CFP: Two-Day International Seminar on Mirroring Change: Literature and Social Transformation 3rd & 4th October 2024 ~ Pondicherry University

The Department of English at Pondicherry University has been an important educational destination for research scholars and students, ever since it commenced functioning in 1986. Over the years, the department has produced innumerable PhD and M. Phil scholars, in addition to a large number of postgraduate students. The faculty of the department with their different specializations and academic interests are at the forefront of innovative teaching and advanced research varying from contemporary literary, cultural and language studies to theoretical explorations. The department also runs a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication in English, an add-on program, in much demand among students and employees.

Furthermore, the department has also sought to enhance the language and communication skills of students from across the University through Functional

English and other communication-oriented courses. Another hallmark of the department is the Research and Cultural Forum (RCF) which acts as an avenue for scholars and students to showcase their research work and creative abilities. The department has also been at the forefront of organizing seminars, workshops and faculty development programs.

 

 

 

 

About Research and Cultural Forum (RCF):

Conceived thirty-five years ago as Research and Journal Alert Forum (RJAF) at the Department of English, Pondicherry University, RCF is a platform for research scholars and students of the department to discuss their research findings in various areas related to literature and culture and also present their creative talents. Run exclusively by the research scholars of the department, under the guidance of the faculty members and the support of MA students the forum hosts invited talks, workshops and interactive sessions by experts of national and international repute in the emerging areas of English Studies. The forum was recently renamed Research and Cultural Forum to integrate the department's research and cultural outputs. Now, it proudly undertakes the mission of bringing together and highlighting the role of literature in social transformation through this two-day International Seminar.

 

About the Seminar:

 A Two-Day International Seminar has been planned by the Department of English on the 3rd & 4th of October 2024, with the focus area “Mirroring Change: Literature and Social Transformation”.

 Theme:

 Literature has been able to predict, analyze, and critique social, economic and political change for a long time. This, in turn, has contributed to understanding social and political transformation through a medium that has been conventionally seen to be largely imaginative and fictional. While Orwell’s cautionary tale, 1984 predicted the effects of totalitarian regimes and surveillance, Harriet Beecher’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin “helped lay the groundwork for the American Civil War” (Kaufman, 2006: 18). If Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath brought into full view the travails of America during the Great Depression, Munshi Premchand’s Godaan brutally exposed poverty and the evils of the zamindari system in India. Literature has thus been constantly in sync with the changing silhouettes of society.

 The conference aims to explore how literature has closely interacted with and mirrored the intricate matrix of the social and political milieu. This interaction has resulted in innumerable texts that have reflected these significant changes and helped us understand an ever-changing world. The wide gamut of social, political, economic, cultural, sociological and anthropological change has prompted the writer to ask questions, show up the mirror and sometimes even offer prescriptions for ills, thus making literature a vehicle for social transformation.  The conference aims to investigate and explore the significant role that literature has played in reflecting these changes, therefore acting as truth-seeker, sentinel, chronicler, and critic, all rolled into one.   

 The conference aims to explore the interchange between literature and social transformation across varied arenas and can include, but is not restricted, to the following areas:

•           Political upheaval and social movements

•           Caste, class and hierarchy

•           Reigns, regimes and democracy

•           Marxism and literature

•           Changing dimensions of gender

•           Queer narratives

•           Geographies, borders and migration

•           Indigenous literatures

•           Anthropocene, Ecocriticism and Ecofeminism 

•           Dalit literature and social justice

•           Technology and literature

•           Popular culture and subcultures

•           Medical imperialism and illness narratives

  Registration Fee:

 Faculty Members:      Rs. 2000

Research Scholars:     Rs. 1000

PG Students:               Rs. 500

Co-authors are required to pay individually.

 UG students (participation only): Rs 200

 Abstracts:

 Abstracts can be uploaded through the Google form link

below on or before 30th August 2024.

