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Call for Papers

Identities: Negotiations in Contemporary Space(s)
An Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Conference

Saturday 2nd December 2006
University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Keynote addresses from
Prof. Debbie Epstein (University of Cardiff)
Prof. Les Back (Goldsmiths College, University of London)

The University of Warwick is holding a one-day conference on identities sponsored by the ESRC Identities and Social Action Programme. This conference, organised by postgraduates for postgraduates, will consider current and changing perspectives in identities research.

Identity has become a flexible buzzword in contemporary culture – identity politics, identity theft, identity cards. People construct their identity around a myriad of references, from broader issues of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and geography, to influences such as music subcultures, the workplace, sports teams, online communities and TV fandom. But there is contestation over the meanings, definitions and experiences of identity.

On the one hand, identities are increasingly recognized as fluid and fragmented. Yet, many people experience them as relatively static. Identities are based on inclusions and exclusions, borders and boundaries, both ‘who we are’ and ‘who we are not’. How valid is the concept of identity in a (post)modern, globalised world? It can be argued that globalisation dissolves stable identities and a sense of self. This process is seen as a threat to local distinctiveness and has been the target of political movements.

Claiming identities can be an emancipatory and empowering process. Similarly, identity politics has proved an important area for activists, yet something that has faced criticism for silencing difference(s). In contrast, the Internet enables people to construct their own spaces through which to forge identities. However, these can be both progressive and oppressive. To what extent are reconfigurations of subjectivity and identity accompanied by redefinitions of space?

We encourage submissions from fields such as social theory, political sociology, cultural studies, gender studies, media studies, ‘race’ and ethnicity studies, work and employment, sociology of health and illness, and the sociology of religion. Abstracts of 250 words are invited for contributions of 20 minutes. We aim to provide a supportive and friendly environment for postgraduates to present their work, meet fellow researchers and benefit from interdisciplinary exchange. The conference welcomes delegates who do not wish to present.

Email abstracts and information requests to
M.M.Perrier_at_warwick.ac.uk or D.Beusch_at_warwick.ac.uk or N.S.Pitimson_at_warwick.ac.uk

Deadline for abstracts 15th August 2006
Website at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/sociology/news/identities/

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Received on Thu Jun 15 2006 - 07:45:34 EDT