiatives supported by liberals and progressives. The country’s Kurdish population was one of the key beneficiaries. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18410596">Albeit limited, the use of the Kurdish language in schools was decriminalized</a>, and many restrictions that were placed on the Kurdish language, politics, and culture were, <a href="https://www.ecmi.de/fileadmin/redakteure/publications/JEMIE_Datens%C3%A4tze/Jemie-datens%C3%A4tze_2016/Kolcak.pdf">to some degree, loosened</a>.</p>
<p>But these democratic policies came to a standstill and were partially reversed soon after AKP’s poor showing in the 2015 elections. To regain lost votes, Erdoğan adopted a more nationalistic strategy, which resulted in the AKP winning a majority government later that year. This unexpected shift led to the growing rapprochement and eventual coalition alliance with the far-right Nationalist Movement Party. </p>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2023.a907689">Erdoğan’s authoritarian tendencies are no secret</a>. The 2017 constitutional referendum <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38883556">gave him sweeping powers over the judiciary and parliament</a>. He commands considerable influence over the media, the business world, the judiciary, the legislative branch, the economy, on foreign policy and so on. </p>
<p>One of the glaring consequences of these tendencies under Erdoğan’s leadership has been the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-using-courts-laws-target-dissent-ahead-votes-human-rights-watch-2023-01-12/#">suppression of political dissent</a>, particularly the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jailed-kurdish-leader-quits-active-politics-after-party-slips-turkey-election-2023-06-01/">imprisonment of members of the Kurdish political party</a>. </p>
<p>While this kind of top-down projection of power has unfortunately become somewhat <a href="https://freedomhouse.org/issues/democracies-decline">of a norm for democracies around the world</a> today, it was more of an anomaly 10 years ago. </p>
<h2>A Post-Erdoğan era?</h2>
<p>So far, there appears to be no heir to Erdoğan on the horizon. His son-in-law, Berat Albayrak, once touted as a clear frontrunner in the race to succeed him, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/11/10/berat-albayrak-erdogan-turkey-economy/">has since left active politics</a>. Erdoğan’s influential <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/turkeys-erdogan-appoints-new-cabinet-signaling-economic-shift-e84e3829">former interior minister Suleyman Soylu has also been sidelined</a>. Aside from these once presidential hopefuls there is no emerging leader from AKP’s ranks.</p>
<p>Outside the AKP, the current Istanbul mayor <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-istanbu%20ls-mayor-was-sentenced-to-jail-and-what-it-means-for-turkeys-2023-presidential-race-196632">Ekrem İmamoğlu</a> is often portrayed as someone who could potentially be the next president, but his success will depend on the alliances his party is able to form before 2028.</p>
<p>Erdoğan’s recent comments seem to indicate his intentions about his political future. But they are just that, intentions. They can change under certain conditions. What is clear though, he is a far more divisive figure today than he was 20 years ago.</p>
<p>Is Turkey ready for a post-Erdoğan era? Much depends on who and what comes after. </p>
<p>If a new president continues much of the similar policies and has a non-disruptive approach, then a peaceful transition is plausible. But Erdoğan’s party failing to concede a loss, or his voter base failing to recognize the results, may lead to a turbulent transition.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225442/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Yasar Bukan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Under Erdoğan, Turkey has seen periods of growth and stagnation.Yasar Bukan, Lecturer in Global Politics & Political Philosophy, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2247162024-03-12T14:06:48Z2024-03-12T14:06:48ZVoici comment les données d’audience façonnent le journalisme canadien<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/580776/original/file-20240308-18-9gbysh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4091%2C2733&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">La façon dont les journalistes considèrent leur audience dans les salles de rédaction a beaucoup évolué. Ce changement est largement dû aux données d'audience.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Les grands groupes médiatiques <a href="https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/entreprises/2024-02-08/bce-elimine-4800-emplois-vend-des-stations-de-radio-et-ecorche-ottawa.php">suppriment des emplois, réduisent leur programmation</a>, et des <a href="https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2010982/medias-metro-cession-actifs-annonce">publications mettent fin à leurs activités</a>. Face aux défis de <a href="https://www.cem.ulaval.ca/publications/dnr-2023-canada-fr/">l’évitement des nouvelles et de la baisse de confiance</a> à l’égard du journalisme, c’est devenu une question de survie pour les journalistes que de trouver des moyens d’attirer, d’intéresser et de fidéliser leur public.</p>
<p>La manière dont ils considèrent leur public dans les salles de rédaction a beaucoup évolué. Ce changement est dû en grande partie aux <a href="https://j-source.ca/heres-how-metrics-and-analytics-are-changing-newsroom-practice/">données d’audience</a>, de plus en plus abondantes.</p>
<p>En effet, les journalistes reçoivent presque constamment des rétroactions sur le contenu qu’ils créent. Qu’ils travaillent en ligne, à la télévision, à la radio ou dans la presse traditionnelle, ils fournissent des informations à de multiples plates-formes. Ils sont donc exposés chaque jour à des données quantitatives (mesures du comportement de l’audience sur les sites web et les médias sociaux) et qualitatives (commentaires sur les médias sociaux).</p>
<p>Comme nous l’a dit un journaliste de télévision :</p>
<blockquote>
<p>On sait exactement jusqu’où quelqu’un fait défiler une page, combien de secondes il passe sur une page, quel appareil il utilise. Nous en savons tellement sur notre public, tout comme Google en sait sur le sien.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Mais quel est l’impact de toutes ces données sur la façon dont les journalistes perçoivent leur public et le contenu qu’ils publient ? C’est ce nous explorons dans un <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2024.2310712">article récemment publié</a> sur le journalisme orienté vers l’auditoire.</p>
<h2>Le journalisme orienté vers l’auditoire</h2>
<p>Il implique trois rôles spécifiques :</p>
<ul>
<li><p>un rôle d’infodivertissement — utilisation de stratégies narratives et d’un style s’alignant sur des médias plus axés sur le divertissement ; </p></li>
<li><p>un rôle civique — contenus visant l’éducation des citoyens à leurs droits ou la défense de leurs revendications ; </p></li>
<li><p>un rôle de service — promotion de produits ou aide à la résolution de problèmes de la vie quotidienne.</p></li>
</ul>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="site web du Toronto Star" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Trouver des moyens d’attirer, d’intéresser et de fidéliser un public est devenu une question de survie pour les professionnels de l’information.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nous avons <a href="https://j-source.ca/a-global-study-on-pandemic-era-news-explores-the-gap-between-journalists-ideals-and-realities/">analysé plus de 3 700 articles</a> publiés en 2020, réalisé une enquête par questionnaire à 133 journalistes en 2020 et 2021, et interviewé 13 journalistes au cours de la même période. Les médias à l’étude sont TVA, CBC/Radio-Canada, <em>La Presse</em>, le <em>Toronto Star</em>, <em>Globe and Mail</em>, <em>National Post</em>, CTV, Global News et <em>HuffPost Canada</em>. Ayant nous-mêmes travaillé dans des salles de rédaction, nous avons pu contextualiser nos résultats en fonction de nos propres expériences.</p>
<p>Nous avons constaté que les données d’audience ont un impact important sur les pratiques des médias d’information canadiens. Au sein du défunt <a href="https://theconversation.com/bottom-up-audience-driven-and-shut-down-how-huffpost-canada-left-itsan-media-175805"><em>HuffPost Canada</em></a>, par exemple, l’audience était segmentée en types ou profils de lecteurs sur la base des données d’audience. Comme l’a expliqué un rédacteur en chef, « nous faisons X, Y et Z pour ce type d’article et pour ce type de personne ». En fait, la manière de rédiger un article était adaptée au profil de son destinataire.</p>
<p>Les journalistes sont également conscients de l’importance des données d’audience d’un point de vue commercial. Comme l’a fait remarquer l’un d’eux :</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Il s’agit d’algorithmes que je ne comprends pas tout à fait, mais qui aident nos experts à déterminer comment personnaliser l’expérience de l’utilisateur lorsqu’il se rend sur le site web. Il vous montre donc des choses qui vous intéressent, de la même manière que Facebook et Twitter, ce qui maintient l’intérêt des gens pour votre site web, ce qui signifie plus d’abonnés, ce qui signifie que je peux conserver mon emploi rémunéré.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Les réponses à notre enquête confirment l’importance des données d’audience dans la sélection, le développement et la promotion des sujets, ainsi que dans la mesure de leur valeur. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884913504259">D’autres études</a> ont montré que les journalistes peuvent minimiser <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884915595474">l’importance des données</a> dans leurs décisions éditoriales, de sorte que l’impact pourrait être encore plus important que ce que nous avons mesuré.</p>
<h2>Infodivertissement et sensationnalisme</h2>
<p>On déplore souvent que l’omniprésence des données dans les salles de rédaction favorise le clickbait ou les articles à sensation qui stimulent le trafic au détriment de reportages sur des enjeux plus importants — et <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2018.1504626">c’est parfois le cas</a>. </p>
<p>Le sensationnalisme fait partie de notre catégorie d’infodivertissement. Cependant, notre analyse de contenu a révélé qu’une grande partie de ce qui est qualifié d’infodivertissement dans le journalisme canadien implique des qualificatifs descriptifs et la présence de détails pertinents et personnels sur le sujet traité. Si cela est fait de manière appropriée, cela peut donner plus de nuances et de contexte à un article.</p>
<p>En outre, au Canada, l’infodivertissement est souvent associé à la partie « éducative » du rôle civique. Par exemple, un rédacteur en chef nous a expliqué qu’il cherchait à trouver l’aspect « plus amusant » (infotainment) d’un article qui peut constituer un « point d’entrée » pour informer le public sur des sujets tels que les règles parlementaires.</p>
<p>En outre, les rôles civiques et de service sont souvent combinés : par exemple, des informations pertinentes à la vie quotidienne peuvent aussi influencer la compréhension des processus politiques ou éclairer le public sur les droits des citoyens.</p>
<p>Près de 80 % des articles que nous avons sélectionnés comportaient au moins un rôle orienté vers le public, et près de 40 % en comportaient plus d’un. Cela prouve bien que les publics sont au centre des préoccupations dans les salles de rédaction. </p>
<p>Nos conversations ont également révélé que même si les rédactions ne sont pas toujours en mesure <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2021/03/imagined-audiences-journalism-analytics-intuition.html">d’interpréter avec précision</a> les attentes du public, elles consacrent beaucoup de temps et de ressources à essayer de le faire.</p>
<h2>L’importance des médias sociaux</h2>
<p>La plupart des journalistes avec lesquels nous nous sommes entretenus utilisent les médias sociaux, parce qu’ils les considèrent comme un outil important pour atteindre le public, trouver des sources et promouvoir leur travail. Plus de 78 % des journalistes interrogés reconnaissent qu’il s’agit d’un outil important pour entrer en contact avec le public.</p>
<p>Cependant, les journalistes ont également noté les inconvénients des médias sociaux, notamment en ce qui concerne la polarisation politique. Un journaliste de la presse écrite a déclaré : </p>
<blockquote>
<p>S’ils permettent de trouver un public, ce dont nous avons absolument besoin, ils ont aussi créé un forum où l’on peut attaquer les journalistes et la presse libre.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Cet environnement hostile a poussé une autre journaliste à faire attention à son choix de mots afin de toucher un public plus large :</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Je fais délibérément des efforts pour essayer d’atteindre les gens qui essaient de m’ignorer. En fait, c’est le public cible que vous visez lorsque vous écrivez. Vous évitez donc d’utiliser inutilement des termes qui sont tournés en dérision, non pas parce que nous ne méritons pas d’utiliser ces termes… mais parce que ce que vous essayez de faire, c’est d’atteindre ces personnes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Même si les gens ne font pas confiance à l’information ou à un certain média, la recherche montre qu’ils peuvent reconnaître et apprécier le <a href="https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003257998">journalisme de qualité</a>. </p>
<p>Les journalistes canadiens doivent trouver des moyens de comprendre et d’atteindre un public qui ne veut pas toujours les écouter. Ils s’efforcent de le faire. Il reste à voir si cela fonctionne et quel impact durable auront leurs efforts sur les normes journalistiques.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/224716/count.gif" alt="La Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nicole Blanchett a reçu des financements de Mitacs, du Centre d'études sur les médias, du Journalism Research Centre de la Toronto Metropolitan University, de la Creative School de la Toronto Metropolitan University, de la Toronto Metropolitan University et du CRSH.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Les travaux de Colette Brin sont financés en partie par le ministère de la Culture et des Communications du gouvernement du Québec et le Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture. L'édition canadienne du Digital News Report est financée par Patrimoine canadien par l'intermédiaire de Médias d'info Canada. La professeure Brin est directrice du Centre d'études sur les médias, entité de recherche indépendante à but non lucratif hébergée à l'Université Laval en partenariat avec l'Université de Montréal et l'Université du Québec à Montréal. Elle est également présidente du Conseil consultatif indépendant sur l'admissibilité aux mesures fiscales pour le journalisme, en collaboration avec l'Agence du revenu du Canada. </span></em></p>Une nouvelle étude sur le journalisme canadien examine l’impact des données d’audience sur l’information dans les médias et la perception qu’ont les journalistes de leur public.Nicole Blanchett, Associate Professor, Journalism, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityColette Brin, Professor and Director, Centre d'études sur les médias, Université LavalLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2249102024-03-06T21:00:53Z2024-03-06T21:00:53ZWendy’s won’t be introducing surge pricing, but it’s nothing new to many industries<p>The recent <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/02/29/wendys-dynamic-pricing-elizabeth-warren/">controversy over Wendy’s pricing strategies</a> is a perfect example of how <a href="https://rdcu.be/dAfd2">online word-of-mouth</a> can distort <a href="https://doi.org/10.1509/jm.15.0419">marketing communications</a> and create confusion for consumers.</p>
<p>Wendy’s new president and CEO Kirk Tanner <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleykohan/2024/03/02/wendys-dynamic-pricing-announcement-puts-new-ceo-kirk-tanner-in-spotlight/">announced plans to test dynamic pricing and AI-enabled features by 2025</a> on Feb. 15 during an earnings call. He said: “Beginning as early as 2025, we will begin testing more enhanced features like dynamic pricing and day-part offerings.”</p>
<p>Many interpreted this to mean Wendy’s would be introducing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2017.0618">surge pricing</a> — a term often associated with the dynamic pricing models used by companies like Uber, where prices increase during periods of high demand.</p>
<p>The issue likely stemmed from confusion over terminology. Although surge pricing and dynamic pricing are often used interchangeably, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/wendys-says-no-to-surge-pricing-but-yes-to-ai-here-are-the-key-takeaways/">they have slightly different definitions</a>. Dynamic pricing refers to any pricing model that allows prices to fluctuate, while surge pricing refers to prices that are adjusted upward.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/28/1234412431/wendys-dynamic-surge-pricing">Several news outlets ran stories suggesting Wendy’s would raise prices</a> during busy periods, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/27/us-burger-chain-wendys-plans-to-test-surge-pricing-next-year">prompting widespread backlash and criticism online</a>. </p>
<p>Wendy’s executives have since <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10320406/wendys-surge-pricing-ai-menu-changes/">clarified that its dynamic pricing model would not increase prices for customers</a>, saying in a news release the CEOs comments were “<a href="https://www.wendys.com/blog/wendys-digital-news-update">misconstrued</a>.” Wendy’s said that while price adjustments could happen in both directions, the upper limit would remain the current price.</p>
<p>Although Wendy’s won’t be exploring dynamic pricing until 2025 at the earliest, this type of pricing strategy is nothing new for many industries.</p>
<h2>Dynamic pricing is nothing new</h2>
<p>One aspect of the Wendy’s dynamic pricing controversy that warrants further examination is the nature of the product being sold. Traditionally, dynamic pricing has been associated with <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3611696">high-value goods and services</a>, such as airline and concert tickets and ridesharing services, where consumers are accustomed to fluctuating prices. </p>
<p>In contrast, fast food is generally perceived as a low-cost, everyday convenience with an expectation of stable pricing. Introducing dynamic pricing into the fast food industry represents a significant departure from these established norms.</p>
<p>Of the industries that already use dynamic pricing, ride-sharing apps are perhaps one of the most well-known. Uber, for example, uses <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.4058">surge pricing during peak times</a>, meaning prices increase during periods of high demand when there aren’t enough drivers available for every customers.</p>
<p>The travel and hospitality industries have long used dynamic pricing models as well. <a href="https://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/is-dynamic-airline-pricing-costing-us">Airlines adjust ticket prices</a> based on a variety of factors, including time until departure, the day of the week and demand for specific routes. The hospitality industry similarly adjusts room rates based on demand, seasonality and local events. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Close-up of a pair of hands holding a plane ticket" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579703/original/file-20240304-24-6j93mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579703/original/file-20240304-24-6j93mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=408&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579703/original/file-20240304-24-6j93mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=408&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579703/original/file-20240304-24-6j93mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=408&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579703/original/file-20240304-24-6j93mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=513&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579703/original/file-20240304-24-6j93mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=513&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579703/original/file-20240304-24-6j93mk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=513&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Airlines adjust ticket prices based on a variety of factors, including time until departure, the day of the week and demand for specific routes.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/9053769/alan-cross-defence-ticketmaster-dynamic-pricing/">Ticket prices for concerts</a>, sporting events and other live performances often vary based on factors like demand, seat location and timing as well. In this context, dynamic pricing allows event organizers to match prices to perceived market value.</p>
<h2>Benefits of dynamic pricing</h2>
<p>When implemented effectively, dynamic pricing can offer a number of benefits to both businesses and consumers. One advantage it offers is an enhanced customer experience. Dynamic pricing <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/jmr.v4i4.2009">can provide value to consumers</a> by offering lower prices during off-peak times or for less popular products and services. </p>
<p>This can make certain goods and services more accessible to budget-conscious customers and encourage them to make purchases they might otherwise forgo. Additionally, dynamic pricing can help businesses respond to market changes and customer preferences more quickly, leading to a more personalized and satisfying shopping experience.</p>
<p>Dynamic pricing can also help with inventory management. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2016.12.024">For industries dealing with perishable goods or limited inventory</a>, dynamic pricing can help manage supply and demand more efficiently. </p>
<p>By adjusting prices based on demand, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1937-5956.2009.01099.x">businesses can encourage sales when inventory is high or demand is low</a>, reducing the risk of unsold inventory. This can be particularly beneficial for events or services with fixed capacities, like concerts or flights, where unsold seats represent lost revenue.</p>
<p>Lastly, dynamic pricing can help businesses maximize revenue and profitability. It allows businesses to <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/how-retailers-can-drive-profitable-growth-through-dynamic-pricing">adjust prices in real-time based on demand, competition and other market factors</a>.</p>
<h2>Challenges of dynamic pricing</h2>
<p>While dynamic pricing offers a number of benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest risks associated with dynamic pricing is the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.10084">potential negative impact on customer perception and trust</a>. If customers feel that prices are unfair or unpredictable, they may lose trust in the brand. </p>
