Human Development and Diversity

I. Development Opportunities

1. The multidimensional process of human development and ways to measure it:

   • UN Sustainable Development Goals criteria

   • validity and reliability of development indicators and indices, including the human development index (HDI) and gender inequality index (GII)

   • empowering women and indigenous or minority groups

2. The importance of social entrepreneurship approaches for human development:

   • the work of microfinance organizations and their networks

   • alternative trading networks such as “Fairtrade”

   • TNC corporate social responsibility frameworks and global agreements

II. Changing identities and cultures

1. The global spectrum of cultural traits, ethnicities and identities, and ways in which the spectrum of diversity is widening or narrowing at different scales

2. The effects of global interactions on cultural diversity in different places:

   • the diffusion of cultural traits, and cultural imperialism

   • glocalization of branded commodities, and cultural hybridity

   • cultural landscape changes in the built environment

3. How diasporas influence cultural diversity and identity at both global and local scales

III. Local responses to global interactions

1. Local and civil society resistance to global interactions:

   • rejection of globalized production, including campaigns against TNCs and in favour of local sourcing of food and goods by citizens

   • rise of anti-immigration movements

2. Geopolitical constraints on global interactions:

   • government and militia controls on personal freedoms to participate in global interactions

   • national trade restrictions, including protectionism and resource nationalism

3. The role of civil society in promoting international-mindedness and participating in global interactions, including social media use and campaigning for internet freedom