 Registration Link: https://forms.gle/CA78DHY86yfQtzhW9

 Your queries may be addressed to rcfseminar2024@gmail.com

 Important Dates:

 Last date for sending abstracts: 30th August 2024

Confirmation of acceptance will be communicated by: 2nd September 2024

Complete papers are to be sent by: 27th September 2024 

 Address for Communication:

 Drishya K.

Steward  C.        

Research Scholars                                                     

Department of English                                              

Pondicherry University                                             

Puducherry-605014                                                   

8589825788, 8270410154                                  

CFP: Virtual International Conference C4P - "Comprehending #Comics: Exploring Methodologies and Approaches to #ComicStudies in History and the Social Sciences": September 8-9, 2024

 Please submit your proposal by May 1, 2024

Interest in comic studies have generated wide and varied interests from an exploration of visual language and narrative in sequential art to the use of technologies in comics, to considerations current questions in both contemporary society and history. These have led to fruitful research which cross disciplines and produced diverse and complex scholarship. Richard Scully have written extensively on political cartoons and their relationship with imperialism and colonialism. Amy Matthewson’s Cartooning China examined the British popular satirical magazine Punch and situated the series of cartoons of China and Chinese people within their geopolitical frameworks. Sheena Howard and Ronald Jackson’s Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation brought together a range of critical essays exploring contributions of Black graphic artists. Collections such as Drawing the Past Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (2022), edited by Dorian Alexander, Michael Goodrum, and Philip Smith, brought a range of scholars to unite around the broad theme of the historical imagination in American popular media. 

There is still an evolving consensus on which the methodologies that scholars specialized in fields of history and social sciences could use when engaging with comics. Often, research focused on comics-formatted primary sources is pigeonholed into literary study, or in other cases the linguistic framework of describing and analyzing comics fails to translate to a discussion of material culture. As the range of demonstrated methodologies is vast, and as the advancement of comics-based research offers new potential for the study of history and the social sciences, it is a crucial time to reflect and take stock of current practice and possible future directions. 

We are interested in all aspects of comics-format works, comics and graphic novels, and methodologies and themes that might address (but are not limited to) the following:

• Representation in comics
• The challenges of comics-based research studies as applied to the study of history
• Historical aspects of visualities and comics in particular
• The future of comics in research
• Archeology and comics
• Ancient and medieval history in comics
• The effects of digital tools in comic studies
• Comics and the politics of methodology – race, gender, sexuality, class, etc.
• The transnational, transcultural, and/or interdisciplinary nature of comic studies
• Teaching history with or through comics
• Teaching comics-based research methods
• Comics in memory studies
• Tensions and concordances between art history and history of comics and graphic novels

18%

The Routledge Companion to Comics (Routledge Media and Cultural Studies Companions)

₹4,293.00

Comics Studies: A Guidebook

18%

Urban Comics: Infrastructure and the Global City in Contemporary Graphic Narratives (Routledge Advances in Comics Studies)

₹3,993.00

Study Hall of Justice (DC Comics: Secret Hero Society #1)

20%

Muslim Comics and Warscape Witnessing (Studies in Comics and Cartoons)

₹4,125.00

15%

Understanding Genres in Comics (Palgrave Studies in Comics and Graphic Novels)

₹5,192.00

Batman and the Multiplicity of Identity: The Contemporary Comic Book Superhero as Cultural Nexus (Routledge Advances in Comics Studies)

15%

Frames and Framing in Documentary Comics (Palgrave Studies in Comics and Graphic Novels)

₹5,625.00

Representing Acts of Violence in Comics (Routledge Advances in Comics Studies)

13%

Visuality and Identity in Post-millennial Indian Graphic Narratives (Palgrave Studies in Comics and Graphic Novels)

₹4,688.00

We are now accepting proposals for papers (20 minutes) and panels (of 2 or 3 papers). Graduate students are also invited to submit a poster, which will be displayed online for the duration of the conference. The poster section will enable asynchronous comments, and a presentation session where participants give a short 3-5 minute summary of the poster content. Please submit the following to comprehendingcomics@historyincomics.org or elizabethallyn.woock@upol.cz by May 1st 2024:

• abstract of 300 words
• a biography of 50 words including your name, email, affiliation, and gender pronouns

This will be an online conference hosted by the Comics Lab at Palacky University, Czech Republic. Online networking and socializing will be enabled through various platforms. Given the international spread of contributors, participant time zones will be considered when scheduling panels. The conference will take place September 8-9, 2024. 