<p>This was evident in the Wendy’s situation, where the misunderstanding around surge pricing led to a backlash. Transparency and clear communication are crucial to maintaining customer trust when implementing dynamic pricing strategies.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Uber app displayed on smartphone held in a hand in front of taxi with an Uber sign on top of a car" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579702/original/file-20240304-51515-pe8oss.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579702/original/file-20240304-51515-pe8oss.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579702/original/file-20240304-51515-pe8oss.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579702/original/file-20240304-51515-pe8oss.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579702/original/file-20240304-51515-pe8oss.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579702/original/file-20240304-51515-pe8oss.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579702/original/file-20240304-51515-pe8oss.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">While Uber is one of the most well-known examples of using surge pricing during peak times, the travel and hospitality industries have long used dynamic pricing models.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Another concern is the way <a href="https://doi.org/10.2307/23043490">dynamic pricing can be perceived as a form of price discrimination</a>, where different customers are charged different prices for the same product or service based on factors like demand, time of purchase or even personal data. Businesses need to ensure their dynamic pricing models are fair and do not inadvertently discriminate against any customers.</p>
<p>Implementing a dynamic pricing strategy can be complex and requires sophisticated technology and data analysis capabilities. Businesses need to invest in the right tools and systems to effectively manage and analyze large volumes of data in real-time. </p>
<p>Additionally, businesses need to ensure their <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/WI-IAT.2011.193">pricing algorithms</a> are accurate and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.4.4.336">responsive to market conditions</a>. Failure to do so can result in pricing errors, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/2872427.2883089">lost revenue and damage to the brand’s reputation</a>.</p>
<h2>Lessons for businesses</h2>
<p>As technology continues to advance, dynamic pricing models are expected to become more common across sectors like retail, energy and transportation. While these pricing models offer the potential for increased profitability, businesses need to approach them with an honest and genuine consumer-first approach.</p>
<p>The recent pricing controversy at Wendy’s underscores the importance of precise language and transparent communication for companies looking to adopt dynamic pricing. It serves as a reminder that businesses need to avoid misunderstandings and negative reactions from customers.</p>
<p>As dynamic pricing gains popularity, companies must carefully choose their words and clearly articulate their pricing strategies to prevent misunderstandings and maintain customer trust. Failure to do so could result in losing control over how consumers and the public interpret their pricing strategies, which could significantly impact their reputation and overall success.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/224910/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Omar H. Fares does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Although Wendy’s won’t be exploring dynamic pricing until 2025 at the earliest, this type of pricing strategy is nothing new for many industries.Omar H. Fares, Lecturer in the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2229822024-03-05T21:56:12Z2024-03-05T21:56:12ZImmigrant women suffer financially for taking maternity leave: 4 ways Canada can improve<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/575120/original/file-20240212-18-b6ebmj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=70%2C50%2C6639%2C3722&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Immigrant women disproportionately work caring for children, elderly adults and people living with disabilities. At the same time, immigrant care workers earn low incomes and experience precarious employment.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Canada is facing a critical <a href="https://canadiancaregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CCCE_Giving-Care.pdf">shortage of caregivers</a>, both paid and unpaid. And those who do this vital work face significant pressures that are impacting their lives. In particular, there are high costs to immigrant women for taking time off of paid work to care for their own babies. </p>
<p>Immigrant women <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2020001/article/00036-eng.htm">disproportionately work caring for children, elderly adults and people living with disabilities</a>. At the same time, immigrant care workers <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/imig.12851">earn low incomes</a> and experience <a href="https://www.parklandinstitute.ca/more_than_just_a_health_care_aide">precarious employment</a>. The fact that these women experience further economic penalties for taking maternity or parental leave is a pressing social issue.</p>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.3138/cpp.2023-005">My recent paper</a> in <em>Canadian Public Policy</em> documents for the first time the financial implications immigrant women face for taking time out of the labour market to care for a child. I use Statistics Canada data from the <a href="https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=5057">Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB)</a> and the <a href="https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=4502">2018 General Social Survey (GSS)</a>. </p>
<p>The data revealed a gendered, classed and racialized divide among women caring for their children in Canada today. It’s a divide that is having a negative financial impact on immigrant women doing this work. </p>
<h2>Disparities in who is caring for children</h2>
<p>The data revealed patterns of who is providing unpaid care for children. Women were more than eight times as likely as men to be caring for children or on parental leave.</p>
<p>Immigrants were 1.8 times as likely to report these as their main activities compared with non-immigrants. Racialized populations were 1.5 times more likely than non-racialized populations to be providing this care. </p>
<p>Further, my analysis finds that immigrant women who came to Canada via the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-permanent-foreign/caregiver-program.html">Live-in Caregiver/Caregiver Program (LCP/CP)</a> had a substantively higher probability of having a birth-related career interruption than comparable immigrant women who entered Canada via the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/non-economic-classes/family-class-process.html">family</a> or <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/economic-classes.html">economic</a> immigration programs.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Woman using laptop carries a baby." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579264/original/file-20240301-26-kmlxo2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Data suggests that, in the vast majority of cases, income will be lower the year after a birth-related career interruption.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Financial disadvantages for providing essential unpaid care</h2>
<p>I looked at immigrant women who took time out of the labour market to care for their babies and compared their income the year before the career interruption with the year after.</p>
<p>I found that the probability of having income ten per cent lower the year after a birth-related career interruption is highest for women who immigrated through the family class program, followed closely by those in the caregiver program and those who immigrated through the economic class. </p>
<p>The differences were small. Instead, there is a large divide across scenarios rather than entry classes. Notably, all immigrant women have much lower probabilities of having either the same or higher income after a birth-related career interruption.</p>
<p>This suggests that for immigrant women in Canada, in the vast majority of cases, income will be lower the year after a birth-related career interruption than prior. There are financial penalties for caring for their own children. </p>
<h2>What can the federal government do?</h2>
<p>Most important legislation affecting the career earnings trajectories of immigrants operates at the provincial level. For example, policies tied to collective bargaining and unionization, education and training, minimum wage, employment standards and occupational health and safety are set by provincial governments. </p>
<p>These are of critical importance to immigrant women workers, but there is wide variation across Canada.</p>
<p>At the federal level, however, concrete changes to the caregiver program and to Employment Insurance (EI) could help to address the challenges highlighted above. The four changes proposed below would be important steps forward for immigrant women care workers. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Woman and baby play on a couch" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/579263/original/file-20240301-20-3uw0rq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Changes to caregiver programs and to Employment Insurance could help to address the challenges caregivers face.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>First, immigrants who enter Canada via caregiver programs should be eligible to access maternity leave and workers compensation benefits regardless of whether their status in Canada is temporary or permanent. As well, encouraging better education regarding maternity and parental leave entitlements so immigrants know their rights might improve take-up rates. </p>
<p>Second, the government should increase and improve programs to support the labour market integration of immigrants coming to Canada via caregiver programs. This would include assisting with transfer and recognition of foreign credentials which has been widely identified as <a href="https://triec.ca/eliminating-the-barrier-of-credential-recognition-for-immigrant-professionals/">an area in need of support</a>. This would also help immigrant care workers find work that is commensurate with their training and skills, likely with higher pay and better maternity benefits. </p>
<p>Third, further increasing federal funding for paid child-care provision would assist in alleviating the shortage of workers. Improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of paid child care would assist immigrant women in transitioning back to the labour market after having a baby. It would also improve pay for child-care workers, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2023.2232832">who are disproportionately immigrant and racialized women</a>. </p>
<p>Fourth, governments need to look at reforming EI and other related programs through a gender-based analysis. This could include implementing new or more tax credits for unpaid caregiving, increasing flexibility in the definition of allowable expenses, changes to the child benefits system, increasing short-term programs to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-09-2020-0255">address deskilling</a> from extended time outside of the labour market caring for children, and suggesting regulatory changes to the definition of self-employment for income tax purposes. </p>
<p>These changes would better ensure that career interruptions tied to childbirth and care do not unduly impact or disadvantage immigrant women over their working lives. The minimum we can and should do as a society is ensure that immigrant women who devote their working lives to caring for others are equally cared for themselves when they become mothers.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222982/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Naomi Lightman receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Counsel (SSHRC), the Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN), and Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada.</span></em></p>Research shows a classed and racialized divide among women caring for their children in Canada today. It’s a divide that is having a negative financial impact on immigrant women doing this work.Naomi Lightman, Associate Professor of Sociology, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2224652024-03-03T14:27:50Z2024-03-03T14:27:50ZNavigating special education labels is complex, and it matters for education equity<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/578488/original/file-20240228-24-s7p4c5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=10%2C87%2C3631%2C2583&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Racialized immigrant parents in a study had to find ways to navigate the education system as newcomers, while also addressing intended and unintended effects of special education programs for their children.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Mche Lee/Unsplash)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Ontario Ministry of Education’s <a href="https://files.ontario.ca/edu-special-education-policy-resource-guide-en-2022-05-30.pdf">special education policy and resource guide</a> provides instructions <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/document/special-education-ontario-policy-and-resource-guide-kindergarten-grade-12">to school boards and schools</a> on administering special education programs. </p>
<p>It also emphasizes the importance of education equity, and involving parents in special education designations. </p>
<p>As researchers, we explored the rights of Latin American and Black Caribbean youth when it comes to special education in our project: the <a href="https://rcypartnership.org/en/">Rights for Children and Youth Partnership</a>. </p>
<p>To better understand newcomer experiences, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13613324.2023.2255837">we interviewed</a> 32 parents, 12 of whom indicated having a first-hand experience with special education in Ontario schools.</p>
<p>We learned that despite the special education policy’s commitment to involving parents, many parents felt excluded from decision-making processes surrounding assessments for their child’s learning needs, and faced language barriers. </p>
<h2>Identifying need for special education</h2>
<p>In Ontario, students presenting learning needs may be identified as exceptional within one or more special education categories. These categories are intended to address conditions affecting their learning. </p>
<p>Special education can benefit students to ensure an equitable educational experience. However, <a href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1277996.pdf">researchers have also raised concerns</a> about the efficacy of special education programs for equitable learning because of how <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13613324.2016.1248821">social factors such as racism and classism result in discriminatory framings of disability and the perception of special needs</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/too-busy-for-the-pta-but-working-class-parents-care-104386">Too busy for the PTA, but working-class parents care</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In Ontario’s largest school boards, Black and Latin American youth have been disproportionately <a href="https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/research/docs/reports/Intersection%20of%20Disability%20Achievement%20and%20Equity.pdf">placed in special education programs</a>, compared to students in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0895904818813303">other racial-ethnic groupings</a>. </p>
<p>Research from the Peel District School board, serving the western Greater Toronto Area, reports <a href="https://www.peelschools.org/documents/16.2b_Directive9-EquityAccountabilityReportCard-UnderstandingtheEquityGapinSpecialEducation.pdf/16.2b_Directive9-EquityAccountabilityReportCard-UnderstandingtheEquityGapinSpecialEducation.pdf">Black students are three times more likely to be identified with a behavioural exceptionality</a> and streamed into special education programming. </p>
<p>Similarly, <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/i-was-very-isolated-report-documents-hispanic-students-alienation-in-ontario/article_21d6d9fd-1b13-57c3-8f26-94d545a80556.html">Latin American youth have reported arbitrarily being placed in English as a Second Language courses</a> and labelled with communicational exceptionalities, despite proficiency in English. These labels carry <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0895904818812772">long-lasting impacts on their educational journey</a>.</p>
<h2>Complex special education processes</h2>
<p>In Ontario, the special education placement process is complex and can include many parties (like teachers, principals, special education staff, school board officers, parents or guardians and, if requested, interpreters).</p>
<p>These parties engage in consultations to evaluate the student’s learning needs. Assessments are then reviewed by a board’s <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/identifying-students-special-education-needs">Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC)</a>, consisting of at least three members, one of whom must be a principal or supervisory officer of the school board.</p>
<p>According to the guide, educators should encourage and invite parents to participate throughout this evaluation process and the IPRC meeting, though their attendance isn’t required. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A blurred person seen in a corridor of file folders and records on shelves." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574794/original/file-20240211-26-iklod6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/574794/original/file-20240211-26-iklod6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574794/original/file-20240211-26-iklod6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574794/original/file-20240211-26-iklod6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574794/original/file-20240211-26-iklod6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574794/original/file-20240211-26-iklod6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/574794/original/file-20240211-26-iklod6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Special education labels and categorizations are documented in student records.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Unsplash/Redd F)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Lack of required parental input</h2>
<p>Parents are, however, required to sign and agree to the IPRC’s statement of decision. They have a right to appeal the findings, and are given 30 days. If parents don’t appeal, the board instructs the principal to implement the committee’s decision, including <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/individual-education-plans">individual education plans (IEP)</a>. </p>
<p>The child’s provincial student record documents the outcomes of the decision, including the various labels, or “exceptionalities” identified, and the IEP. These records follow students throughout primary and secondary education.</p>
<p>Lack of required parental input throughout the process indicates that early on, educators alone can make decisions involving a child. </p>
<h2>Language barriers</h2>
<p>In our study, one parent, Mariela, described the challenges of learning a new educational system. This was compounded by the technical language educators used: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“The language that is used is very strategic. It’s language that doesn’t welcome parents’ feedback [and] parents don’t know they have the option to say no. […] It’s like, ‘This is what happens; this is what we do. We need you to sign this.’ And that’s the language; it isn’t welcoming for parents to ask [questions].”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Specialized language</h2>
<p>Parents also recognized that a sense of pressure to accept educators’ decisions was discriminatory based on their limited abilities to keep up with the discourse and to have input in decision-making. Scarlett described feeling intimidated:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“It was always so traumatic and intimidating dealing with the school; it would be me and five school officials, you know? […] It’s like, you’re coming into this space, and decisions may already have been made.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Scarlett’s son was identified as having behavioural issues as early as Grade 2. She insisted her son be tested for gifted learning, recognizing that he was experiencing behaviour difficulties because he was bored and not being academically challenged. </p>
<p>Her son was not placed in a gifted class until Grade 7. During what she called “lost time,” the school involved the police in instances when he was “acting out,” and recommended her son be sent to a treatment facility for high-risk youth.</p>
<h2>Pressure to accept decisions</h2>
<p>Special education meetings also illuminated imbalances we observed in our study between parents who understood they had the right to ask for an interpreter or bring a representative — and parents who were unaware of this. </p>
<p>Claudia voiced concern about a special education label for her son in elementary school, saying educators had mistaken his speech difficulties for low intelligence. She was told her son’s speech delay would impact his ability to go to college or university.</p>
<p>She later recalled learning about her right to bring someone with her to IPRC meetings. She detailed the impact of having her son’s daycare supervisor there with her, saying: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I wanted to bring that person to support [me], probably for emotional support, for the English support, for the systematic barrier that I knew that I could face.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p>With the support of someone who educators also considered an “expert,” Claudia withdrew her son from special education programs — and instead sought additional support outside the school system.</p>
<p>Notably, only a few parents mentioned knowing their right to bring someone to the meetings, and all said the information came from sources outside the education system.</p>
<h2>Lack of guidance</h2>
<p>The Toronto District School Board has made the effort to increase access to parents’ rights to special education, offering the <a href="https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Learning-Equity-and-Well-Being/Special-Education-and-Inclusion/Parent-Guides-to-Special-Education-and-Inclusion"><em>Guide to Special Education and Inclusion for Parents/Caregivers/Guardians</em></a> in various languages.</p>
