Insights and Impact: A Recap of the Symposium on Social Justice and Technological Futures
by Sonja Pfisterer
26.09.2023 · In a world where technology plays an increasingly influential role in shaping our lives, it is imperative that we critically examine the ethical implications and especially the inherent implications for social justice that are bound up in its design, production and distribution. Therefore, in May, a symposium titled "Social Justice and Technological Futures" took place in the old town of Tübingen, bringing together a group of individuals from different corners of the globe. Coming from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, the USA, UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, and Germany, participants shed light on the societal injustices embedded within technologies as well as solutions for just technological futures from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Scholars and researchers from various academic disciplines explored the nuances of socio-technological dynamics in society. Their research provided an essential foundation for understanding the systemic issues at play. Heesoo Jang's presentation conveyed the crucial message that technology must be examined within the context of power dynamics. By emphasizing this connection, she underscored the importance of critically analyzing how power is distributed in technological systems. Dr. Mahdi Khalili displayed the significance of understanding systems and their concrete qualitative consequences to effectively advocate for fair and ethical technological advancements while Dr. Nanditha Narayanamoorthy highlighted the significant role of language, particularly in the context of Muslim minorities and the language barriers they encounter, when looking into issues of hate speech on platforms. Dr. Scott Timcke highlighted that AI reproduces injustice and therefore clarified the need to address the inherent injustices embedded within AI systems. And Sofia Scasserra made clear that it is the humans who design and train AI models, make decisions about data collection and pre-processing, and determine how AI systems are deployed and utilized in the real world. Acknowledging that AI itself does not have intentions or agency highlights the importance of human accountability. Humans have the power and responsibility to ensure that AI systems are developed ethically, with fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in mind.
Yet, the symposium went beyond academic discourse. Right at the start, Lecia J. Brooks from the Southern Poverty Law Center shared her experiences with social justice work in the field, exposing herself to a diversity of people with diverging ideologies and interest. Conversations with those who are different from us can sometimes be the key to tapping our common humanity. Brooks also expressed occasional uncertainty about her role in academic conferences, feeling that she does not fully align with the traditional academic framework. Academia is often positioned in an invory tower bubble, and tackling questions of social justice requires grounding in activism and community engagement.
Conventionally, the fields of art, academia, and activism have often functioned within separate and isolated spheres, each with its own language, objectives, and methodologies. The symposium tried to overcome these barriers, recognizing that true progress often emerges at the intersection of diverse perspectives and disciplines. The discussions within the two days of the symposium made clear that transformative change requires action beyond all borders. Activists, whose efforts drive social justice movements, provided unique perspectives based on their experiences working with marginalized communities. They shared stories of individuals who have historically been silenced or marginalized. The symposium therefore emphasized the transformative potential that comes from actively listening to shared experiences. It breaks down barriers, challenges preconceived notions, and expands our horizons. By actively engaging with the stories, struggles, and triumphs of others, we gain insights into the lived realities of those affected by technological disparities.
Resulting from this, one of the defining features of the symposium became its commitment to interdisciplinarity. The different hosts of the symposium, including the International Center for Ethics in the Sciences, the RHET AI Center, and the Collaborative Research Center 923 "Threatened Orders" at the University of Tübingen, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.
Art, renowned for its ability to challenge norms, played an equally important role. Artists shared their creativity to provoke reflection, inspire imagination, and humanize the discourse around technology and social justice. Art has the ability to transcend language barriers and foster emotional connections. By engaging with it, participants were compelled to question the status quo and embrace alternative narratives. This was enriched by a captivating reading from Temi Oh, whose books deliver thought-provoking technological visions of the future. Her talk demonstrated the remarkable ability to weave together personal stories, cultural insights, and societal critiques, offering new perspectives on technologies.
Given the dominance of male narratives in the tech industry, the symposium placed a strong emphasis on highlighting women's perspectives. Through the interdisciplinary nature of the event, women from diverse backgrounds and disciplines contributed their perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the discussions. Female academics presented their research, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in accessing and benefiting from technological advancements. Moreover, women activists played a vital role in advocating for digital rights, challenging patriarchal structures, and empowering marginalized women. Fereshteh Forough, the CEO of Code to Inspire, shared her inspiring journey and the transformative impact that education and access to technology can have on the lives of marginalized women. Her organization's work serves as an example of how empowering women through education and technology can drive social change and bridge the gender gap in the tech industry. Her insights and expertise resonated with participants and opened up discussions on the importance of inclusive educational opportunities and mentorship programs for marginalized women. Ivana Feldfeber and Joana Varon contributed diverse feminist perspectives to the symposium, enriching these discussions.
One re-emerging topic during discussions at the symposium was the pace of technological developments. These discussions made very clear that technological advancements often unfold at a rapid pace, with new innovations and systems continuously shaping our lives. They acknowledged the risks associated with speed, as haste can sometimes overlook crucial considerations and intensify inequalities. Slowing down allows us to evaluate the unintended consequences and ethical implications of technological advancements. While slowing down offers its benefits, the development of technologies by influential players in our world shows no signs of slowing down. By keeping up with this and them, we can tackle their transformative potential to address societal injustices and make a much-needed impact.
The symposium encompassed overarching themes, including crucial questions about ethical control and responsibility. At the beginning of the symposium, the host Laura Schelenz posed a thought-provoking question about the concept of a perfect society. She drew attention to the reminder of history, referencing the rise of the Nazis in Germany in the 1930s, who believed they had a definitive vision of what a perfect society should entail. The reference to this historical example serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to approach the pursuit of social justice and technological futures with humility, open-mindedness, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. It encourages us to question dominant narratives, challenge power structures, and foster dialogue that values diverse perspectives. And dialogue is not the only thing we take away from it. The true value of such an interdisciplinary symposium lies in the lasting impact it generates. It is supposed to provide a stepping stone for ongoing collaborations, networking, and knowledge sharing among participants.
As we move forward, it is crucial to continue forging pathways through the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration. The challenge and aim is to develop inclusive technological solutions, and pave the way for a future where social justice is at the core of technological advancement. We must also address environmental impacts by adopting sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. Collaboration, policy frameworks, and ongoing learning will shape our path towards a just, inclusive, and conscious technological future.
Want to find out more about the symposium? Check out the website: www.uni-tuebingen.de/social-just-tech-future
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