Social Justice in HCI: A Systematic Literature Review

Social Justice in HCI: A Systematic Literature Review

May 11–16, 2024 | Ishita Chordia, Leya Breanna Baltaxe-Admony, Ashley Boone, Alyssa Sheehan, Lynn Dombrowski, Christopher A. Le Dantec, Kathryn E. Ringland, Angela D. R. Smith
This paper presents a systematic literature review of social justice in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), analyzing 124 papers published between 2009 and 2022. The study explores how researchers understand social justice-related harms and benefits, the approaches they use to address harm, and the tools they leverage to pursue justice. The analysis highlights gaps in social justice work, such as the need for the HCI community to conceptualize benefits, and identifies concrete steps the community can take to pursue just futures. The review also discusses the importance of considering intersectionality, systemic oppression, and the role of technology in reproducing or challenging social inequalities. The study finds that while there is growing interest in social justice within HCI, there is still a lack of consensus on how to define and address justice. The paper emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to HCI research, one that acknowledges the complex interplay between technology, power, and social justice. The review also highlights the importance of reflexivity, positionality, and the need for researchers to be aware of their own biases and the broader social and political systems that shape their work. The study concludes that HCI researchers have a responsibility to engage with social justice issues in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the diverse experiences of marginalized communities. The paper calls for a more intentional and deliberate approach to social justice in HCI, one that acknowledges the complexities of harm and benefit, and seeks to create more just and equitable futures through research and design.This paper presents a systematic literature review of social justice in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), analyzing 124 papers published between 2009 and 2022. The study explores how researchers understand social justice-related harms and benefits, the approaches they use to address harm, and the tools they leverage to pursue justice. The analysis highlights gaps in social justice work, such as the need for the HCI community to conceptualize benefits, and identifies concrete steps the community can take to pursue just futures. The review also discusses the importance of considering intersectionality, systemic oppression, and the role of technology in reproducing or challenging social inequalities. The study finds that while there is growing interest in social justice within HCI, there is still a lack of consensus on how to define and address justice. The paper emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to HCI research, one that acknowledges the complex interplay between technology, power, and social justice. The review also highlights the importance of reflexivity, positionality, and the need for researchers to be aware of their own biases and the broader social and political systems that shape their work. The study concludes that HCI researchers have a responsibility to engage with social justice issues in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the diverse experiences of marginalized communities. The paper calls for a more intentional and deliberate approach to social justice in HCI, one that acknowledges the complexities of harm and benefit, and seeks to create more just and equitable futures through research and design.
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