<p>However, for immigrant parents in our study who had no prior experience in Ontario’s schooling system, the lack of concrete information about their rights was a barrier to them being true participants in decision-making. </p>
<p>System accountability is needed to ensure immigrant racialized students and families are effectively provided support and understand the special education process. This support must be tailored to better address the needs of parents, so that their children are equitably positioned for successful academic pathways.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222465/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Henry Parada: This study received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC- 895-2015-1014). Toronto Metropolitan University Ethics Committee approved this study (2018-200).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Laura Perez Gonzalez and Veronica Escobar Olivo do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>A study of newcomer Latin American and Black Caribbean parents in Ontario schools found many parents felt excluded from processes surrounding assessments for their child’s learning needs.Laura Perez Gonzalez, Research Assistant, School of Social Work, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityHenry Parada, Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Social Work and the Immigration and Settlement (ISS) Graduate Program and Graduate Program Director, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityVeronica Escobar Olivo, Research Associate, School of Social Work, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2236192024-02-28T18:44:00Z2024-02-28T18:44:00ZHow audience data is shaping Canadian journalism<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577153/original/file-20240221-24-3j5bg1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C45%2C7680%2C4265&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">There’s been a big shift in how journalists consider their audiences in newsrooms. That shift is largely due to audience data.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>With media conglomerates <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bce-cuts-1.7108658">slashing jobs, programs</a> and <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/torstar-metroland-nordstar-1">publications</a> and growing <a href="https://www.cem.ulaval.ca/publications/dnr-2023-canada-eng/">news avoidance and perceived issues of trust</a> in journalism, finding ways to catch, engage and retain an audience has become a matter of survival for those in the news business.</p>
<p>There’s been a big shift in how journalists consider their audiences in newsrooms. That shift is largely due to <a href="https://j-source.ca/heres-how-metrics-and-analytics-are-changing-newsroom-practice/">audience data</a> — lots of audience data.</p>
<p>Journalists experience almost constant feedback about the content they create. It doesn’t matter if they’re working online, in television, radio or traditional print. They’re delivering to multiple platforms and every day they’re exposed to quantitative data — metrics that measure audience behaviour on websites and social media — and qualitative data — such as audience comments on social media.</p>
<p>As one television journalist told us:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“You know exactly how far someone scrolls down a page, how many seconds they’re spending on a page, what device you’re using, we know so much about our audience, just like Google knows about our audience.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p>But what impact does all of this data have on how journalists perceive their audiences and the content they publish? That’s what Colette Brin of Laval University, Stuart Duncan from Toronto Metropolitan University and I explore in a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2024.2310712">newly published paper</a> examining audience-oriented journalism.</p>
<h2>Audience-oriented journalism</h2>
<p>In basic terms, audience-oriented journalism involves three specific roles:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Infotainment — journalism that uses narrative strategies and style that align with more entertainment-based media; </p></li>
<li><p>Civic — journalism that focuses on educating citizens on their rights or advocating for their demands; and </p></li>
<li><p>Service — news reports that promote products or help you solve everyday problems.</p></li>
</ul>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="the Toronto Star website" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/577152/original/file-20240221-20-97keji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Finding ways to catch, engage and retain an audience has become a matter of survival for those in the news business.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We <a href="https://j-source.ca/a-global-study-on-pandemic-era-news-explores-the-gap-between-journalists-ideals-and-realities/">analyzed more than 3,700 stories</a> from 2020, surveyed 133 journalists in 2020 and 2021 and interviewed 13 journalists during the same time period. The news organizations we studied were the <em>Toronto Star</em>, <em>Globe and Mail</em>, <em>National Post</em>, CTV, Global News, <em>La Presse</em>, <em>HuffPost Canada</em>, TVA and CBC/Radio-Canada. Having worked in newsrooms ourselves, we were able to contextualize our results through our own experiences. </p>
<p>We found audience data has a big impact on practice in Canadian newsrooms. At the now defunct <a href="https://theconversation.com/bottom-up-audience-driven-and-shut-down-how-huffpost-canada-left-its-mark-on-canadian-media-175805"><em>HuffPost Canada</em></a>, for example, the audience was segmented into specific “types” of readers based on audience data. As one editor described, “We do X, Y and Z for this type of story for this type of person.” In essence, how a story was written depended on who it was being written for. </p>
<p>Reporters were also aware of the importance of audience data from a business perspective. As noted by one newspaper reporter:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“This is all algorithm stuff that I don’t entirely understand, but it does help the eggheads figure out how to customize your user experience when you go to the website. So it’s showing you stuff you’re interested in much the same way of Facebook and Twitter, which keeps people engaged with your website, which means more subscribers, which means I get to stay gainfully employed.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Responses to our survey supported the importance of audience data in the selection, development and promotion of stories and in measuring their value. Based on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884913504259">other studies</a>, we also know that journalists can lowball <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884915595474">the importance of data</a> in making editorial decisions, so there could be even greater impact than we measured. </p>
<h2>Infotainment and sensationalism</h2>
<p>There is frequent critique that the ubiquity of data in newsrooms has resulted in a push for clickbait or more sensationalized stories that boost traffic at the expense of more newsworthy reportage — and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2018.1504626">sometimes that happens</a>. </p>
<p>Sensationalism is part of infotainment. However, our content analysis revealed that a lot of what qualifies as infotainment in Canadian journalism involves descriptive language and sharing relevant, personal details about the subject being written about. Done appropriately this can give greater nuance and context to a story. </p>
<p>As well, infotainment in Canada is often combined with the “educator” part of the civic role. For example, one editor told us how they look to find the “more fun” (infotainment) aspect of a story that can give a “point of entry” to inform the public about things like rules of Parliament. </p>
<p>The civic and service roles are also often performed together, with news you can use that might impact someone’s understanding of political processes or stories about their rights as citizens. </p>
<p>Nearly 80 per cent of the stories we sampled had at least one audience-oriented role present, and almost 40 per cent had more than one. This provides strong evidence that audiences are top of mind in newsrooms. </p>
<p>Our conversations also revealed that even if newsrooms aren’t always able to <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2021/03/imagined-audiences-journalism-analytics-intuition.html">accurately interpret</a> what the audience wants, they’re spending a lot of time and resources trying to do so.</p>
<h2>Importance of social media</h2>
<p>Most reporters we talked to used social media — whether they wanted to or not — because they recognized it as an important tool to reach audiences, find sources and promote their work. More than 78 per cent of the journalists surveyed agreed it was an important tool to connect with audiences. </p>
<p>However, reporters also noted the downsides of social media, particularly related to political polarization. One newspaper reporter said: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“While it provides a venue to find an audience, which is what we absolutely need to do, it has also created a forum with which to attack journalists and attack the free press.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p>That hostile environment resulted in another reporter being careful about her choice of words so she could reach a wider audience:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I deliberately go out of my way to try to reach the people who are trying to ignore me. Like, that’s the target audience as you write. So you’re avoiding unnecessary use of terms that get spun into shit, not because we don’t deserve to use those terms … but because what you’re actually attempting to do is to reach those people.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Even if people might not trust news, or a certain media organization, there is evidence to show they can still recognize and appreciate <a href="https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003257998">quality journalism</a>. </p>
<p>Canadian journalists have to find ways to understand and reach an audience that may not always want to listen. They’re trying hard to do so. Whether it works, and the lasting impact of their efforts on journalistic standards, remains to be seen.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/223619/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nicole Blanchett has received funding from Mitacs, Centre d’études sur les médias, The Journalism Research Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University, The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and SSHRC.</span></em></p>A new study on Canadian journalism examines the impact of audience data on journalistic roles and journalists’ perceptions of their audienceNicole Blanchett, Associate Professor, Journalism, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2231642024-02-26T21:18:58Z2024-02-26T21:18:58ZRenewable energy innovation isn’t just good for the climate — it’s also good for the economy<p>As the climate crisis escalates, there are urgent and difficult choices that need to be made to drastically <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/2023/03/20/press-release-ar6-synthesis-report/">reduce our carbon emissions</a> before more <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/chapter/summary-for-policymakers/">irreparable damage</a> is done. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.iea.org/news/new-iea-report-highlights-the-need-and-means-for-the-oil-and-gas-industry-to-drastically-cut-emissions-from-its-operations">Many have argued the energy industry needs to change</a> to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/20/ipcc-climate-crisis-report-delivers-final-warning-on-15c">reduce carbon emissions</a>, but one concern that remains is the consequence this will have on economic prosperity. </p>
<p>Discussions vary across interest groups. Do we need to outright <a href="https://priceofoil.org/2023/08/16/shut-down-60-percent-existing-fossil-fuel-extraction-1-5c/">replace the fossil fuel industry with the renewable energy industry</a> as soon as possible? Should we slowly <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-07999-w">phase out fossil fuels while making clean renewable replacements</a>? Or, should we <a href="https://oilprice.com/Energy/Oil-Prices/Why-We-Still-Need-Oil-Gas-For-Decades-To-Come.html">continue with a powerful fossil fuel industry</a> while separately growing a renewable industry in parallel? </p>
<p>How these different choices could impact our economies seems unclear, and it is this lack of clarity that opens up the field for frustrating discussions. At the recent COP28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates, the conference president shockingly said that there is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/03/back-into-caves-cop28-president-dismisses-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels">“no science”</a> behind any decision to phase-out fossil fuels from our energy systems — a statement which he later <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/live/2023/dec/04/cop28-backlash-after-president-claims-no-science-behind-fossil-fuel-phase-out">claimed was “misinterpreted.”</a> </p>
<p>My recent research <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141018">examines energy industry restructuring options for a green transition to renewable energy</a> from an economic perspective.</p>
<p>Although economic analysis is helpful, it is not sufficient on its own for making these important decisions. So, my research also draws on <a href="http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf">sustainability</a> which involves considering the conditions faced by future generations, and a concept known as <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equifinality">equifinality</a> reminding us to keep our minds open to many possible approaches that may satisfy the same objectives.</p>
<h2>Renewable energy innovation and GDP</h2>
<p>My research indicates that renewable energy innovation contributes to higher GDP. Contrary to some commonly held beliefs, a clean transition is, and has been for at least a decade, good for the economy — even in earlier stages of its development. </p>
<p>My findings also suggest that <a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/how-us-oil-and-gas-industry-works">government and industry support for the fossil fuel industry</a> negatively affects a country’s renewable energy innovation. The two industries are not compatible. </p>
<p>When the fossil fuel industry invests in itself, it also <a href="https://www.canadianenergycentre.ca/the-oil-and-gas-sectors-contribution-to-canadas-economy-2/">appears to improve GDP</a>, which creates confusion about the best way to ensure economic prosperity while transitioning to clean energy.</p>
<p>But this investment, often made through <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cop28-fossil-fuel-lobbyists-1.7048746">lobbying</a>, only prolongs the existence of the fossil fuel industry by keeping renewable energy competition out. This creates a false dichotomy between reducing emissions and improving GDP when, in fact, clean innovation can achieve both simultaneously.</p>
<p>My research indicates that clean innovation makes a stronger economy <em>and</em> reduces emissions. If we want to reinforce that dual progress, rather than accepting trade-offs, then we have to stop supporting the fossil fuel industry which aims to slow it down.</p>
<h2>Helping renewable energy thrive</h2>
<p>Economically speaking, the fossil fuel industry is <a href="https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/about/why-competition-policy-important-consumers_en">negatively impacting consumer welfare</a> by maintaining <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/oil-gas-enserva-report-industry-canadian-energy-sector-1.7059687">higher-than-necessary prices due to limited competition</a>. This, in turn, bumps up GDP through inflated profits, having subsidised an already dominant polluting industry, reducing clean innovation and delaying cleaner progress — obviously not the way to grow a healthy economy. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gdp.asp#toc-gdp-vs-gnp-vs-gni">In fact, GDP is not a standard of living measure or a measure of innovative competitiveness</a>. To address inflation and the cost of living crisis, we should be promoting more competition across industries. This is a more productive type of capitalism that brings wider benefits to all of us, including more innovation, lower prices, and better products for domestic and export markets.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ipolitics.ca/opinions/we-must-stop-investing-in-the-fools-gold-that-is-fossil-fuel">Government subsidies</a> that boost the fossil fuel industry hinder consumer welfare and the transition to clean energy. Some examples include subsidies to fund more <a href="https://www.desmog.com/2023/12/08/report-canada-u-s-carbon-capture-and-storage-ccs-public-subsidies-funding-oil-change-international/">carbon capture and storage technology</a> and the use of fossil energy in <a href="https://environmentaldefence.ca/federal-fossil-fuel-subsidies-tracking/">hydrogen storage systems</a>. </p>
<p>Instead of funding these backward subsidies, governments should implement <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work/putting-price-on-carbon-pollution.html">pollution taxes</a> while also supporting renewable energy innovation. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/state-owned-energy-companies-are-among-the-worlds-most-polluting-putting-a-price-on-carbon-could-help-213501">State-owned energy companies are among the world's most polluting – putting a price on carbon could help</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>My research demonstrates that pollution taxes work well with clean innovation capabilities. Supporting research and innovation in renewable energy and using a carbon tax as a tool can boost the economic benefits of transitioning to clean energy.</p>
<p>The findings of my work suggest that a robust economy is related to industry restructuring so that renewable energy innovation can thrive. Fostering novel scientific discoveries in clean energy innovation should be prioritized while reducing non-competitive industry formations and organizations, such as fossil fuel oligopolies and industry associations.</p>
<h2>Making decisions with the future in mind</h2>
<p>Increasing public awareness and understanding of <a href="https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/09/oil-companies-discourage-climate-action-study-says/">fossil fuel industry games</a> is a way to accelerate change. It’s important to recognize that industries at different <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/industrylifecycle.asp">life cycle stages</a> contribute to the economy in different ways. </p>
<p>A newer rising industry with determined entrepreneurs, like that of renewable energy, invests in innovation to create value. On the other hand, a declining industry plays end-game strategies, like engaging in self-promotional activities, to maintain their existing position and <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/061115/how-strong-are-barriers-entry-oil-and-gas-sector.asp">create barriers to new industry entries</a>. </p>
<p>However, consumer welfare increases with competition, not collusion. Economic analysis is not sufficient on its own for decision-making in this area because positive economic outcomes can be generated by different kinds of strategies supporting an industry’s life cycle goals.</p>
<p>Government policy decisions should be made based on economic analyses alongside broader sustainability criteria. Ignoring the equifinality argument and reverting to discussions about <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-13/cop28-deal-signals-role-for-gas-in-transition-to-clean-energy">replacing coal with gas as a bridge</a> only ensures fossil fuels remain in use for at least another generation of infrastructure. </p>
<p>Communities should apply sustainability and equifinality lenses to decision-making, understanding that there are many possible means to an end. For example, if a community has specific concerns about one type of renewable energy system, they should explore <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-renewable-energy">other alternative clean energy options</a> instead of defaulting to fossil fuels. </p>
<p>An educated public should reject simplistic and single-sided arguments and understand there are usually more nuanced solutions to problems supported by evidence-based analysis. By embracing a more holistic approach, we can develop more sustainable societies by opening up renewable energy possibilities.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/223164/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Deborah de Lange receives funding from SSHRC and ESRC. She is a member of/volunteer for the Liberal Party of Canada and The Writers' Union of Canada.</span></em></p>Recent research about energy industry restructuring options for a green transition indicates that innovation in renewable energy positively influences GDP.Deborah de Lange, Associate Professor, Global Management Studies, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2238062024-02-21T19:44:30Z2024-02-21T19:44:30ZOpenAI’s new generative tool Sora could revolutionize marketing and content creation<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/576885/original/file-20240220-21-7jmy8i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=17%2C35%2C3912%2C2580&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Sora could serve as a tool that enhances the capabilities of content creators, allowing them to produce higher-quality content more efficiently. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://openai.com/sora">OpenAI’s new generative Sora tool</a> has <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/open-ai-sora-text-to-video-1.7117312">sparked lively technology discussions over the past week</a>, generating both enthusiasm and concern among fans and critics.</p>
<p><a href="https://openai.com/sora">Sora</a> is a text-to-video model that significantly advances the integration of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14539">deep learning</a>, <a href="https://rdcu.be/dyUpH">natural language processing</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34372-9">computer vision</a> to transform textual prompts into detailed and coherent life-like video content.</p>
<p>In contrast to previous text-to-video technologies, like <a href="https://makeavideo.studio">Meta’s Make-A-Video</a>, Sora is able to overcome limitations related to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/29/23378210/meta-text-to-video-ai-generation-make-a-video-model-dall-e">the type of visual data it can interpret, video length and resolution</a>. </p>