 

Contact Information

Please submit the following to comprehendingcomics@historyincomics.org or elizabethallyn.woock@upol.cz by May 1st 2024:

• abstract of 300 words
• a biography of 50 words including your name, email, affiliation, and gender pronouns

Contact Email

comprehendingcomics@historyincomics.org

URL

https://www.historyincomics.org/conferences-and-workshops/

Attachments

Comprehending Comics C4P

CFP: International Conference on #Gender and the #Public #Sphere- Texas Tech Women's & Gender Studies Program-April 11, 2024

 Texas Tech University’s 40th Women’s & Gender Studies annual spring conference, to be held on April 11, 2024, invites submissions on the theme Gender and The Public Sphere. Organizers seek proposals for individual papers or panels on topics related to gendered public discourses, the representations of gender in public life and popular culture, and all the nuanced meanings of Jurgen Habermas’s twentieth-century concept of the “public sphere” as it relates to emerging research on gender and sexuality. The conference seeks to explore questions such as:

• Feminist critiques of the public sphere: How should we think today about the theoretical construct of the public sphere as Habermas first posed it and as it has been critiqued and extended in the years since? To what extent is the feminist critique of Habermas's initial theorization of the public sphere still (or differently) relevant? Is the notion of the public sphere still useful—and if so, in what ways related specifically to gender?
• The public-facing nature of gender equality discourses: How do recent popular films such as Barbie, television series such as “Mrs. America,” and advertising campaigns such as #LikeAGirl construct what is “public” versus “private” in the context of gender? What is the role, if any, of such endeavors in effecting long-term change? How do mass-mediated discourses about gender equality mimic or intersect with the strategic communication efforts of other social movements, such as sustainability?
• The significance of gender to the complex mechanisms that underlie the very existence of the public sphere: How, if at all, are gender issues relevant to the deliberation, creation, and enactment of public policy? How is gender relevant, if at all, to the continued vibrancy of the public sphere, both locally and globally? In what parts of public life, if any, has the gender binary been eroded or become less relevant?
• The crossroads of gender, class, and race: What negotiations of these categories have we observed in public life, both recently and in the distant past? How do public policies address issues of gender, race, and class, if at all? How are these categories reinforced, redefined, or resisted? 
• Gendered discovery, debate, and dissemination of knowledge: How is the public interest served by efforts to change or reinforce the gender status quo in academia, science, and K-12 education? What factors cement or erode the gendered distribution of labor in knowledge-related fields? What are the effects, if any, of the gendering of these fields on the public’s access to and understanding of scientific and humanistic knowledge?
• The economic effects of gendered interactions and relations in the public sphere: What are the effects, if any, of gendered labor on economic growth, both in the present and the past? How do individual actors within the public sphere understand the role of gender in economic success, both at the level of society and within their own households?
• The evolving nature of communication about gender issues in the public sphere: How is gender, whether constructed as a binary or as a spectrum, discussed and represented across the many channels of communication in the contemporary public sphere—including mass media, social media, and video games? How have the changing ways of sharing information, misinformation, and opinions about gender across vast networks of social actors affected the nature of the discourse? How have discourses about gender, regardless of how they are communicated, changed over time?

The conference is interdisciplinary. Proposals for teaching panels and interactive practical workshops, in addition to research abstracts and papers, are welcome and encouraged. Perspectives from all disciplines, including the humanities, the social sciences, the arts, the health sciences, education, business and economics, and STEM are welcome. We encourage scholars at all levels (faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students) to submit proposals, and especially welcome the work of early-career faculty.

