DisseminationEvent
International Seminar
IGI International Seminar (SIP-NTNU Series 4) “Deconstructing ‘Diversity’ in Norwegian Academia” (Nov. 6, 2024)
Deconstructing "Diversity" in Norwegian Academia
What kind of society do you imagine when you think of a diverse society?
Diversity is an abstract concept. While there is an ideal of diversity and inclusion that leaves no one behind, when it comes to the planning and implementation of specific measures, there may be cases where the target group is limited. Depending on which social space you are considering – community, workplace, school, etc. – who is included and who is excluded may differ.
This seminar focuses on Norwegian universities and discusses the definition of diversity.
Outline
| Date | Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 9:30-10:30 (in Japan) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Online (Zoom meeting) |
| Speaker | Martine Sletten |
| Audience | Open to the public |
| Language | English and Japanese with consecutive interpretation |
| Organizer | Institute for Gendered Innovations SIP Project “Research on Learning and Working Practices for D&I Society” |
| Inquiry | SIP Project Office: ocha-sip3@ cc.ocha.ac.jp |
Abstract
Deconstructing “Diversity” in Norwegian Academia
This presentation presents ongoing work of an empirical investigation of diversity at an engineering department at a Norwegian university. Gender equality has been a topic in Norwegian academia for many years, and diversity has received increased attention lately. However, “diversity” as a concept remains contested, without a solidified definition. Qualitative research interviews with university employees show that a limited number of categories are understood as “diversity”, even if other differences shape experiences of inclusion and exclusion. The presentation focuses on deconstructing diversity as it is understood by interview participants, and asks who is covered by D&I work in Norwegian academia, and who are left out.
Speaker
Martine Sletten is a PhD Candidate at the Center for Gender Research, NTNU, writing her thesis on the topic of diversity and inclusion in Norwegian academia. The aim of the research project is to better understand how to create diverse and inclusive workplaces in academia. Emphasizing the importance of the local context, Martine has conducted qualitative research interviews and fieldwork at an engineering department at a Norwegian university. In order to investigate which differences are at play, her theoretical framework draws on feminist organization studies and queer theory. She is currently working on her analysis, where she deconstructs the meaning of diversity in this specific context.