Working Inclusively and Redefining Social Valorization in the Globalized World: Activism, Research, Advocacy and the Disadvantaged

Abstract

Over the last few decades, there has been growing worldwide legal recognition of human rights for people with disabilities. The global economy, the rise of social media and globalizing digital technology have created and reinforced new expectations for access to economic opportunities as well as new forms of social citizenship (Cockburn et al., The tale of a thousand needles. Presented at Business and Economic Society International Conference, Antibes, France, July 17–20, 2007; Cockburn, Emotionally Sustainable business and communities of commitment. Proceedings: 6th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11–14 June, 2007, Szymanski, Baltic Journal of Law and Politics, 4: 83–105, 2011; Smith & Cockburn, Impact of emerging digital technologies on leadership in global business, Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2014). However, formal legal recognition in the UN and in the enactment of national laws has not always ensured adequate social inclusion, opportunities for work, careers or ‘voice’ for such groups within these same societies in which the legislation has been enacted. That is, the practical requirements as well as the changes in cultural attitudes in workplaces have lagged behind the legislative changes. This is a result of the unchallenged operation of latent power, which has ‘normalized’ the devaluation of disabled people in society. Their subordinate position has led to patronage relationships between disabled communities and public authorities and international organizations. We review the literature on inclusivity and discuss key principles of social valorization, concepts and practices as they relate to an innovative case study of a project aiming to ‘make a positive difference’ for marginalized groups in New Zealand. The project is based in the University of Waikato and was co-founded by the first author.