46%

IGNOU MWG 1 Theories of Women’s and Gender Studies IGNOU Solved Assignment 2020 2021 IGNOU MAWGS IGNOU PGDWGS IGNOU MA (Women and Gender Studies) IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s & Gender Studies mwg-1

₹200.00

Gender and Sexuality Diversity in a Culture of Limitation: Student and Teacher Experiences in Schools (Routledge Critical Studies in Gender and Sexuality in Education)

8%

Women’s and Gender Studies in India

₹1,495.00

Gender Studies

Gender and Governance: Studies from South Asia

13%

Gender and Rights (Key Concepts in Indigenous Studies)

₹995.00

2%

Women, Power, and Property: The Paradox of Gender Equality Laws in India (Cambridge Studies in Gender and Politics)

₹2,513.00

Gender, Sexuality &Society in Northeast India: Contextual studies of tribal communities

9%

Gender Studies: Terms and Debates

₹4,999.00

Gender Studies: A new approach

Please use this link (https://forms.office.com/r/LXwhJApP7n) to submit a 500-word abstract or panel proposal by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024. Submissions will be evaluated through a masked peer-review process, and submitters will be informed of the results by Friday, March 8, 2024. Student presenters whose work has been accepted and who wish to be considered for one of the three research prizes of $100, $75, and $50 must upload their full papers by Friday, March 29. Registration fees will be waived for the winners of the research prizes.

Scholars of globalization, American studies, comparative literature, and adjacent fields interested in submitting to the Gender and the Public Sphere conference are encouraged to consider also submitting to the 2024 Texas Tech Symposium on “Transnational American Studies Revisited,” to be held in Lubbock on April 12-13. 

Call for Book Chapters: Voices Unveiled: Women in Literary Landscapes-March, 2024

The profound and transformative impact of women in literary landscapes cannot be overstated. Women writers have not only enriched the literary canon with their unique voices and perspectives but also challenged societal norms, broadening the scope of narratives. Their contributions span diverse genres, historical periods, and cultural contexts, unveiling hidden stories and reshaping the literary terrain. From advocating for social change to expressing nuanced experiences, the influence of women in literature is an indispensable force that continues to shape our understanding of the human experience.

It is with great enthusiasm that we announce a call for book chapters that explore the multifaceted relationship between women and literature. This upcoming edited volume aims to delve into the diverse roles, representations, and contributions of women in literary works across genres, cultures, and historical periods.

Scope and Focus:

We invite contributions that analyze, critique, or celebrate the portrayal of women in literature. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Representation of women in classic and contemporary literature
• Feminist perspectives in literary works
• Women writers and their impact on literary movements
• Gender dynamics and power structures in literature
• Women and linguistic and cultural influence
• Masculinity/ Male gaze and womanhood
• Intersectionality: exploring race, class, sexuality, and other identities in women’s literature
• Women as readers, critics, and consumers of literature
• Challenges and triumphs of women authors in the literary world
• Women and the partition/post-partition literature

Submission Guidelines:

The proposed chapters must be authentic and not previously published. The chapter length should span between 5,000 to 8,000 words (including references), utilizing Times New Roman font size 12 with double spacing in between lines. References and citations should follow the MLA Handbook's guidelines (9th Edition) without incorporating any footnotes but instead containing end notes. A statement declaring that the work is an original piece that has not been published elsewhere or is under consideration for publication must be included.

Additionally, an abstract of no more than 500 words with five keywords should be provided alongside a short biographical note about the contributor/s indicating their name(s), institutional affiliation(s), brief career history, postal address(es), contact address(es) (both personal and office), and email id as a single attachment.

