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Oceans Department Seminar Series - Lekelia (Kiki) Jenkins: Power, Politics, and Culture in Marine Science and Technology

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Design decisions and choices made in the pursuit of marine science advancements, which are often mediated through marine technology, can result in injustices and inequities. Technology and technological systems can have power, politics, and culture, and these characteristics can influence the contextual fit of a technology, requiring that technology be thoughtfully created or adapted to the circumstances in which it will be used. Power, politics, and culture inherent in technology can also influence the distribution of marine conservation risks and benefits and potentially widen gaps in wealth, privilege, opportunities, and justice. Progress in addressing these concerns could be achieved through actionable steps we can take as individuals to further belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our scientific practices and also through the application of the social-ecological-technological systems framework. This framework recognizes technology as a central actor that can shape societies and the natural world. Such a framework incorporates broader understanding, so that the values and concerns of society are more effectively addressed in the creation and implementation of marine technologies and technological systems.

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