July 20th, 27th, and August 3rd, 2022: BBL Seminar hosted by the Institute for Media and Communication Studies.Diversity and Inclusion: A Comparison Between Overseas and JapanThe event was held online.
This seminar is:Support Program for Departmental and Organizational Initiatives to Promote Diversity and InclusionThis project was implemented with support from the Institute for Media and Communication Studies.
Below, we present the report.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This program compared Japan and other countries on the theme of diversity and inclusion, and held three online seminars (Brown Bag Lunch (BBL) meetings) with the aim of exploring: 1) whether there are any issues or challenges unique to Japan, 2) what can be done at Hokkaido University by utilizing the initiatives of universities overseas, and 3) what we can learn from the different approaches to diversity and inclusion in various countries.
First, Professor Zeal spoke about the situation at German universities.DEIRegarding this initiative, and also as the opening of BBL,DEIWe also received theoretical and academic lectures on the subject. It was introduced that there are four levels of diversity (1: individuality, 2: internal aspects — age, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, ethnicity, racial status, 3: external aspects — geographical location, income, personal habits, recreational habits, religion, educational background, work history, appearance, presence of children, marital status, 4: organizational aspects — functional level, work area, department/unit/group, seniority system, work location, union affiliation, etc.), and the university organizationDEIIn considering how to promote this, we learned how to understand and consider the preceding stages 1-3. Using diagrams to make it easy to understand,DEIThis lecture was extremely helpful in organizing the topic. Next, the lecture was about science and engineering at German universities.DEIHe gave a lecture on promotion.DEIIt was impressive when he said, "This is a logistical problem." For example, in a lab, it's important to adjust the height of desks and consider the equipment to purchase so that wheelchair users can also conduct chemistry experiments in the same way. It's a very specific and practical way of thinking, and I felt it was a catchy phrase that could be applied not only in science and engineering fields at our university, but also in various workplace environments.
Next, Professor Kramer spoke about IndiaDEIThe lecture was given on this theme. Using India's class society as an example, it is not necessarilyDEIThe message that spreading the concept of discrimination throughout society does not necessarily lead to people's happiness became a point of discussion. The idea that people living in separate societies may be happier if they are unaware of the differences in their living standards, circumstances, and even the existence of discrimination, is something that should be discussed even in Japanese society, which is often thought to lack the blatant class discrimination seen in India.
Finally, Professor Cerbelli used the term "otaku" as an example to explain the differences between Japan and Europe.DEII attended a lecture that explored this topic. I learned about the process of creating a category called "otaku" to create a sense of security that one is "normal," and the background behind the emergence of the concept of otaku in Japan.
Following these lectures, the seminar included a networking session where participants introduced themselves and shared their experiences. The networking session was conducted in randomly formed groups of five or six people, but due to the limited time, many participants felt it was insufficient. The presenter provided a platform using the communication tool Slack for those who wished to stay in touch. We hope to continue using this initiative to regularly provide opportunities for interaction among those who have connected through it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DEIThe Promotion Headquarters provides financial support for the costs of training sessions and seminars on diversity promotion planned and hosted by various departments at Hokkaido University as part of the "Support Program for Departmental Initiatives to Promote Diversity and Inclusion" (applications for this year have now closed).
We will announce details for the next fiscal year on our website as soon as they are decided.