<p>From what OpenAI has demonstrated, Sora can generate videos of various lengths, from short clips to full-minute narratives, and in high definition, accommodating a wide range of creative needs.</p>
<p>Although no official release date has been announced, Sora will likely be available to the public in the coming months, judging by OpenAI’s typical pattern of public releases. For now, it’s <a href="https://www.ccn.com/news/openai-sora-general-release-date/">only available to experts and a few artists and filmmakers</a>.</p>
<h2>How Sora works</h2>
<p>At the heart of Sora’s innovation is a <a href="https://openai.com/research/video-generation-models-as-world-simulators">technique that transforms visual data into a format it can easily understand and manipulate</a>, similar to how words are broken down into tokens for AI processing by text-based applications. </p>
<p>This process involves compressing video data into a more manageable form and breaking it down into patches or segments. These segments act like building blocks that Sora can rearrange to create new videos.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-sora-a-new-generative-ai-tool-could-transform-video-production-and-amplify-disinformation-risks-223850">What is Sora? A new generative AI tool could transform video production and amplify disinformation risks</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Sora uses a combination of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14539">deep learning</a>, natural language processing and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34372-9">computer vision</a> to achieve its capabilities. </p>
<p>Deep learning helps it understand and generate complex patterns in data, natural language processing interprets text prompts to create videos, and computer vision allows it to understand and generate visual content accurately. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1758192957386342435"}"></div></p>
<p>By employing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/TPAMI.2023.3261988">a diffusion model</a> — a type of model that’s particularly good at generating high-quality images and videos — Sora can take noisy, incomplete data and transform it into clear, coherent video content.</p>
<p>Sora’s approach differs from <a href="https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/lil-miquela-digital-avatar-instagram-influencer.html">CGI character creation</a>, which requires extensive manual effort, and from traditional <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-disturbing-trend-of-state-media-use-of-deepfakes-203368">deepfake technologies</a>, which often lack ethical safeguards, by offering a scalable and adaptable method for generating video content based on textual input.</p>
<h2>What does this mean for businesses?</h2>
<p>One of the most noteworthy aspects of Sora is its flexibility, as it supports various video formats and sizes, enhances framing and composition for a professional finish, and accepts text, images or videos as prompts for animating images or extending videos.</p>
<p>The emergence of Sora presents key opportunities for businesses across different sectors. In the near future, there are two key areas that may have significant applications.</p>
<p>The first area is in marketing and advertising. Just as ChatGPT has become a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/gilpress/2023/07/18/making-chatgpt-a-highly-targeted-marketing-tool-anyword-predicts-its-performance/">marketing and content creation tool</a>, we can expect businesses to use Sora for similar reasons.</p>
<p>With the public release of Sora, brands and companies will be able to create highly engaging and <a href="https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/mmetss-19/125919585">visually appealing video content</a> for marketing campaigns, social media and advertisements. </p>
<p>The ability to generate custom videos based on textual prompts will allow for greater creativity and personalization, possibly helping brands stand out in a crowded market.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5JiN_OARcuo?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A video from OpenAI of an AI-generated video from Sora. The prompt was: ‘A beautiful homemade video showing the people of Lagos, Nigeria in the year 2056. Shot with a mobile phone camera.’</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The second area Sora could impact is training and education. Companies could use Sora to develop educational and training videos that are tailored to specific topics or scenarios. <a href="https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing-dnp/8/">This could enhance the learning experience for employees and customers</a>, making complex information more accessible and engaging.</p>
<p>Other sectors, such as e-commerce, also hold promising potential for the future application of Sora. Retailers could create dynamic product demonstrations that effectively showcase products in a more engaging and interactive manner. </p>
<p>This would be especially beneficial for companies that want to highlight specific aspects of products that might not be easily conveyed through static images or text, or for advertising products that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2017.07.002">require a detailed explanation</a>. </p>
<p>Sora could also significantly reduce the uncertainty associated with online shopping by facilitating virtual try-on experiences, allowing customers to visualize how a product, such as clothing or accessories, would look on them without the need for a physical fitting. This, in turn, could <a href="https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3023040">result in a better return on investment</a>. </p>
<h2>What are the key challenges ahead?</h2>
<p>While there are key opportunities ahead, OpenAI, regulators and users need to carefully consider key factors that could pose challenges, including copyright issues, ethical concerns and the consequences of increased digital noise.</p>
<p>With Sora’s ability to generate lifelike video content, there’s a risk of inadvertently creating videos that infringe on existing copyrights. OpenAI has already been sued several times over copyright infringement and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/openai-new-york-times-chatgpt-lawsuit-grisham-nyt-69f78c404ace42c0070fdfb9dd4caeb7">intellectual property issues</a>.</p>
<p>OpenAI hasn’t disclosed where the data used to train Sora is from, but it did tell the <em>New York Times</em> it was training the system using <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/15/technology/openai-sora-videos.html">videos that were publicly available and licensed from copyright holders</a>.</p>
<p>The technology also raises ethical questions, particularly around the creation of <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417639-realism-of-openais-sora-video-generator-raises-security-concerns/">deepfake videos</a> or <a href="https://theconversation.com/artificial-intelligence-needs-to-be-trained-on-culturally-diverse-datasets-to-avoid-bias-222811">misleading content</a>. </p>
<p>Establishing guidelines and safeguards to prevent misuse will be essential for maintaining trust in the technology. In a post on its website, OpenAI stated it was <a href="https://openai.com/sora">working with experts to test the model before releasing it to the public</a>.</p>
<p>As more businesses and individuals gain access to Sora, there’s a potential for an increase in low-quality or irrelevant video content, leading to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1504/IJIMA.2023.10053472">increased “digital noise” that could overwhelm users</a>. Finding ways to filter and curate content will become increasingly important for businesses looking to maintain their edge.</p>
<p>Last, but certainly not least, is the question of how Sora will impact the job market for content creators. While Sora does have the potential to automate certain aspects of video production, <a href="https://theconversation.com/chatgpt-could-be-a-game-changer-for-marketers-but-it-wont-replace-humans-any-time-soon-198053">like ChatGPT, it’s unlikely to replace human creativity and insight</a> anytime soon.</p>
<p>Instead, Sora could serve as a tool that enhances the capabilities of content creators, allowing them to produce higher-quality content more efficiently. As with any technological advancement, the key will be for professionals to adapt and find ways to integrate Sora into their workflows, leveraging its strengths to complement their own skills and creativity.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/223806/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Omar H. Fares does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>As with any technological advancement, professionals will need to adapt and find ways to integrate Sora into their workflows, leveraging its strengths to complement their own skills and creativity.Omar H. Fares, Lecturer in the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2223732024-02-01T17:33:59Z2024-02-01T17:33:59ZThe first Neuralink brain implant signals a new phase for human-computer interaction<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572513/original/file-20240131-19-40gn6h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=26%2C0%2C5765%2C3994&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Neuralink is developing devices that enable direct communication between the human brain and computers.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/the-first-neuralink-brain-implant-signals-a-new-phase-for-human-computer-interaction" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>The <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/neuralink-implants-brain-chip-first-human-musk-says-2024-01-29">first human has received a Neuralink brain chip implant</a>, according to co-founder Elon Musk. The neurotechnology company has started its first human trial since <a href="https://www.reuters.com/science/elon-musks-neuralink-gets-us-fda-approval-human-clinical-study-brain-implants-2023-05-25/">receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a> in 2023.</p>
<p>The trial’s focus is on an implant that could potentially allow people with <a href="https://neuralink.com/patient-registry/">severe physical disabilities to control digital devices using their thoughts</a>. The study involves <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-start-human-trials-brain-implant-2023-09-19/">implanting a brain chip</a> — called a brain-computer interface implant — in the region of the brain that controls movement intention. </p>
<p>Musk has said the patient who received the implant — <a href="https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/neuralinks-brain-chip-is-now-in-a-human-your-skull-is-safe-for-now/">fittingly named Telepathy</a> — is “recovering well” and that “initial results show promising neuron spike detection.” No other details about the trial have been provided yet.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1752098683024220632"}"></div></p>
<p>This development is more than just a technical milestone; it represents a major leap in potential human-computer interaction, raising important questions about the integration of advanced technology with the human body and mind.</p>
<h2>Neuralink’s mission</h2>
<p>Neuralink’s <a href="https://neuralink.com/">stated mission</a> is to “create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow.” This mission communicates two key approaches. </p>
<p>In the short term, the focus will be on individuals with medical needs. The long-term vision extends far beyond this, alluding to a goal of augmenting human potential. This suggests Neuralink envisions a future where its technology transcends medical use and becomes a tool for cognitive and sensory enhancement in the general population.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7o39CzHgug?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A video from Neuralink about its first human clinical trial.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The evolution of Neuralink presents a range of possible future scenarios. The first scenario envisions successful trials leading to adoption in niche markets, signifying a breakthrough but with restricted scope. </p>
<p>The second, more optimistic scenario, involves widespread acceptance after successful human trials, with the potential to revolutionize our interaction with technology. And the third — a more pessimistic view — considers the venture’s failure, driven by many societal, technological, legal and medical factors. </p>
<h2>The realistic scenario</h2>
<p>In the most realistic scenario, Neuralink is expected to achieve success by focusing on medical applications for individuals with severe disabilities. This targeted approach is likely to <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179367">resonate with consumers in need of life-changing technologies</a>, which will drive early adoption within this specific demographic. </p>
<p>In this case, wider acceptance from the broader consumer base will hinge on various factors, including the technology’s <a href="https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.05019">perceived usefulness</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2015.12.010">privacy implications and the overall risk-benefit perception</a>.</p>
<p>Socially, Neuralink’s trajectory will be significantly influenced by <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies5040031">public and ethical discussions</a>. Issues surrounding data security, long-term health implications and equitable access will likely dominate public discourse. </p>
<p>Widespread acceptance of Neuralink’s technology will depend on its medical efficacy and safety, combined with Neuralink’s ability to address ethical concerns and gain public trust.</p>
<h2>The optimistic scenario</h2>
<p>In the optimistic scenario, Neuralink’s technology transcends its initial medical applications and integrates into everyday life. This scenario envisions a future where the technology’s benefits are clearly demonstrated and recognized beyond its medical use, generating interest across various sectors of society.</p>
<p>Consumer interest in Neuralink would extend beyond those with medical needs, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13040">driven by the appeal of enhanced cognitive abilities and sensory experiences</a>. As people become more familiar with the technology, concerns about invasiveness and data privacy may decrease, especially if Neuralink can provide robust safety and security assurances.</p>
<p>From a societal standpoint, the optimistic scenario sees Neuralink as a catalyst for positive change. The technology could bridge gaps in human potential, offering new ways of interaction and communication. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A middle-aged man in a suit gestures while speaking" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572512/original/file-20240131-17-g477cl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/572512/original/file-20240131-17-g477cl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572512/original/file-20240131-17-g477cl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572512/original/file-20240131-17-g477cl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572512/original/file-20240131-17-g477cl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572512/original/file-20240131-17-g477cl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/572512/original/file-20240131-17-g477cl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Elon Musk, co-founder of Neuralink, speaking at VivaTech, one of Europe’s largest tech and start-up fairs, in June 2023 in Paris, France.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Although ethical concerns would still exist, the potential benefits in education, workforce productivity and overall quality of life could outweigh them. Regulatory bodies might adopt more accommodating policies, influenced by public enthusiasm and the technology’s track record in improving lives.</p>
<p>In this scenario, Neuralink becomes a symbol of human advancement, seamlessly integrating into daily life and opening new possibilities in human-machine interaction. </p>
<p>Its success would set a precedent for other technologies at the intersection of biology and technology, like <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.002">gene editing technologies </a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a034306">bioelectronic medicine</a>, paving the way for a future where such integrations are the norm.</p>
<h2>The pessimistic scenario</h2>
<p>In the pessimistic scenario, Neuralink will face significant challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and success. <a href="https://rdcu.be/dxnKL">This scenario considers the possibility of the technology failing to meet the high expectations set for it</a>, either due to technological limitations, safety concerns or ethical dilemmas.</p>
<p>From a technological standpoint, the complexity of interfacing directly with the human brain could be more complex than anticipated, leading to underwhelming performance or reliability issues. </p>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies5040031">Physical and psychological safety concerns</a> might also be more significant than initially thought, with potential long-term health implications that could deter both consumers and medical professionals.</p>
<p>The invasive nature of the technology and privacy concerns related to brain data could lead to widespread public apprehension. This skepticism could be compounded if early applications of the technology are perceived as benefiting only a select few, <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/D/bo68657177.html">exacerbating social inequalities</a>.</p>
<p>Ethically, the prospect of brain-computer interfaces could raise questions about <a href="https://rdcu.be/dxstZ">human identity</a>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-018-9466-4">autonomy and the nature of consciousness</a>. These concerns might fuel public opposition, leading to stringent regulatory restrictions and slowing down research and development.</p>
<p>In this scenario, Neuralink’s ambitious vision might be curtailed by a combination of technological hurdles, public mistrust, ethical controversies and regulatory challenges, ultimately leading to the project’s stagnation or decline.</p>
<p>While Neuralink presents numerous possibilities, its journey isn’t merely about technological advancement. The outcome of this venture holds key implications for the future of neural interfaces and our understanding of human capabilities, underscoring the need for a thoughtful approach to such innovation.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222373/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Omar H. Fares does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Neuralink’s first human trial is more than just a technical milestone; it represents a major leap in potential human-computer interaction.Omar H. Fares, Lecturer in the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2218522024-01-31T22:33:11Z2024-01-31T22:33:11ZUse of lockdowns in Canadian prisons could amount to torture<iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/use-of-lockdowns-in-canadian-prisons-could-amount-to-torture" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/judge-rules-lockdowns-due-to-staff-shortages-at-nova-scotia-jails-are-unlawful-1.7084269">recently ruled</a> in a pair of decisions that it is unlawful to lock down imprisoned people due to staff shortages. Lockdowns are a practice of restrictive confinement that has become <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/east-coast-prison-justice-lockdowns-jails-prisoners-1.6117836">increasingly common</a>. This is despite the fact that, under the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/nelson-mandela-rules-protecting-rights-persons-deprived-liberty">United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules</a>, those lockdowns meet the criteria for torture. </p>
<p>In November 2023, the East Coast Prison Justice Society raised alarm over institutional lockdowns at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth. One of the prisoners the society spoke with said, “<a href="https://www.eastcoastprisonjustice.ca/press-releases.html">things are worse than they have ever been</a>.”</p>
<p>Lockdowns are common not just in Nova Scotia, <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/lockdowns-soaring-in-ontario-jails-due-to-staff-shortages/article_4012038e-c280-5697-b94a-08b7c3a00276.html">but across Canada</a>. Perhaps most notoriously, the Toronto South Detention Centre has been subject to <a href="https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/report-conditions-confinement-toronto-south-detention-centre">numerous investigations</a> surrounding its abuse of restrictive confinement. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/document/2022-data-release-inmates-ontario/human-rights-based-data-collection-inmates-restrictive-confinement">Recent data</a> collected by Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General further demonstrates the extent of the problem in provincial institutions (no data is available on Nova Scotia). Between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022, 15,929 individuals, out of a total of 29,693 people in custody, spent at least one day in a unit that was regularly locked down for 17 hours or more per day. These trends are relatively stable and consistent across provinces. </p>
<p>The East Coast Prison Justice Society said they were increasingly concerned by the impact these conditions have on the physical and mental health and well-being of prisoners. Given the ongoing problem of lockdowns across prisons in Canada, what is the significance of the court’s rulings, and do they go far enough?</p>
<h2>Loss of liberty and habeas corpus</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.canlii.org/en/ns/nssc/doc/2024/2024nssc11/2024nssc11.html">The pair</a> of <a href="https://www.canlii.org/en/ns/nssc/doc/2024/2024nssc12/2024nssc12.html">rulings</a> from the Nova Scotia Supreme Court found that the routine use of institutional lockdowns in the province’s jails to address staffing shortages is unlawful. </p>
<p>Two <a href="https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/check/art10c.html">habeas corpus</a> petitions were filed by Durrell Diggs and Ryan Wilband, both low-risk prisoners, who were subjected to cell confinement for 51 and 29 days respectively, often with no time out of their cells. These petitions argued the use of lockdowns was a violation of their <a href="https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/">Charter rights</a>.</p>
<p>In Diggs’s case the court ruled: “It is not a ‘privilege’ to be out of one’s cell,” it is something imprisoned people are entitled to. The court ruled that the near-daily decision to put the jail on partial or total lockdown is unlawful and unreasonable.</p>