Kindly forward submissions to editorwomenlit2024@gmail.com

Important Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: 05 January, 2024

Notification of Acceptance: 10 January, 2024

Full Chapter Submission Deadline: 1st February, 2024

Anticipated Publication: 15 March, 2024

Editorial Team:

Nadeem Jahangir Bhat

Assistant Professor

University of Kashmir

Hazratbal Srinagar-190006

Jammu and Kashmir

nadeem8384@gmail.com

Dr Shabina Fatima

Assistant Professor

Government College Khaniyadhana,

Shivpuri, MP – 473990

shabinafatima84@gmail.com

About the Publisher:

The book will be published by a reputed publisher known for its commitment to scholarly excellence and contributions to the field of literature.

Note: Each contributor will get a copy of the book at nominal cost. No other charges will be applied.

We look forward to receiving your insightful contributions that will contribute to a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic relationship between women and literature.

CFP: Exploring the #Anthropocene in #Literature-2024- SCS COLLEGE, PURI, ODISHA, INDIA

 

The Anthropocene refers to a proposed epoch that recognizes the significant and lasting impact of human activities on the Earth's geology and ecosystems. This concept has gained prominence in discussions about environmental change and serves as a framework for understanding the profound alterations humans have made to the planet. Postcolonial perspectives often highlight the role of colonial powers in exploiting natural resources from colonized territories. The Anthropocene can be seen as an extension of this historical exploitation, with the environmental consequences affecting not only the colonized regions but the entire planet. Postcolonial discussions emphasize the disproportionate impact of environmental changes on marginalized communities, particularly those in the Global South. Climate fiction within this context may explore how vulnerable populations bear the brunt of ecological disruptions caused by human activities.

Postcolonial thinkers often explore the concept of hybridity, wherein cultural and ecological systems blend and adapt. Climate fiction set in the Anthropocene could envision new hybrid ecosystems and cultures emerging as a response to environmental challenges. Climate fiction within a postcolonial framework may also depict narratives of resistance and decolonization, where communities strive to regain control over their environments and challenge the systems that perpetuate ecological exploitation. Postcolonial perspectives will help to examine how historical global power structures contribute to the environmental issues and how collaborative efforts are needed for sustainable futures.

Climate fiction, as a genre, allows authors to speculate on future scenarios shaped by climate change. In the context of postcolonial discourses, these narratives can serve as a platform for envisioning alternative futures and challenging existing power dynamics. Both postcolonial discourses and climate fiction can recognize the intersectionality of environmental issues, considering how factors such as race, class, and gender intersect with ecological challenges in the Anthropocene. In exploring the Anthropocene through postcolonial discourses and climate fiction, it's essential to consider the diverse perspectives and voices that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between human activities, historical legacies, and the environment.

When exploring the Anthropocene within postcolonial discourses and climate fiction, several sub themes emerge. We invite scholars to submit abstracts/paper proposals that addresses the following (but not limited to) issues contextualised in the narratives and discourses:

Climate Change Narratives and the Reader

Climate change narratives within a postcolonial framework often highlight the role of colonial histories in shaping environmental degradation. Readers need to engage with narratives that explore how past exploitation continues to impact vulnerable communities, contributing to a broader understanding of environmental injustice. Readers, particularly those from more privileged backgrounds, need to recognize their own positionality and engage empathetically with characters and communities affected by climate change in postcolonial narratives. This encourages a deeper understanding of the intersecting issues of climate justice and social inequality.

Postcolonialism and Ecojustice

The intersection of postcolonialism and ecojustice involves exploring how colonial histories, structures, and power dynamics contribute to environmental injustices and how postcolonial perspectives can inform efforts toward a more equitable and sustainable world. Ecojustice discussions within this framework delve into how colonial practices, such as resource extraction and land dispossession, have lasting ecological consequences, leading to environmental degradation and imbalances. The intersection of postcolonialism and ecojustice offers a critical lens to examine and address environmental injustices rooted in colonial histories

Intersection Of Gender, Class and Ethnicity and the Anthropocene

The intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity within the Anthropocene involves examining how environmental changes, human activities, and the impacts of climate change intersect with and exacerbate existing social inequalities. The Anthropocene, marked by significant human-induced environmental changes, disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Exploring the intersection of gender, class, and ethnicity within the Anthropocene is essential for understanding how environmental changes interact with existing social structures and inequalities.

