Inclusion and social justice in sustainable higher education: An integrated perspective through the lens of public engagement

Letizia Lo Presti (), Giulio Maggiore (), Vittoria Marino () and Riccardo Resciniti ()
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Letizia Lo Presti: University of Rome LUMSA
Giulio Maggiore: University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza
Vittoria Marino: University of Sannio
Riccardo Resciniti: University of Sannio

Journal of Management & Governance, 2024, vol. 28, issue 3, No 4, 809 pages

Abstract: Abstract The objective of this paper is to investigate the commitment of universities in terms of inclusion and social justice in the light of the opportunities offered by university public engagement in order to identify the main areas of intervention with which universities give visibility to their ability to be socially sustainable. A qualitative-quantitative methodology was adopted. First, an empirical analysis of the official websites of 100 European universities was conducted through content analysis. An exploratory factor analysis and, subsequently, a correspondence analysis were used to identify the main public engagement practices adopted by universities in terms of inclusion and social justice. The results show four macro-areas of intervention: (1) Access, (2) Cultural awareness of diversity and social justice (3) Initiatives in defense of diversity, (4) Protection of diversity and the principles of social justice. The results also show that the issue of inclusion and social justice still lacks the involvement of all stakeholders, especially for those initiatives aimed at creating a cultural awareness of diversity and inclusion and intended for their protection. The paper provides a valuable basis for verifying the ability of universities to integrate the issues of inclusion and social justice in university Third Mission programs. The results also allow university management to better understand and regulate public engagement practices in order to ensure broad stakeholder participation in the light of social sustainability objectives.

Keywords: Higher education; Public engagement; Social sustainability; Inclusion and social justice; Widening participation; Third mission (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10997-023-09672-x

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