<p>The Mandela Rules state that being held in confinement for more than 15 days without at least four hours per day out of cell, two of which must include meaningful human contact, is prolonged solitary confinement and constitutes torture. </p>
<p>Nova Scotia’s correctional regulations state prisoners are entitled to fresh air for a minimum of <a href="https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/CORserv.htm">just 30 minutes every day</a>, which falls below the Mandela Rules threshold. According to the recent court ruling, Wilband likely received that minimum on only five occasions over 28 days.</p>
<p><a href="https://digitalcommons.schulichlaw.dal.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1044&context=reports">Another man imprisoned at the facility told researchers</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“We are locked down every second day because of staff shortages. They let us out of cells in groups, sometimes two or three, sometimes eight. One time the whole range at once was let out, but not usually. Some days no one gets out of their cell at all. The guards say how many people will be let out, but it is up to the prisoners as to who it is who gets out. The younger weaker guys do not even ask to get out because they know they will get beaten up if they take a spot from someone higher in the pecking order.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Impacts of lockdowns</h2>
<p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/bjc/article/62/2/279/6309329">Research finds</a> these kinds of lockdowns can have severe impacts on an inmate’s mental and physical health and well-being. Lockdowns disrupt communication with lawyers, contact with loved ones, access to programs, spiritual and cultural practice, hygiene and medical treatment. Inadequate time out of their cell is associated with <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJPH-06-2020-0037/full/html">worse mental health and higher suicide risk</a>. </p>
<p>In another recent decision, <a href="https://www.canlii.org/en/ns/nssc/doc/2023/2023nssc204/2023nssc204.html">Nova Scotia’s Supreme Court stated</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Confining persons in custody — many of whom may have pre-existing mental health issues — to their cells for exorbitant periods of time does nothing to assist and support their rehabilitation…Even a person with robust mental health would find it challenging to be regularly confined to a cell, often for more than 20 hours per day, with little notice and no ability to earn more time out. This practice is dehumanizing, and it is setting these individuals up to fail. They deserve better.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Why this ruling is important</h2>
<p>Lockdowns are not new, although reliance on lockdowns in response to institutional issues including staffing and maintenance problems, has <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/9894823/burnside-jail-staffing-shortage-critical/">increased substantially</a> since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. <a href="https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/122/article/908261">In our research</a> we examine these practices and caution that without adequate oversight, they are likely to become a new normal. </p>
<p>Importantly, our research finds that lockdowns often replicate the torturous conditions of solitary confinement, a practice which was <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-end-of-solitary-confinement-in-canada-not-exactly-124679">ended federally</a> through Bill C-83, an amendment to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, which received royal assent in 2019.</p>
<p>The recent Nova Scotia rulings are significant in that they state operational problems at the institutional level are not sufficient to justify lockdowns. Because a majority of lockdowns are caused by institutional operational issues, not prisoners’ behaviour, lockdowns constitute a “<a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691130644/the-society-of-captives">pain of imprisonment</a>” which exceeds the conditions and objectives of custodial sentences. </p>
<p>Lockdowns compound the pains associated with imprisonment, including poor mental and physical health, which impacts community release, reintegration and recidivism.</p>
<p>More lockdowns mean people are subject to practices that amount to torture. <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3510001401&pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.4&cubeTimeFrame.startYear=2021+%2F+2022&cubeTimeFrame.endYear=2021+%2F+2022&referencePeriods=20210101%2C20210101">Almost 80 per cent</a> of the provincial prisoner population in Nova Scotia are in jail awaiting trial, presumed innocent of charges and denied pre-trial release for reasons as simple as a lack of community housing and other supports. </p>
<h2>Recommendations</h2>
<p>Many of the recommendations in the court’s ruling are about ensuring adequate staffing to avoid lockdowns. However, this does not address other operational issues that can trigger lockdowns. An alternative is decreasing prison numbers rather than increasing prison staff, and abolishing solitary confinement altogether.</p>
<p>In 2020, prison numbers were <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/jail-population-cut-in-half-new-covid-19-measures-1.5541732">significantly decreased</a> in Nova Scotia. In total, over <a href="https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/nova-scotia-prisons-released-41-per-cent-of-inmates-during-pandemic-1.5063557">40 per cent</a> of the provincially incarcerated population was released.</p>
<p>The judiciary, corrections, crown and defense counsels, along with community organizations, <a href="https://theconversation.com/if-canada-is-serious-about-confronting-systemic-racism-we-must-abolish-prisons-141408">collaborated to cut</a> provincial prison numbers. Some imprisoned people went to new supported community residency options, which proved successful even for people with the most complex needs.</p>
<p>Beyond ending these lockdowns, a whole-of-government approach must be taken to foster and sustain community-based alternatives to pre-trial detention and to support other initiatives preventive of imprisonment.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/221852/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Lockdowns can have severe impacts on an inmate’s mental and physical health and well-being.Jessica Evans, Assistant Professor, Criminology, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLinda Mussell, Lecturer, Political Science and International Relations, University of CanterburyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2063602024-01-30T20:15:08Z2024-01-30T20:15:08ZSchools have a long way to go to offer equitable learning opportunities, especially in French immersion<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/537617/original/file-20230716-25-rv538b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C89%2C6000%2C3538&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">In a research study on the accessibility of French immersion, one parent was told she faced a three-year wait to access reading supports for her child. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Andrew Ebrahim/Unsplash)</span></span></figcaption></figure><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/schools-have-a-long-way-to-go-to-offer-equitable-learning-opportunities-especially-in-french-immersion" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s <a href="https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/right-to-read-inquiry-report">Right to Read report</a>, published last February, called for changes in the province’s educational system. The commission found shortcomings in how schools support students with special education needs. </p>
<p>We found similar trends in our <a href="https://uottawa.scholarsportal.info/ottawa/index.php/ILOB-OLBI/article/view/6618/5553">interview-based study</a> on the accessibility of French immersion for students with special education needs from low-income communities in Toronto. We interviewed eight mothers with diverse socio-economic status, home language and immigration backgrounds on their experiences with the French immersion program. </p>
<p>According to the Right to Read report’s <a href="https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/right-to-read-inquiry-report/appendix-1-list-recommendations">recommendations</a>, children need accessible, effective learning assessments, as well as evidence-based interventions that occur in a timely manner. </p>
<p>These interventions include explicit, systematic programs that focus on <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/reading-and-writing-basics/phonics-and-decoding">phonics (teaching the relationships between letters and the sounds of spoken language) and decoding (applying knowledge of letter-sound relationships to written words, or “sounding out”)</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/metalinguistic-awareness">metalinguistic awareness</a> (a larger awareness of language, including an ability to reflect on it) and other skills <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.99">that support reading accuracy and fluency</a>). </p>
<p>Research has highlighted difficulties accessing support for students with special education needs <a href="https://doi.org/10.1075/jicb.20012.kay">in French immersion programs</a>. As we also heard in our study, parents of children with students with special education needs from low-income communities in Toronto faced barriers accessing resources for their children.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/reading-struggles-dont-wait-to-advocate-for-your-child-130986">Reading struggles? Don't wait to advocate for your child</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A school building." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/571939/original/file-20240129-21-apeyf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/571939/original/file-20240129-21-apeyf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/571939/original/file-20240129-21-apeyf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/571939/original/file-20240129-21-apeyf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/571939/original/file-20240129-21-apeyf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/571939/original/file-20240129-21-apeyf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/571939/original/file-20240129-21-apeyf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A report published by the TDSB found students without special needs represent 90 per cent of students in French immersion and 78 per cent of students in the board overall.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Marginalized students underrepresented</h2>
<p>French immersion programs have become increasingly popular <a href="https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cjnse/article/view/74139">across Canada</a>, since students who learn both English and French in school may <a href="https://muse.jhu.edu/article/228709/pdf">benefit from increased intercultural awareness</a>, easier travel throughout Canada, better access to bilingual jobs as well as potential <a href="https://doi.org/10.3138/cmlr.63.5.605">developmental and social benefits</a>.</p>
<p>There is a <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/4922887/french-immersion-school-canada-demand-teachers/">high demand</a> for French immersion in Canada, and the program is often perceived as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2020.1865988">an elitist system</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/french-immersion-and-other-regional-learning-programs-smart-choice-for-your-kids-or-do-they-fuel-inequity-195184">French immersion and other regional learning programs: Smart choice for your kids, or do they fuel inequity?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In the <a href="https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/TDSB%20French%20Programs%20Review%20Mar082019.pdf">Toronto District School board (TDSB) French immersion report released in 2019</a>, marginalized students are underrepresented in its immersion programs. For example, the report — based on registration and census information — noted that in grades 7-8:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>49 per cent of students identify as white in French immersion and 30 per cent in the board overall;</p></li>
<li><p>students without special needs represent 90 per cent of students in French immersion and 78 per cent of students in the board overall;</p></li>
<li><p>Students whose family income is $100,000 and over represent 66 per cent of students in French immersion and 47 per cent of students in the board overall;</p></li>
<li><p>Children from families who speak English at home represent 63 per cent of French immersion classes and 35 per cent of the board overall.</p></li>
</ul>
<h2>Reading struggles</h2>
<p>Emily (not her real name) is one of the mothers who participated in our study. She has seen the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77cz9iUeDaY&t=82s">high cost of disability in our school systems</a>. With her permission, we have shared her story below to illustrate her family’s experience in a French immersion program.</p>
<p>Emily enrolled all of her three children in a French immersion program. Emily’s eldest child excelled in immersion, and continued to study French into university. However, Emily’s two youngest were struggling to read in French. The teachers assured her that her children would catch up in time and there was no need to worry. </p>
<p>Shockingly for Emily, once her middle child reached Grade 3, she was suddenly informed that her child was reading at a kindergarten level. </p>
<p>However, the wait to be assessed was approximately three years — meaning this child might be in Grade 6 before they received any formal assessment and intervention support. </p>
<p>At the suggestion of the school’s administration, Emily agreed to pay $3,500 for an external evaluation. She said about the experience:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I’ll never forget it, having that SST (school support team) meeting. I’m in front of the psychologist and all these different people and I literally lost control. The head of special education, she said, ‘It’s okay.’ I’m like, ‘I’m not crying because my daughter has a learning disability. I’ve come to terms with that.’ I said, ‘I’m crying because I had to pay $3,500 dollars …’… How many kids are falling through the cracks?’ That was very disconcerting for me. I was heartbroken.”</p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A hand writing on French homework." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540522/original/file-20230801-17-ko6dda.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540522/original/file-20230801-17-ko6dda.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540522/original/file-20230801-17-ko6dda.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540522/original/file-20230801-17-ko6dda.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540522/original/file-20230801-17-ko6dda.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540522/original/file-20230801-17-ko6dda.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540522/original/file-20230801-17-ko6dda.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Schools have a long way to go to offer equitable learning opportunities for all students.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Insufficient special education support</h2>
<p>Even after spending an exorbitant amount of money, Emily found out the hard way that there wasn’t sufficient special education support in French immersion for her child. She ended up removing her middle child from the immersion program the next year. Emily’s middle child did get the support she needed in the English program.</p>
<p>This is just one example of the stories we heard in our research study on the accessibility of French immersion. </p>
<p>Emily’s question stayed with us throughout our work: How many students are falling through the cracks? </p>
<p>The truth is, we don’t really know. Based on the attrition rates in French immersion from the TDSB, it must be high. According to a <a href="https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/TDSB%20French%20Programs%20Review%20Mar082019.pdf">2019 report published by the TDSB,</a> from the early French immersion cohort where students start in senior kindergarten, approximately 70 per cent of the students have left the program by Grade 9.</p>
<h2>Need for early intervention</h2>
<p>In our study, one parent was told that her child couldn’t be assessed until Grade 3, which contradicts <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/article/importance-early-intervention">evidence-based best practices</a> that call for early assessment and intervention. </p>
<p>Parents also said they often feel pressure to pay for expensive tutors, French summer camps and other language immersion opportunities so their children don’t fall behind. </p>
<p>They reported spending a lot of time supporting their children’s studies despite not speaking the language of instruction, and this ends up becoming an emotional and financial burden.</p>
<h2>Ensuring changes are implemented equitably</h2>
<p>Following the Right to Read inquiry, the Government of Ontario committed to sweeping change such as <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/right-to-read-inquiry-report-literacy-ontario-1.6378408">mandating early literacy screening</a>. We have also seen a huge amount of <a href="https://www.idaontario.com/effective-reading-instruction/">professional learning</a> for teachers. Ensuring that positive change yielded by these approaches are effective in French immersion programs is critical. </p>
<p>We know that individual resilience and community support networks aren’t enough to combat systemic barriers. </p>
<p>We still have a long way to go if we want our school system to be an equitable learning opportunity for all students — particularly in immersion.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206360/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Diana Burchell receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Becky Xi Chen receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Elizabeth Kay-Raining Bird has received funding from SSHRC. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Roksana Dobrin-De Grace receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).</span></em></p>Parents in a study about the accessibility of French immersion programs discussed inadequate support for learning to read and feeling pressured to pay for expensive tutors.Diana Burchell, PhD Candidate in Developmental Psychology and Education, University of TorontoBecky Xi Chen, Professor, Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of TorontoElizabeth Kay-Raining Bird, Professor Emeritus, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Dalhousie UniversityRoksana Dobrin-De Grace, PhD Student in Developmental Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2202062024-01-23T22:05:11Z2024-01-23T22:05:11ZThe green-eyed monster: How embracing jealousy at work can make you more productive<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/570241/original/file-20240118-19-f9zhqx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=31%2C47%2C5198%2C3439&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Organizations are often the perfect breeding grounds for jealousy or fearing the loss of a valued relationship.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/the-green-eyed-monster-how-embracing-jealousy-at-work-can-make-you-more-productive" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>Instances of negative emotions, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/08863680122098298">such as jealousy,</a> are frequent in the workplace. Perhaps your boss just complimented your co-worker on a job well done while ignoring your contributions to a project. Or maybe your new mentee asked to transfer to another supervisor.</p>
<p>Although employees are often expected to ignore or, at minimum, leave such feelings unrecognized, they arise in any social setting. </p>
<p>In fact, organizations are often the perfect breeding grounds for jealousy (i.e., fearing the loss of a valued relationship). Resources are scarce, competition is fierce and maintaining favour with the right people is often critical in moving up in your career. </p>
<p>However, employees are often unsure about what to do with such negative social emotions. Simply ignoring negative emotions or letting them fester has been shown to lead to detrimental outcomes, from <a href="https://doi.org/10.2174%2F1745017901006010053">anxiety</a> to <a href="https://doi.org/10.26650/JECS429088">burnout</a>. </p>
<p>On the other hand, addressing these emotions with actions such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2003.07.001">sabotage and revenge</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/08959285.2015.1021040">social undermining</a> is also unproductive — at least in the long term. </p>
<p>Our research suggests a different approach may be warranted, and even fruitful: embrace the emotion. When employees are able to reconceptualize jealousy as a motivating force, this opens up new (and more positive) venues to address, overcome, and even capitalize on the feeling.</p>
<h2>How jealousy develops at work</h2>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2016.0299">Our theoretical research</a> set out to lay the groundwork for understanding how jealousy develops in the workplace. Our work suggests employees are more likely to feel threatened when they feel insecure about their skillset, are highly dependent on their supervisors for validation and support, and have experienced mistrust in the past.</p>
<p>When employees lack confidence in their abilities, they may see colleagues as threats, leading to feelings of inadequacy. This can be exacerbated when employees fear losing favour or recognition from their supervisors, which can create a competitive and hostile atmosphere at work.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A man stands in the foreground looking over his shoulder while a group of people sit together at a table behind him" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/570398/original/file-20240119-23-snx2o5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/570398/original/file-20240119-23-snx2o5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570398/original/file-20240119-23-snx2o5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570398/original/file-20240119-23-snx2o5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570398/original/file-20240119-23-snx2o5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570398/original/file-20240119-23-snx2o5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570398/original/file-20240119-23-snx2o5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">If an employee believes their colleagues have more in common with supervisors than they do, it can result in feelings of exclusion and alienation.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In a workplace where there are few good supervisors, centralized power dynamics, and an employee suspects their co-worker has more in common with their supervisor than they do, the environment has all the pieces needed to create a minefield of jealousy.</p>