Ecological Language for Sustainability

In a postcolonial framework, adopting ecological language for sustainability involves recognizing the importance of diverse cultural perspectives, respecting traditional ecological knowledge, and challenging colonial legacies that contribute to environmental degradation. Using ecological language that aligns with postcolonial principles ensures a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to sustainability.

Role of History in Promoting Sustainability

History plays a multifaceted role in promoting sustainability by offering valuable insights, guiding decision-making, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of human societies and the environment. Examining historical practices can reveal sustainable traditions and lifestyles that were in harmony with the environment. Incorporating these practices into contemporary approaches fosters a connection with nature and promotes sustainable living.

AI And Bioethics

Stories often depict complex relationships between humans and AI entities. Ethical questions arise about the rights and treatment of these artificial beings, exploring themes of empathy, exploitation, and the blurring of the line between the artificial and the human. AI and bioethics in literature raise profound existential questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human. Narratives explore the ethical considerations of using AI and biotechnology in medical contexts, including genetic engineering, personalized medicine, and the implications of manipulating the human genome.

The Anthropocene and The Posthuman Condition

As humans alter the planet on a global scale, the concept of the posthuman condition explores how evolving technologies, environmental changes, and societal shifts shape the future of humanity. The integration of AI into daily life prompts reflections on human identity, consciousness, and the implications of coexisting with intelligent machines. The posthuman condition explores developments such as bioengineering, genetic modifications, and the integration of digital technologies into the human body, leading to new forms of existence.

Representation of Natural Spaces and Landscapes

 

Postcolonial literature may explore how cultural ecologies and the meaning of landscapes are shaped by colonial histories. The representation of natural spaces might delve into the ways in which cultural identities and connections to the land are impacted by colonial interventions.Narratives within a postcolonial framework may address the displacement and loss of land experienced by indigenous and local communities. Discussions about restoration and conservation can be framed within the context of reclaiming or preserving indigenous and local ecological knowledge.

Important Information:

Last date for receiving abstracts within 250-300 words with 4-5 keywords: 20.12.2023 

Information about acceptance of abstracts: 22.12.2023

Last Date for Full Papers(2500-3500 words): 31.12.2023

Submission must be made only in MS Word Document attached to the email.

MLA 9th Edition must be followed strictly for in-text citation and Documentation.

Selected Papers will be peer reviewed and published in the Conference Proceedings bearing ISBN Number.

 

Registration details:

All co-authors should register as delegates.

Last date for Registration: 01.01.2024

Registration Fee: 1500 INR

(Registration fees entitles you for a Conference Kit, Tea & Snacks, Two working lunches

No TA/DA or Accommodation will be provided

Research Scholar: Rs1200/-

Kindly send abstracts to and seek information from: engdept.scs@gmail.com

 contact email: 

engdept.scs@gmail.com

Patron

Prof. Mihir Prasad Mishra, Principal

Convenor

Smt. Sasmita Pramanik, H.O.D. English

Co-Convenor

Dr Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, Asst. Prof of English

CFP: International #Conference on The Future of #Masculinities: #Theory and #Praxis-#IIT #Dhanbad- June 2024

 CFP: THE FUTURE OF MASCULINITIES: THEORY & PRAXIS

 

 “Masculinities” refers to the numerous and diverse ways that masculinity is expressed and experienced in various cultural, social, and geographic contexts, as well as the ways it is created, enacted, and understood in response to shifting social, cultural, and economic factors. However, the notion of masculinity is dramatically altering as society drastically alters gender roles, expectations, and standards. The traditional idea of masculinity—one that is marked by traits like stoicism, dominance, and emotional restraint—has been challenged and deconstructed more and more recently. The increased awareness of the negative aspects of traditional masculinity has brought forth a major push for more inclusive and varied definitions of masculinity that accommodate a wider range of gender expressions and behaviours. Moreover, the advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment will have a major impact on future masculinities. Today the inflexible conceptions of traditional masculinity are being challenged as more and more women achieve success and shatter stereotypes in industries that have traditionally been controlled by men, for instance, mining. In an effort to disprove the idea that men should only be providers and breadwinners, men are taking up roles as nurturers, carers, and partners in domestic activities.

