Seeking Inclusion and Pluralism: Two Exploratory Studies

Abstract

This article describes 2 exploratory studies on the psychology of justice inspired by Morton Deutsch. The 1st study, a prequel to my research on moral exclusion, describes observations in a tundra that led to a follow-up pilot study on the streets of New York City. The 2nd study on pluralism sought to examine the relationship between taking another's perspective and broadening the scope of justice, or moral inclusion. Findings from this study suggest the difficulties of perspective taking. Drawing on the work of Bakhtin, Klein, and several psychologists, I describe a multiphonic perspective attentive to the complexities of an appreciation of Morton Deutsch's influential teaching and scholarship that has inspired students, scholars, and activists. Although the article describes methods, data, and results, its focus is on theory. This is apt for a collection honoring Pioneer of Peace Psychology Morton Deutsch, for theory and its application to the human condition is at the center of his contributions to conflict, justice, and peace.