<p>When not managed properly, jealousy can have detrimental effects on both individual well-being and overall team dynamics in the workplace. Understanding the roots of this emotion is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its impact and foster a healthier work environment.</p>
<h2>Leveraging jealousy at work</h2>
<p>Emotions researchers have long noted the difference between <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.3.525">high- and low-activation emotions</a>. For instance, when faced with jealousy, an intense emotion like anger (considered high-activation) is more likely to lead to action than a less intense emotion like sadness (considered low-activation).</p>
<p>Employees who are able to tap into activation responses can leverage seemingly negative situations to spur their own positive reactions. This means figuring out how they can maintain valued relationships by ensuring their contributions to the workplace are valued, recognized and rewarded. </p>
<p>Consider the scenario of your boss recognizing the work of your colleague over yours. You have two choices: you can either see this recognition as a sign that your boss doesn’t care for you or doesn’t value your work, in which case you might feel disappointed and discouraged, and assume there is little you can do to change your boss’ mind. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A women who is seated at a desk gestures to her computer screen while a man looks over her shoulder at the screen" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/570240/original/file-20240118-17-87ai3m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/570240/original/file-20240118-17-87ai3m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570240/original/file-20240118-17-87ai3m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570240/original/file-20240118-17-87ai3m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570240/original/file-20240118-17-87ai3m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570240/original/file-20240118-17-87ai3m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/570240/original/file-20240118-17-87ai3m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">If jealousy is conceptualized as a call to action, you can make strides in advancing your status yourself.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On the other hand, you might see this as a sign that your boss needs to be reminded of the great work you’re doing and assume there is quite a bit you can do to change your situation. </p>
<p>If jealousy is conceptualized as a call to action, you can make strides in advancing your status yourself. Perhaps you need to better communicate your group contributions to your boss, or maybe you need to step up and take on the role of a project lead. </p>
<h2>Workplace relationships</h2>
<p>Another critical point to consider is <em>why</em> you’re feeling jealousy. What does this relationship signify to your standing in your organization? How dependent are you upon that relationship (whether with your boss or your colleague) and are there ways to mitigate this dependence? </p>
<p>Studies show that we view the supervisor-subordinate relationship as <a href="https://doi.org/10.2307/258314">the most central dyadic unit within an organization</a>. Because of this, we often <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.48.6.621">direct the bulk of our attention to that relationship</a>, rather than spreading our time and efforts more widely. </p>
<p>One valuable insight jealousy can bring us is pushing us to consider our workplace relationships: are there other relationships that we can cultivate, in case the present one doesn’t pan out? </p>
<p>This is where networking and relationship-building comes into play — making it a surprising, but effective, buffer to workplace jealousy.</p>
<p>Experiencing negative emotions like jealousy and envy at work is common. Instead of trying to hide or ignore such emotions, which may seem expected in a professional setting, consider reframing them. Viewing such emotions as a means to motivate yourself and expand your thinking will ultimately lead to better outcomes for all parties involved.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/220206/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>When employees are able to reconceptualize jealousy as a motivating force, this opens up new venues to address, overcome, and even capitalize on the feeling.Meena Andiappan, Associate Professor of Human Resources and Management, McMaster UniversityLucas Dufour, Assistant Professor of Human Resources Management and Organizational Behaviour, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2178972023-12-14T20:51:07Z2023-12-14T20:51:07ZWhy universities warrant public investment: Preparing students for living together well<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/565333/original/file-20231212-19-furxds.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C545%2C7927%2C4544&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">University funding quickly raises the question of value: what is it that universities offer that warrants public investment?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/why-universities-warrant-public-investment-preparing-students-for-living-together-well" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>A <a href="https://files.ontario.ca/mcu-ensuring-financial-sustainability-for-ontarios-postsecondary-sector-en-2023-11-14.pdf">recent report</a> noting that funding for Ontario’s universities is “low when compared with support in other provinces” points to <a href="https://higheredstrategy.com/whats-in-ontarios-blue-ribbon-panel-report/">underfunding as a serious problem</a> in the province’s post-secondary sector. </p>
<p>Funding quickly raises the question of value: what is it that <a href="https://utorontopress.com/9781487509446/nothing-less-than-great/">universities offer</a> that warrants public investment? </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1725520012545270079"}"></div></p>
<p>Much of my own research has posited that universities have a <a href="https://utorontopress.com/9780802096708/longing-for-justice/">responsibility to contribute</a> to the public good and to equity. </p>
<h2>Universities’ obligations to public life</h2>
<p>Academic research and reports authored by <a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/higher-education-playbook-strengthening-democracy-what-institutions-can-do">educational</a>, <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000379707.locale=en">not-for-profit</a> and <a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/higher-education-and-research/democratic-mission-of-higher-education">governmental</a> organizations confirm that universities are integral to democratic societies. </p>
<p><a href="https://torontostar.pressreader.com/article/281612425180566">The question of the purposes of universities</a> is both long-standing and one that has elicited many perspectives. Recent global attention to both systemic forms of injustice and increasingly urgent climate crises underscore the complexity of considering universities’ obligations to public life. </p>
<p>I contend that the central contribution of post-secondary institutions, related to graduate and undergraduate education, is to prepare students to attend to the practices of living together well — with the capacities to recognize inequity and advance equity, in field-specific settings and a range of communities.</p>
<h2>Contested conversation about purpose</h2>
<p>While many faculty members might agree <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-017-0001-8">with the idea that a university education will ideally respond to</a> professional, intellectual and public and equity-related priorities, the conversation can quickly become contested. </p>
<p>Indeed, implementation of this idea does present challenges. And yet — graduates will enter a world in which systemic forms of inequity are present in a variety of settings and sectors. The likelihood of a university graduate encountering inequity in their chosen profession or field is less a question of if than when and how. </p>
<p>Likewise, the view that universities can educate students who can contribute to a more equitable future offers a constructive and bold response to the question of what a university education is for.</p>
<p>Universities can and do prepare graduates to contribute to their professions, to economic interests, and to the public good. The economic, civic and intellectual ends of a university education do not need to be placed in opposition to one another, or set up as binary or discreet. </p>
<h2>The ends of a university education</h2>
<p>Increasingly, universities and accreditation bodies alike are affirming the multiple and overlapping interests a university degree supports, including the importance of curricular attention to <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/provost/Quality-Assurance/DLEs">diversity and equity</a>.</p>
<p>One obvious concrete end of a university education is the <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691618/the-real-world-of-college-by-wendy-fischman-and-howard-gardner/">intellectual endeavour</a>, which typically includes the acquisition of knowledge and the <a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/blogs/benefits-intellectual-open-mindedness">life of the mind</a>. </p>
<p>Civic ends constitute a second purpose of a university education: ideally, students will be able to consider how a degree prepares them to think and <a href="https://www.universityaffairs.ca/features/feature-article/dont-just-publish-another-paper-lets-do-something-says-scholar-advocate-cindy-blackstock/">act as citizens</a> and participate in key public decisions.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/canadian-engineers-call-for-change-to-their-private-iron-ring-ceremony-steeped-in-colonialism-194897">Canadian engineers call for change to their private 'iron ring' ceremony steeped in colonialism</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Those in industry, provincial and federal governments, and the post-secondary sector stress the importance of preparing students for the <a href="https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/bridging-the-gap-what-liberal-arts-grads-need-to-know-about-their-future/">labour market</a> and for <a href="https://ontariosuniversities.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Partnering-to-Drive-Jobs-and-Growth-2023.pdf">employment</a>. </p>
<p>Studies have demonstrated that students, whether in professional disciplines (such as nursing or engineering) or those not governed by accreditation bodies (like philosophy or film) <a href="https://www.aplu.org/our-work/4-policy-and-advocacy/publicuvalues/societal-benefits">will make significant economic</a> <a href="https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/education-pays-2019-full-report.pdf">and civic contributions</a>, whether in the public sector or other industries. </p>
<h2>All education is consequential</h2>
<p>Directly asserting that universities have an obligation to contribute to the practices of living together well with an eye toward equity can quickly raise objections from within and outside of higher education. </p>
<p>There are many who are most comfortable with the belief <a href="https://lab.cccb.org/en/henry-giroux-those-arguing-that-education-should-be-neutral-are-really-arguing-for-a-version-of-education-in-which-nobody-is-accountable">that universities are neutral institutions</a> and that academic programs ought to <a href="https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/education-political-neutrality-classroom-shortchanges-students">maintain this neutrality</a> via a clear and often specific reliance on rational, discipline-specific thought or methods. In fact, in providing content in academic programs and specific courses, faculty <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.1508">members endorse a way of seeing the world</a>. </p>
<p>Faculty members teach in ways that, implicitly or explicitly and intentionally or not, variously endorse the status quo and existing forms of injustice, or call attention to the need for equity and provide an education that speaks to this need. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/in-times-of-racial-injustice-university-education-should-not-be-neutral-158352">In times of racial injustice, university education should not be 'neutral'</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Orienting students toward what is possible</h2>
<p>Time in the classroom and in conversation with faculty members and other students will shape habits, inform priorities and orient students toward what is possible and desirable. </p>
<p>Graduates’ choices and actions will nearly always have a bearing on how people live. Whether in sociology or biology or mathematics, courses will orient students in <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/we-need-infuse-civic-and-public-purpose-college-education">how to understand the world</a> in which they live, and also in regard to what their responsibilities are to that world in the context of their chosen fields. </p>
<p>We can do so in ways that underscore the hallmarks of intellectual engagement: curiosity, openness to various perspectives, attention to context, and listening to those with whom we disagree.</p>
<h2>The practices of living together well</h2>
<p>Universities are places for deliberation, inquiry, curiosity and investigation. In teaching students, university faculty have the privilege of asking why, how and what for in regard to numerous settings and situations, and the pleasure of bringing knowledge and different perspectives to bear on how classroom learning affects our society.</p>
<p>We live in a world in which systemic forms of inequity persist. In designing courses and academic programs, faculty have an opportunity to engage students with field-specific knowledge and to attend to the practical and ethical uses of that knowledge once students graduate.</p>
<p>For all these reasons, a university education at its best will be attentive to the public good and to equity, and to civic, intellectual and employment ends.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/217897/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jennifer S Simpson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The economic, civic and intellectual ends of a university education do not need to be placed in opposition to one another. A university education at its best will be attentive to all these ends.Jennifer S Simpson, Special Adviser to the President, EDID (Curriculum Transformation) and Professor, School of Professional Communication, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2183032023-12-06T18:31:45Z2023-12-06T18:31:45ZThe Sunnylands Statement sets a positive signal: World leaders gathered for COP28 must build off of it<iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/the-sunnylands-statement-sets-a-positive-signal-world-leaders-gathered-for-cop28-must-build-off-of-it" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>In a politically turbulent world, it is rare to witness major global actors set aside their disagreements to address the existential threats posed by climate change. On Nov. 14, the United States and China did just this by issuing the <a href="https://www.state.gov/sunnylands-statement-on-enhancing-cooperation-to-address-the-climate-crisis/">Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis.</a> </p>
<p>Issued prior to the pivotal Biden-Xi meeting on Nov. 15 at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, the statement not only establishes a spirit of co-operation but also sustains the progress made in recent climate dialogues between <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/271748/the-largest-emitters-of-co2-in-the-world/">the world’s two largest greenhouse gases (GHG) emitters</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-renewed-china-us-cooperation-bodes-well-for-climate-action-218394">Why renewed China-US cooperation bodes well for climate action</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Climate organizations and analysts <a href="https://www.csis.org/podcasts/audio-briefs/what-sunnylands-statement-means-us-china-climate-cooperation-audio-brief">have welcomed the statement</a>. <em>China Dialogue</em> stated that it shows that even with <a href="https://chinadialogue.net/en/climate/wind-in-the-sails-us-china-climate-agreement-can-boost-global-action/">their complex relationship, both nations are committed to prioritizing climate issues</a>. While the Asia Society Policy Institute characterized <a href="https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/analysis-us-china-sunnylands-statement">the bilateral alignment of the statement as an “insurance” to the ongoing 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference</a> (COP28).</p>
<p>As a scholar closely monitoring <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-chinas-plans-to-decarbonize-its-economy-mean-for-canadas-energy-exports-172349">the global implications of China’s climate policy</a>, the statement is particularly intriguing for how it describes China’s approach to energy transition. China’s determination to “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/climate/us-china-climate-agreement.html">ramp up renewable energy with the goal of displacing fossil fuels</a>” should be taken seriously by Canadian, and global, policymakers when planning energy futures.</p>
<h2>Accelerating renewable energy transition</h2>
<p>There are <a href="https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/analysis-us-china-sunnylands-statement">two significant developments within the statement which are worth highlighting</a>. The first is China’s commitment to setting comprehensive climate targets by 2035 that encompass all greenhouse gases (GHG) and the second is its unprecedented consideration of absolute emission reductions in its (<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/03/02/1160441919/china-is-building-six-times-more-new-coal-plants-than-other-countries-report-fin">primarily coal-fuelled</a>) power sector within this decade. </p>
<p>Such policy language is crucial for figuring out <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/china-briefing-16-november-sunnylands-statement-china-methane-plan-coal-capacity-payments/">China’s future energy import prospects</a>.</p>
<p>The Sunnylands Statement indicates that the U.S. and China recognize climate change mitigation as one of the limited domains in which <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/climate/us-china-climate-agreement.html">they appear willing to cultivate stability in their bilateral relations</a>. This isn’t entirely surprising, given <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-invests-546-billion-in-clean-energy-far-surpassing-the-u-s/">the rapid transition towards renewable energy sources</a> that both countries have undertaken. This trend gained momentum during the pandemic and is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.118205">anticipated to continue as their economic activities recover, and become more dependent upon renewable energy</a>.</p>
<p>This has been confirmed by BloombergNEF’s <a href="https://about.bnef.com/blog/new-study-clean-energy-transition-now-hard-wired-into-the-u-s-economy/">2023 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook</a>, which reported that in 2022, U.S. energy transition investments rose 11 per cent year-on-year to $141 billion — a clear indication that clean energy is now an integral part of the American economy. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, despite the present obstacles, estimations for China’s greenhouse gas emissions indicate <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07283-4">a probability exceeding 80 per cent that the country will reach its carbon peak between 2021 and 2026</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cop28-how-7-policies-could-help-save-a-billion-lives-by-2100-212953">COP28: How 7 policies could help save a billion lives by 2100</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The journey towards decarbonization is not without obstacles. As highlighted in a recent review paper published by <em>Applied Energy</em>, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.118205">about half of the announced economic stimulus plans worldwide continue to be dominated by fossil fuel investments</a>. In countries like Canada, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01515-2">the allocation of subsidies to the oil and gas industry has generated public controversy</a>.</p>
<p>Beyond investments, fundamental changes in how people travel and work — borne of the pandemic — may lead to enduring long-term reductions in the use of fossil fuels for transportation. As evidenced by <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304099120">a recent study published by <em>PNAS</em></a>, the growth in remote and hybrid work alone could reduce individual carbon footprints by as much as 58 per cent.</p>
<h2>All eyes on COP28</h2>
<p>The Sunnylands Statement, signifying the world’s two largest economies’ pledge to “<a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/china-briefing-16-november-sunnylands-statement-china-methane-plan-coal-capacity-payments/">pursue efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030</a>,” can thus steer discussions at COP28 towards meaningful fossil fuel phase-out strategies. Yet, concerns emerge when we consider Canada’s lack of determination in phasing out its oil and gas industry.</p>
<p>Reports on <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/oilsands-executives-cop-28-carbon-capture-1.7044163">Canada’s fossil fuel industry’s role at COP28</a> have stoked fears of “greenwashing” over carbon capture proposals in Alberta. These proposals are intended to tackle GHG emissions during oil sands production but do not address the emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels.</p>
<p>This brings us to a crucial question looming over COP28: what does “net zero” actually entail? In her book <a href="https://www.versobooks.com/en-ca/products/2735-ending-fossil-fuels"><em>Ending Fossil Fuels</em></a>, environmental scholar Holly Jean Buck warns against a potentially perilous narrative that envisions a “cleaner fossil world” in which carbon storage and other forms of carbon capture continue to obscure the dominance of fossil fuels, thereby failing to address systemic problems caused by contemporary society’s addiction to carbon-intensive modes of economic growth. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/05/record-number-of-fossil-fuel-lobbyists-get-access-to-cop28-climate-talks">If the unprecedented numbers of lobbyists</a> — <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/04/cop28-president-says-no-science-for-fossil-fuel-phase-out-claim-was-misinterpreted">and perhaps even the COP28 president</a> — have their say in preventing firm policy language concerning the end of the expansion of fossil fuels then a <em>cleaner fossil-fuel world</em> is likely to become our future. A future we should all be wary of.</p>