Next, the debate of masculinity has intensified as a result of the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. Men of all sexual orientations and gender identities are paving the way for more flexible and inclusive ideas of what it means to be a man by challenging conventional norms and embracing their actual masculinity and displaying it in ways that are congruent with their unique traits.

Furthermore, emotional and mental health of individuals are being reevaluated as the world evolves, which has a significant impact on masculinities. Men are urged to communicate their emotions honestly, cultivate emotional intelligence, and seek treatment for mental health issues. This defies the idea that being vulnerable indicates weakness and fosters more robust, rounded male emotions. In the future, it is likely that we will continue to see the diversification and redefinition of masculinities. Men will have more freedom to express their gender identity and personal preferences without conforming to rigid stereotypes. This evolution may lead to a society where individuals are judged based on their character and values rather than their adherence to traditional gender roles. However, challenges remain: the pressure to conform to traditional masculinity still exists in many parts of the world, and gender inequality persists in various forms. Thus efforts to redefine masculinity must continue to address these issues and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

The future of masculinities in a changing world is a complex and dynamic subject with numerous cultural, social, and psychological facets. The future of masculinities in a changing world will be defined by a shift away from rigid, traditional norms and towards more inclusive, diverse, and emotionally conscious representations of masculinity. As society continues to evolve, so too will our understanding of gender and the roles and expectations associated with it. The way forward involves challenging harmful stereotypes, advancing gender equality, and fostering a society where men can authentically express their masculinity while respecting the autonomy and diversity of others.

This proposed book volume will examine the debates surrounding masculinities in both the global north and south. It is crucial to examine the scattered hegemonies/ masculinities because the historical world-system is rife with injustices, racism, and colonialism, and because discourses on masculinities that focus on the global north and south fall short in addressing the complexities of masculinities. This book volume will investigate the prominent masculinity constructs of the global north and the south in order to understand how feminism, globalisation, and shifting gender roles have affected masculinities currently and speculate on where masculinities may go in the future. We invite articles that broaden perspectives on the future of masculinities in a changing world. The topics may cover, but are not limited to:

• Masculinity as a concept

• Masculinity vs. biological maleness

• Being a man: a way of life/ a cause/ an idea

• Construction of masculinity/ies in global north & global south

• Impact of colonialism, post-colonialism, cultural diversity, globalization, feminism, and changing gender norms on masculinities

• Masculinities under nationalism

• Case studies from specific regions illustrating shifts in masculinities

• Masculinities & the intersections of race, caste, class, religion, and other factors

• Implications of scattered masculinities for gender equality and social justice

• Inclusive and positive masculinities: role of education, media, and advocacy in reshaping masculinity norms

• Male violence or masculine violence

• Masculinities & Environment

• Female masculinity

• Future masculinities: evolving gender norms & diversity of identities

Deadline for proposals: February 10, 2024

This call for papers is open to scholars, graduate students, and independent researchers from all disciplines. Original submissions reflecting the global spectrum of masculinities are encouraged.

Send a 200 word maximum abstract of your theoretical or empirical research along with a short biographical note to the editors by February 10, 2024. A paper that has been published previously may not be included.

For further questions or to submit your proposal, you can email Debapriya Ganguly (debopriyaganguly6@gmail.com).

Selected abstracts will be notified by the end of February 2024. The deadline for full submissions (6000– 8000 words) is June 2024. The style guide and additional information will be emailed individually to the contributors.

Selected papers (subject to double blind peer review) may appear in an edited volume with a reputed international press.