<h2>Charting a new course</h2>
<p>Although the Sunnylands Statement is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, it must be accompanied by a focused dialogue on the true meaning of <em>net zero</em>. Will a country lean towards net zero achieved primarily by renewables, or one achieved by carbon capture and storage? </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cop28-why-we-need-to-break-our-addiction-to-combustion-218019">COP28: Why we need to break our addiction to combustion</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>How major economies (the U.S., China, Canada, etc.) approach these issues carries significant national and international consequences. The Sunnylands Statement paved the way for energy talks at COP28, and the world is eagerly watching such talks’ outcomes. </p>
<p>As said by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “<a href="https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2023-06-15/secretary-generals-press-conference-climate">The world is watching, and the planet can’t wait</a>.”</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/218303/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sibo Chen receives funding from Toronto Metropolitan University and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. He is affiliated with the International Environmental Communication Association.</span></em></p>The Sunnylands Statement has set a powerful signal for COP28, however, it also highlights that more must be done in Dubai to define what it means to achieve ‘net zero.’Sibo Chen, Assistant Professor, School of Professional Communication, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2187832023-12-04T16:33:53Z2023-12-04T16:33:53ZEn quête de transparence : la réglementation canadienne sur les pesticides a besoin d’une refonte. Voici pourquoi<p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/nouvelles/2021/08/le-gouvernement-du-canada-suspend-sa-decision-au-sujet-du-glyphosate-pendant-quil-renforce-la-capacite-et-la-transparence-du-processus-dexamen-des-.html">En 2021, Santé Canada a annoncé le gel de la modification des limites maximales de résidus (LMR)</a> – soit le maximum autorisé de résidus de pesticides en vertu de la loi canadienne. Cette décision fait suite à un tollé général important découlant de l’<a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/securite-produits-consommation/pesticides-lutte-antiparasitaire/public/consultations/limites-maximales-residus-proposees/2021/glyphosate/document.html">augmentation proposée de la LMR pour le glyphosate</a>, l’herbicide le plus largement utilisé au Canada.</p>
<p>Cette année, trois ministères (dont Santé Canada) ont accepté de <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/nouvelles/2023/06/le-gouvernement-du-canada-donne-suite-aux-engagements-federaux-en-matiere-de-pesticides.html">lever le gel de la modification des LMR</a> pour procéder aux ajustements des limites de résidus moins complexes. Par le fait même, ils ont lancé un programme de <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/organisation/a-propos-sante-canada/directions-generales-agences/agence-reglementation-lutte-antiparasitaire/transformation/comment-nous-transformons.html">transformation</a> au sein de l’<a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/organisation/a-propos-sante-canada/directions-generales-agences/agence-reglementation-lutte-antiparasitaire.html">Agence de réglementation de la lutte antiparasitaire (ARLA)</a>.</p>
<p>Cette décision visait à accroître la transparence, à moderniser leurs pratiques commerciales, à améliorer l’accès aux informations liées à la prise de décision en matière de pesticides et à accroître l’utilisation de données du monde réel et de conseils indépendants.</p>
<p>Cependant, la confiance envers l’ARLA demeure un enjeu ; <a href="https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/sc-hc/H114-39-2023-eng.pdf">seulement 60 % des Canadiens croient que le système de réglementation suit le rythme des progrès scientifiques</a> en matière d’évaluation des pesticides. Une pression supplémentaire qui érode la confiance des Canadiens envers la science.</p>
<h2>Défis et controverses</h2>
<p>Malgré les inquiétudes persistantes concernant les risques pour la santé humaine et environnementale, l’utilisation mondiale de pesticides <a href="https://www.fao.org/faostat/fr/#data/RP/visualize">a augmenté au cours des 30 dernières années</a>.</p>
<p>Au Canada, le recours accru aux pesticides est largement lié à l’intensification de l’agriculture dans les principales régions agricoles des <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2020.556452">Prairies canadiennes, du sud de l’Ontario et du Québec</a>.</p>
<p>Faire progresser la réglementation des pesticides pour répondre aux besoins du secteur agricole canadien, tout en protégeant la santé humaine et environnementale, constitue un défi croissant.</p>
<p>Il existe <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/securite-produits-consommation/rapports-publications/pesticides-lutte-antiparasitaire/plans-rapports/rapport-annuel-2020-2021.html">plus de 600 ingrédients actifs dans plus de 7 600 produits pesticides homologués</a> – un nombre impressionnant, qui continue d’augmenter.</p>
<p>De 2011 à 2021, l’ARLA a homologué entre 7 et 27 nouveaux ingrédients actifs annuellement. Entre-temps, il n’a interdit que <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11020121">32 des 531 ingrédients actifs de pesticides qui sont proscrits et réglementés dans 168 autres pays</a>.</p>
<p>Cet afflux de substances exerce une pression supplémentaire sur l’agence, qui doit examiner les volumes de données scientifiques produites à la fois par le titulaire d’homologation (le fabricant du pesticide) et par des scientifiques indépendants. Et ce, tout en évaluant en permanence la liste croissante de produits existants quant à leur sécurité pour les humains et leurs risques pour la santé environnementale.</p>
<p>Certaines décisions d’homologation de pesticides, y compris les homologations conditionnelles, ont été très controversées, soulignant le manque de transparence ou la perception de parti pris de l’industrie.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6i2sJwxw5Uc?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Une exploration des liens entre l’utilisation des pesticides et les maladies humaines, produite par les documentaires de la Deutsche Welle.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Dans le cas du glyphosate, les ventes au Canada ont dépassé près de 470 millions de kilogrammes entre 2007 et 2018. Les inquiétudes du public concernant les risques pour la santé humaine et les utilisations réglementées ont même donné lieu à des <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/advocates-thrilled-as-court-orders-health-canada-to-reassess-glyphosate-decision-1.5772134">contestations juridiques</a>.</p>
<p>De surcroît, la décision proposée en 2018 d’éliminer progressivement trois <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/securite-produits-consommation/pesticides-lutte-antiparasitaire/agriculteurs-utilisateurs-commerciaux/insecticides-classe-ndonicotinoides.html">insecticides néonicotinoïdes</a> neuroactifs les plus largement utilisés, les plus persistants et les plus toxiques dans l’environnement, a été <a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/04/08/news/feds-wont-ban-pesticides-deadly-bees-bugs-ecosystems">annulée en 2021</a>. Les citoyens et les scientifiques ont dû chercher des réponses pour savoir si l’influence de l’industrie avait provoqué cette <a href="https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/news/federal-pesticide-regulator-flip-flops-proposed-neonics-ban-after-years-delay">volte-face</a>.</p>
<h2>De nouveaux rôles</h2>
<p>L’année dernière, dans le cadre de son programme de transformation, Santé Canada avait pour objectif de renforcer ses processus d’examen des pesticides en établissant un <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/organisation/a-propos-sante-canada/mobilisation-publique/organismes-consultatifs-externes/comite-consultatif-scientifique-produits-antiparasitaires.html">comité consultatif scientifique indépendant</a>.</p>
<p>Composé actuellement de huit experts universitaires, dont les antécédents ont été examinés pour identifier les conflits d’intérêts, le comité a été chargé de fournir des conseils objectifs et fondés sur la science pour éclairer les décisions réglementaires sur les produits antiparasitaires. Nous sommes quatre d’entre eux.</p>
<p>Depuis sa création en juillet 2022, le comité s’est réuni cinq fois avec l’ARLA de Santé Canada dans le cadre d’un <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/organisation/a-propos-sante-canada/mobilisation-publique/organismes-consultatifs-externes/comite-consultatif-scientifique-produits-antiparasitaires/reunions.html">forum public</a>.</p>
<p>Le comité a été chargé de fournir des commentaires sur diverses questions telles que la communication des LMR, l’utilisation de sources de données indépendantes, la création de bases de données en libre accès sur la toxicité et l’accès aux données des titulaires d’homologation utilisées dans la prise de décision.</p>
<p>En découle un premier signe positif : l’ARLA a répondu aux <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/organisation/a-propos-sante-canada/mobilisation-publique/organismes-consultatifs-externes/comite-consultatif-scientifique-produits-antiparasitaires/rapports-consultatifs.html">conseils et aux recommandations du comité</a>, ce qui devrait renforcer la confiance du public et garantir que la prise de décisions fondées sur des données scientifiques est au cœur de ses processus.</p>
<h2>Informer les nouvelles politiques</h2>
<p>Le Canada aurait dû établir depuis longtemps un <a href="https://canadacommons.ca/artifacts/1191021/a-canada-wide-framework-for-water-quality-monitoring/1744148/">programme coordonné de surveillance de l’eau</a> pour mesurer systématiquement les niveaux de pesticides à l’échelle nationale.</p>
<p>Le comité fournit des conseils scientifiques externes sur la nouvelle <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/securite-produits-consommation/pesticides-lutte-antiparasitaire/public/proteger-votre-sante-environnement/programmes-initiatives/surveillance-pesticides-eau/programme-pilote.html">initiative pilote du cadre de surveillance des eaux</a>.</p>
<p>Les experts du comité donnent leur avis sur les orientations concernant la sélection des sites, la fréquence de surveillance des différents types d’eaux de surface et les mesures analytiques des composés utilisés actuellement et de leurs produits de dégradation.</p>
<p>L’objectif est de garantir que ces données indispensables sur la qualité de l’eau soient rigoureuses et utilisables pour les futures évaluations des risques et la recherche scientifique indépendante.</p>
<p>Depuis peu, l’ARLA a la responsabilité supplémentaire d’améliorer les objectifs plus larges du Canada en matière de biodiversité et de protection de l’environnement en alignant ses travaux réglementaires sur le <a href="https://www.cbd.int/article/cop15-final-text-kunming-montreal-gbf-221222">Cadre mondial pour la biodiversité Kunming-Montréal de 2022 – qui vise à réduire les risques liés aux pesticides d’au moins 50 % d’ici 2030</a>. Et ce, parallèlement à la promulgation du <a href="https://www.canada.ca/fr/environnement-changement-climatique/nouvelles/2023/06/projet-de-loi-s-5--loi-sur-le-renforcement-de-la-protection-de-lenvironnement-pour-un-canada-en-sante.html">Projet de loi S-5, mettant à jour la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l’environnement de 1999</a> afin de tenir compte de l’exposition cumulative aux pesticides dans les évaluations des risques. Le comité élabore actuellement des recommandations pour éclairer les approches permettant de répondre au mieux à ces initiatives politiques importantes.</p>
<h2>Vers une gestion des pesticides plus transparente</h2>
<p>La progression vers une réglementation des pesticides plus transparente et plus solide sur le plan scientifique au Canada est attendue depuis longtemps. Et est essentielle.</p>
<p>Il est urgent de mettre davantage l’accent sur la transparence et la communication des données scientifiques qui sous-tendent le processus décisionnel en matière de réglementation des pesticides. Le manque d’accès aux données et aux informations utilisées dans l’évaluation des risques mine la confiance du public.</p>
<p>Dans la même optique, la dépendance excessive à l’égard des études confidentielles fournies par l’industrie, une application limitée des données provenant de scientifiques indépendants, un manque de données accessibles au public sur les ventes, l’utilisation et la surveillance environnementale des pesticides à base d’ingrédients actifs, exacerbent le scepticisme.</p>
<p>À mesure que l’ARLA évolue vers une plus grande transparence et réaffirme son processus décisionnel fondé sur des données probantes en matière de réglementation des pesticides, l’avis des chercheurs scientifiques indépendants qui font partie du comité jouera un rôle essentiel.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/218783/count.gif" alt="La Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Valérie S. Langlois reçoit du financement du programme des Chaires de recherche du Canada (CRC), du Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG), d'Environnement et Changement climatique Canada (ECCC), du Ministère de l'environnement et de la lutte contre les changements climatiques, Faune et Parcs du Québec (MELCCFP), entre autres. La Prof. Langlois est la coprésidente du Comité consultatif scientifique (CCS).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Christy Morrissey reçoit actuellement un financement du Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada, de la Fondation canadienne pour l'innovation, d'Environnement et Changement climatique Canada, de Mitacs, du ministère de l'Agriculture de la Saskatchewan et de la Fondation Molson. Elle est membre du Comité consultatif scientifique (CCS) de l'ARLA.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Le Prof. Eric Liberda reçoit un financement des IRSC et de Services aux Autochtones Canada pour mener des recherches sur les pesticides et l'exposition aux métaux/métalloïdes. Il est membre de la Société de toxicologie et de la Société de toxicologie du Canada. Le Prof. Liberda est le coprésident du Comité consultatif scientifique (CCS).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sean Prager reçoit du financement du CRSNG, de la Fondation canadienne pour l'innovation, de Génome Canada, du ministère de l'Agriculture de la Saskatchewan, de plusieurs bureaux de commercialisation et d'ONG. Il est affilié au Comité consultatif scientifique (CCS) de l'ARLA.</span></em></p>Le Canada aurait dû se doter depuis longtemps d’une réglementation sur les pesticides qui soit scientifiquement fondée, solide et transparente. Un comité consultatif scientifique nouvellement créé vise à répondre à ce besoin.Valérie S. Langlois, Professor/Professeure titulaire, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)Christy Morrissey, Professor in Biology and Ecotoxicology, Toxicology Centre, University of SaskatchewanEric Liberda, Professor, School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan UniversitySean Prager, Associate Professor and Entomologist, University of SaskatchewanLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2173092023-11-28T20:10:03Z2023-11-28T20:10:03ZStriving for transparency: Why Canada’s pesticide regulations need an overhaul<iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/striving-for-transparency-why-canadas-pesticide-regulations-need-an-overhaul" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2021/08/government-of-canada-pauses-decision-on-glyphosate-as-it-strengthens-the-capacity-and-transparency-of-review-process-for-pesticides.html">In 2021, Health Canada announced a freeze on changing maximum residue limits (MRLs)</a> — the maximum allowable pesticide residues acceptable under Canadian law. This decision followed substantial public outcry following Canada’s most widely used weed killer <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/consultations/proposed-maximum-residue-limit/2021/glyphosate/document.html">glyphosate’s proposed MRL increase.</a></p>
<p>This year, three ministries (including Health Canada) <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/06/government-of-canada-moves-forward-on-federal-pesticide-commitments.html">unpaused</a> the comparatively less complex residue limit adjustments and <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/branches-agencies/pest-management-regulatory-agency/transforming/how-we-are-transforming.html">sought to transform</a> the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/branches-agencies/pest-management-regulatory-agency.html">Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)</a>. </p>
<p>The move was aimed to enhance transparency, modernize their business practices, improve access to information related to pesticide decision-making, and increase the use of real world data and independent advice. </p>
<p>However, trust in the agency remains an issue; only <a href="https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/sc-hc/H114-39-2023-eng.pdf">60 per cent of Canadians believe the regulatory system is keeping pace with scientific advancements in pesticide assessment,</a> adding further pressure to Canadian’s eroding trust in science.</p>
<h2>Challenges and controversies</h2>
<p>In spite of ongoing concerns over risks to human and environmental health, global pesticide use has been <a href="https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/RP/visualize">increasing over the past 30 years</a>. </p>
<p>In Canada, increased reliance on pesticides has been largely tied to the intensity of agricultural use in the main crop growing regions of <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2020.556452">the Canadian Prairies, Southern Ontario and Québec.</a></p>
<p>Advancing pesticide regulation to meet the needs of Canada’s agricultural sector, while protecting human and environmental health, is a growing challenge. </p>
<p>There are <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/reports-publications/pesticides-pest-management/corporate-plans-reports/annual-report-2020-2021.html">more than 600 registered active ingredients in more than 7,600 registered pesticide products</a> — a staggering number that continues to rise. </p>
<p>From 2011 to 2021, the PMRA registered between seven and 27 new active pesticide ingredients each year. Meanwhile, it has only <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11020121">banned 32 of 531 prohibited active pesticide ingredients regulated in 168 other countries</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-there-are-fewer-insects-on-uk-farms-than-there-were-a-century-ago-and-how-to-restore-them-207656">Why there are fewer insects on UK farms than there were a century ago -- and how to restore them</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>This influx puts added pressure on the agency to review volumes of scientific data produced by both the registrant and independent scientists, while continuously assessing the growing list of existing products for their safety to humans and risks to environmental health. </p>
<p>Some chemical registration decisions, including <a href="https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2016/01/canada-discontinues-conditional-registrations-for-new-pesticides/">conditional registrations</a>, have been highly controversial, highlighting the lack of transparency or perceived industry bias. </p>
<p>In the case of glyphosate, sales in Canada have topped nearly 470 million kilograms from 2007 to 2018. Public concerns over human health risks and regulated uses have led to <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/advocates-thrilled-as-court-orders-health-canada-to-reassess-glyphosate-decision-1.5772134">legal challenges</a>. </p>
<p>Similarly, the proposed 2018 decision to phase out three of the most widely used, environmentally persistent and toxic neuro-active <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/growers-commercial-users/neonicotinoid-insecticides.html">neonicotinoid insecticides</a> was later <a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/04/08/news/feds-wont-ban-pesticides-deadly-bees-bugs-ecosystems">reversed in 2021</a>. Citizens and scientists were left seeking answers on whether industry influence caused the <a href="https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/news/federal-pesticide-regulator-flip-flops-proposed-neonics-ban-after-years-delay">flip-flop</a>.</p>
<h2>Evolving roles</h2>
<p>Last year, as part of the transformation agenda, Health Canada aimed to fortify its pesticide review processes by establishing an <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/science-advisory-committee-pest-control-products.html">independent Science Advisory Committee</a>. </p>
<p>Currently comprising eight academic experts, whose backgrounds were screened for conflict of interest, the committee has been tasked to provide objective, science-based advice to inform regulatory decisions on pest control products. We are four of them.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6i2sJwxw5Uc?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">An exploration into the connections between pesticide use and disease in humans, produced by Deutsche Welle documentaries.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Since its creation in July 2022, the committee has met five times with Health Canada’s PMRA in a <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/science-advisory-committee-pest-control-products/meetings.html">public forum</a>.</p>
<p>The committee has been tasked with providing input on diverse issues such as communication of MRLs, use of independent data sources, creation of open source toxicity databases, and access to registrant data used in decision-making. </p>
<p>As a positive early sign, the PMRA has been responsive to the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/science-advisory-committee-pest-control-products/advisory-reports.html">committee’s advice and recommendations</a>, which is anticipated to reinforce public trust and ensure science-based decision-making is at the core of its processes. </p>
<h2>Informing new policies</h2>
<p>Canada is long overdue in establishing a <a href="https://canadacommons.ca/artifacts/1191021/a-canada-wide-framework-for-water-quality-monitoring/1744148/">co-ordinated water monitoring program</a> to systematically measure pesticide levels nationally. </p>
<p>The committee is providing external scientific advice on the new pilot <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/public/protecting-your-health-environment/programs-initiatives/water-monitoring-pesticides/pilot-program.html">Water Monitoring Framework Initiative</a>. </p>
<p>Committee experts are giving input on guidance for site selection, monitoring frequency in different types of surface waters and analytical measurement of current use compounds and their degradation products. </p>
<p>The goal is to ensure this much-needed water quality data is rigorous and usable for future risk assessment and independent scientific research.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/pesticides-are-harming-nigeria-its-time-to-update-the-law-207050">Pesticides are harming Nigeria: it’s time to update the law</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Recently, the PMRA has an added responsibility to enhance broader Canadian biodiversity goals and environmental protections by aligning its regulatory work with the <a href="https://www.cbd.int/article/cop15-final-text-kunming-montreal-gbf-221222">2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — aiming to reduce pesticide risk by at least 50 per cent by 2030</a> — alongside the enactment of <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2023/06/bill-s-5-strengthening-environmental-protection-for-a-healthier-canada-act.html">Bill S-5, updating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act of 1999</a>, to consider cumulative pesticide exposure in risk assessments. The committee is currently developing recommendations to inform approaches to best address these significant policy initiatives.</p>
<h2>Towards a pesticide-safe Canada</h2>
<p>The journey to more transparent and scientifically robust pesticide regulation in Canada is long overdue, yet essential. </p>
<p>A greater emphasis on transparency and communication of the science that underpins regulatory decision-making is urgently needed. A lack of access to data and information used in risk assessment undermines the public trust. </p>
<p>An over-reliance on industry supplied confidential studies, limited application of data from independent scientists, a lack of publicly available data on active ingredient pesticide sales, use and environmental monitoring, are all contributing to scepticism. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-green-revolution-is-a-warning-not-a-blueprint-for-feeding-a-hungry-planet-182269">The Green Revolution is a warning, not a blueprint for feeding a hungry planet</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>As the PMRA transitions to more transparency and reaffirms its evidence-based decision-making for pesticide regulation, insight from independent scientific researchers as part of the committee will play a critical role.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/217309/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Valérie S. Langlois is receiving funding from the Canada Research Chair (CRC) program, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Ministère de l'environnement et de la lutte contre les changements climatiques, Faune et Parcs du Québec (MELCCFP), among others. Dr. Langlois is the co-chair of the Science Advisory Committee (SAC).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Christy Morrissey currently receives funding from Canada's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mitacs, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, and the Molson Foundation. She is a member of the PMRA's Science Advisory Committee (SAC).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dr. Eric Liberda receives funding from CIHR and Indigenous Services Canada to conduct research related to pesticides and metal/metalloid exposures. He is a member of the Society of Toxicology and the Society of Toxicology Canada. Dr. Liberda is a co-chair of the Science Advisory Committee (SAC).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sean Prager receives funding from NSERC, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Genome Canada, The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, several commodity boards and NGOs. He is affiliated with the PMRA Science Advisory Committee (SAC). </span></em></p>Canada is long-overdue for scientifically-driven, robust and transparent pesticide regulation. A newly created Science Advisory Committee aims to address this.Valérie S. Langlois, Professor/Professeure titulaire, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)Christy Morrissey, Professor in Biology and Ecotoxicology, Toxicology Centre, University of SaskatchewanEric Liberda, Professor, School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan UniversitySean Prager, Associate Professor and Entomologist, University of SaskatchewanLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2159722023-11-07T22:04:12Z2023-11-07T22:04:12ZWhat drives people to panic buy during times of crisis: A new study sheds light on the psychology of consumers<iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/what-drives-people-to-panic-buy-during-times-of-crisis-a-new-study-sheds-light-on-the-psychology-of-consumers" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>Fear can cause people to behave irrationally in times of uncertainty. During the pandemic, this took the form of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npbr.2020.07.002">panic buying</a> as people flocked to stores to stock up on essential goods. Some even sought to profit off of shortages by price gouging <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/mar/16/ebay-urged-to-clamp-down-on-coronavirus-profiteering">toilet paper</a> and <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/coronavirus-hand-sanitiser-sell-amazon-ebay-profit-price-gouge-donate-a9404031.html">hand sanitizer</a>.</p>
<p>This phenomenon wasn’t just limited to a few countries or communities, either; it was a <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1105603/coronavirus-cause-grocery-store-food-and-supply-shortages-worldwide/">global occurrence</a> that emptied supermarket shelves and caused significant disruptions in supply chains.</p>
<p>But what drives people to behave in such ways during times of crisis? Is it a basic survival instinct, a herd mentality influenced by social pressures or something more complex? </p>
<p>During the onset of the pandemic, we <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/21639159.2022.2033132">conducted a study</a> aimed at understanding the complex web of factors that compel us to act or overreact in the face of uncertainty.</p>
<h2>Psychological traits of consumers</h2>
<p>We examined the following factors in our study: narcissism, psychological entitlement, status consumption, fear of embarrassment, and fear of missing out. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2012.685907">Narcissism</a> is a trait characterized by a heightened sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. </p>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa8301_04">Psychological entitlement</a> refers to the belief that one is inherently deserving of special treatment or privileges. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10696679.1999.11501839">Status consumption</a> is the tendency to purchase items that confer social prestige or dominance. </p>
<p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2011.10.029">Fear of embarrassment</a> is anxiety about being negatively judged by others. <a href="https://www.brain.edusoft.ro/index.php/brain/article/view/950/1117">Fear of missing out</a> is the worry over missing out on rewarding experiences that others are taking part in. </p>
<h2>Unique types of consumers</h2>
<p>Our study identified four distinct consumer groups, each with unique psychological traits that drove their purchasing habits.</p>
<p><strong>1. Egalitarians.</strong> Egalitarians displayed low levels of narcissism and psychological entitlement compared to the other groups. They tend to have a more community-oriented and balanced approach to life. They likely have a strong belief in communal responsibility and fairness. Egalitarians are the type of individuals who volunteer at local food banks or participate in community clean-up events.</p>
<p>In terms of purchasing, egalitarians did not hoard as much as other groups. While others might hoard hand sanitizers, for example, an egalitarian might buy just one or two bottles and leave the rest for others in the community.</p>
<p><strong>2. Conformists.</strong> Conformists are influenced by a moderate fear of missing out and a high fear of embarrassment. Conformists are the type of people who follow dress codes and rarely question authority.</p>
<p>When it comes to purchasing, conformists prioritized items that aligned with public health guidelines, like disposable masks. They are usually the first to buy masks in bulk when a new public health advisory is released.</p>
<p><strong>3. Communal egoists.</strong> Communal egoists display moderate levels of narcissism and psychological entitlement. For example, this kind of person might organize a community event, but will insist on being the centre of attention during the event.</p>
<p>This group is particularly interested in food-related items like bottled water and snacks. A communal egoist might stock up on these products, not only for themselves, but with the intention of sharing with their neighbours in an effort to stand out.</p>
<p><strong>4. Agentic egoists.</strong> Agentic egoists are characterized by high levels of narcissism and psychological entitlement. For example, an agentic egoist might cut in line because they believe their time is more valuable than others. </p>
<p>In terms of purchasing, agentic egoists are willing to spend more on items that directly benefit them. For instance, they might buy the last three bottles of an expensive, brand-name cough syrup, without considering that others might need it, too.</p>
<h2>What this means for consumers</h2>
<p>A significant lesson we’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent global turmoil, is the importance of being ready for the unexpected.</p>
<p>If you’ve ever found yourself filling your shopping cart to the brim in a moment of panic, you’re not alone. But understanding who we are, why we make certain decisions and how we can be more considerate is the first step toward making better consumer choices. </p>
<p>Are you an egalitarian, thinking of the community while only buying what you need? Or perhaps you identify as a conformist, sticking strictly to items advised by health authorities? Recognizing these traits in ourselves can be a wake-up call, encouraging us to shop more responsibly, especially in times of fear and panic.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A sign that says '1 packet per person' taped to a shelf of water bottles" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/557363/original/file-20231102-15-fqwrmq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/557363/original/file-20231102-15-fqwrmq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=407&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/557363/original/file-20231102-15-fqwrmq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=407&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/557363/original/file-20231102-15-fqwrmq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=407&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/557363/original/file-20231102-15-fqwrmq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=511&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/557363/original/file-20231102-15-fqwrmq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=511&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/557363/original/file-20231102-15-fqwrmq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=511&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Understanding our motivations and behaviours as consumers can help us make wiser decisions.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What this means for retailers</h2>
<p>Understanding the traits of different customer groups isn’t just about boosting profits. It’s a way to guide businesses in serving communities ethically and effectively, especially in times of crisis.</p>
<p>For example, if most of your customers tend to follow the crowd (conformists), consider offering reliable public health information in your stores. If your clientele leans towards fairness (egalitarians), make fair distribution of essential items a core part of your community support strategy.</p>
<p>If you cater to individuals who focus on their self-interest (agentic egoists), think about the long-term impact of promoting high consumption and how to encourage responsible buying. If a large portion of your customers are community-focused (communal egoists), think about setting up ongoing community-sharing programs or donation drives.</p>
<p>As we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, retailers have an opportunity to plan for a future where their actions benefit not only their business, but society as a whole. Enhancing our self-awareness enables us to handle chaotic circumstances more gracefully and make decisions that are advantageous for everyone in our vicinity.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215972/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Understanding the traits of different customer groups can help shoppers and businesses serve their communities more ethically and effectively, especially in times of crisis.Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee, Professor and Associate Dean of Engagement & Inclusion, Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityOmar H. Fares, Lecturer in the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2163222023-11-02T22:15:48Z2023-11-02T22:15:48ZHow Canadian companies can use tech to identify forced labour in their supply chains<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/557005/original/file-20231101-19-pz1lh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=29%2C37%2C4962%2C3293&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Canadian companies will soon be legally obligated to annually report on efforts to prevent and remediate forced and child labour in their supply chains. Technology could help them do this.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; position: relative; z-index: 1;" allowtransparency="" allow="clipboard-read; clipboard-write" src="https://narrations.ad-auris.com/widget/the-conversation-canada/how-canadian-companies-can-use-tech-to-identify-forced-labour-in-their-supply-chains" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<p>Levi Strauss Canada is yet another company facing <a href="https://core-ombuds.canada.ca/core_ombuds-ocre_ombuds/press-release-levi-strauss-communique.aspx?lang=eng">allegations of forced labour in its supply chain</a>. The allegations, <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/corporate-ethics-czar-investigating-levi-strauss-over-alleged-links-to-forced-labour-1.6570081">which Levi Strauss denies</a>, centre on whether the company is working with suppliers using Uyghur forced labour. With over <a href="https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/publications/WCMS_854733/lang--en/index.htm">27 million people worldwide</a> in forced labour, we can expect to witness similar allegations elsewhere in the coming years. </p>
<p>While Canada enjoys strong protections against labour exploitation, the issue of involuntary work may hit closer to home than expected. The reality is that forced labour <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-brands-china-supply-chains-illegal-forced-labor-2022-12">could have been used to produce many of our everyday items</a>, including clothing, electronics and vehicles. </p>
<p>Canada has taken a significant step in addressing this problem through the <a href="https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F-10.6">Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act</a>. As of Jan. 1, 2024, companies with significant operations in Canada will be legally obligated to pay closer attention to the working conditions in their supply chains. </p>
<p>This act brings Canada’s efforts to address forced labour in alignment with other regions such as the <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/trade/forced-labor/UFLPA">United States</a>, the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/contents/enacted">United Kingdom</a> and <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018A00153">Australia</a>.</p>
<p>Under this act, any entity with significant operations in Canada will be obligated to annually report on its efforts to prevent and remediate forced and child labour in its supply chains. </p>
<p>This includes disclosing information about relevant policies, due diligence processes, supply chain hotspots, employee training and remediation measures. The act also includes provisions for corrective measures and punishment. </p>
<h2>Identifying forced labour with technology</h2>
<p>The complex nature of supply chains makes identifying when and where forced or child labour occurs a significant challenge. Supply chains can contain thousands of suppliers that span continents. Even major international companies like Levi Strauss, which has a strong <a href="https://www.levistrauss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/LSCo_Code-of-Conduct.pdf">supplier code of conduct</a>, can end up facing allegations of violations in their supply chains.</p>
<p>To explore how forced and child labour can be identified in supply chains, we <a href="https://cmr.berkeley.edu/2022/03/modern-slavery-in-global-supply-chains-the-impact-of-covid-19/">conducted over 30 interviews with experts from around the world</a>. These experts included representatives from non-governmental organizations, companies and auditing bodies, providing insight into how emerging technologies can be used to support identifying such practices.</p>
<p>The difficulty of identifying far-flung suppliers, for instance, could be simplified by using DNA to identify a product’s origin, as is done with <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/business/economy/ai-tech-dna-supply-chain.html">cotton</a>, <a href="https://www.msc.org/media-centre/news-opinion/news/2020/02/21/how-dna-testing-works">seafood</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/chocolate-a-new-way-to-make-sure-your-favourite-bar-is-an-ethical-treat-163687">chocolate</a>.</p>
<p>Drones and satellite imaging can be used to identify potential forced labour hotspots, such as remote <a href="https://www.insider.com/pakistan-brick-kilns-debt-bondage-modern-day-slavery-2023-4">brick kilns</a>, <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284297/cobaltred">mines</a> or <a href="https://hai.stanford.edu/news/detecting-modern-day-slavery-sky">areas of illegal deforestation</a>. AI can also <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/how-ai-and-satellite-imaging-tech-can-put-an-end-to-modern-slavery/">predict areas at high risk of forced and child labor</a> and direct attention to these regions.</p>
<p>Additionally, emerging technologies can help identify some forms of deception. Blockchain technology, for example, can provide an <a href="https://widgets.weforum.org/blockchain-toolkit/data-integrity/index.html">unalterable ledger of transactions in real time</a>, preventing later manipulation. Artificial intelligence can quickly process immense quantities of data, which aids in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/business/economy/ai-tech-dna-supply-chain.html">detecting unusual patterns indicating potential fraud</a>.</p>
<h2>Addressing the risk of deceptive practices</h2>
<p>In some cases, there are incentives for businesses to conceal illegal and immoral practices. Transparentem, a non-profit group focused on eradicating labour abuse, found <a href="https://transparentem.org/project/hidden-harm/">evidence of deception during supply chain audits in garment factories in India, Malaysia and Myanmar</a>. These deceptive practices include falsifying documents, coaching workers to lie and hiding workers who appeared to be unlawfully employed.</p>
<p>Based on in-depth interviews with auditors, suppliers, brand representatives and workers in the apparel industry, Human Rights Watch has found these risks are <a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2022/11/15/obsessed-audit-tools-missing-goal/why-social-audits-cant-fix-labor-rights-abuses">elevated when companies have advance notice of an upcoming audit</a>. </p>
<p>Integrating sensors, cameras and other cloud technology can enable real-time monitoring of working conditions, mitigating the risks of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120773">advance notice of audits</a>. Sensors and cameras, for example, have been used on <a href="https://teem.fish/vessels/">fishing vessels</a> to remotely transmit data in near real-time. </p>
<p>Worker voice platforms, such as those used in the <a href="https://www.responsiblebusiness.org/tools/voices/">electronics industry</a>, allow workers to provide feedback directly through smartphone apps. This can serve as a real-time whistleblower mechanism for workers trapped in forced labour.</p>
<h2>Technology is only part of the solution</h2>
<p>Despite its potential benefits, technology still has weaknesses, like high costs, susceptibility to manipulation and weak data security, that need to be addressed. Blockchain technology, for instance, <a href="https://widgets.weforum.org/blockchain-toolkit/data-integrity/index.html">can codify manipulated or incorrect data</a> unless the necessary precautions are taken.</p>
<p>Meeting the requirements of the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act will require grounding technology in a broader risk-based approach consisting of supplier screening, monitoring and auditing. </p>
<p>In addition, even when technology does indicate the presence of forced or child labour, on-the-ground verification and follow-up is often required. Identification is just the first step. The act requires reporting on remediation, which is typically based on long-term collaborative relationships with local parties.</p>
<p>Addressing the issue of forced and child labour in supply chains is difficult and complex. While technology can help companies fulfil their reporting obligations under the act, identifying and remediating these crucial issues will require <a href="https://cmr.berkeley.edu/2022/11/65-1-transformational-transparency-in-supply-chains-leveraging-technology-to-drive-radical-change/">ongoing and concerted efforts</a>. </p>
<p>The first report is due on May 31, 2024, so companies have no time to spare in working to comply with the act.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/216322/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Cory Searcy receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Grant Michelson and Pavel Castka do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Supply chains can contain thousands of suppliers spanning continents. DNA testing, drones, satellite imaging and other technologies can help identify forced and child labour.Cory Searcy, Professor, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, & Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityGrant Michelson, Professor of Management, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie UniversityPavel Castka, Professor in Operations Management and Sustainability; Associate Dean Research at UC Business School, University of CanterburyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.