Editors

Rajni Singh is Professor of English at the Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Dhanbad. Rajni’s research focuses on women’s writings and gender studies, with particular interests in histories of gender, sexuality, and selfhood. rajnisingh18@iitism.ac.in

Debapriya Ganguly is a Doctoral researcher at the Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Dhanbad. Debapriya’s research focuses on masculinities, sexualities and selfhood in popular culture. debopriyaganguly6@gmail.com

Call for Papers | 11th Annual Conference on Comparative Equality and Anti-Discrimination- 2024-National Law University Bangalore

 

The National Law School of India University and Oxford Human Rights Hub are jointly hosting the 11TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 of the Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality and Anti-Discrimination at the NLS campus in Bengaluru from 26th to 28th July 2024.  The conference in Bengaluru builds upon the past success of BCCE’s annual conference which in the past has been held in:

• Paris (Sciences-Po 2012)
• California (Berkeley Law 2013)
• Brussels (Université Libre de Bruxelles 2014)
• Shanghai (Jiao Tong University 2016)
• Dublin (Trinity College 2017)
• Melbourne (Melbourne Law School 2018)
• Stockholm (University of Stockholm 2019)
• Cape Town (University of Cape Town 2021)
• Hong Kong (University of Hong Kong 2022)
• Netherlands (Utrecht University 2023).

Is There Hope for Equality Law?

After 10 successful iterations, as the conference travels to South Asia this year, we ask: is there hope for equality law? Inaugurating the global decolonial moment, the nations of the subcontinent constituted themselves into new republics with a lot of optimism and creative energy expended in reimagining and setting up just and fair societies. Giving shape and form to the principle of equality in political, economic and social lives was foremost in their agenda. But today, in the twenty-first century, there are growing concerns in this region, as there are all over the world, about the rise of inequality.

In the recent past, we have witnessed the growing awareness of different conceptions of equality, including substantive and transformative equality, systemic and structural inequality, indirect and effects-based discrimination which have made it possible to respond not only to intentional harms but to institutional harms as well. There has also been an expansion in the canon of identity characteristics protected under equality law. Yet, despite these gains and the centrality of equality to the political and legal order of so many countries, stakeholders around the world are questioning whether the legal right to equality is capable of addressing current inequalities. There are concerns that equality law is not up to the challenges of the climate crisis; ever-increasing wealth and income inequality; with the ever-widening disparities in access to rights and justice on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex and disability; tax injustice; growing informal work, the demonization of migration, the decay of democratic institutions, the power of multi-nationals, or the rise of artificial intelligence. This conference asks the bold question: In light of the doubts on the relevance of equality, is there hope for equality law?

The aim of the conference is to explore whether and how equality law can take the next step forward and offer insights and remedies to contemporary global challenges. Scholars and activists have used equality law to diagnose how laws, policies and programmes have created or enhanced poverty, disadvantage, stereotypes, stigmas, prejudice, oppression, and social exclusion. These laws, policies and programmes have been challenged in domestic, regional, and international courts and decision-making bodies. Although equality law has at best had a mixed record of success and failure, does it still have any untapped promise and potential to ensure that the world is fairer and more just for all peoples? While recognising the severity of current challenges, this conference seeks to explore whether and how equality law can develop to tackle the problems of today and of the future. It aims to bring together leading scholars to consider not only how foundational concepts may be re-thought and reimagined but also how theory and doctrine may evolve in a dynamic and transformative manner to realize the hope of equality law.

We are seeking paper proposals that address the broad questions posed by the conference. We encourage proposals to explore the following concepts and questions:

• the tension between equality and other foundational values such as liberty or other ideologies such as neoliberalism or neocolonialism
• the debates on the aims of equality law, such as debates on redistribution and recognition
• the role of affirmative action in redressing equality harms
• the role of proactive powers and duties
• the role of intersectionality in addressing systemic exploitation and oppression
• the challenges of achieving equality in specific fields of life such as:
   race, religion, caste, class and age discrimination (as illustration)
  informal employment and lack of social protection
  land, water and material resources
  Indigenous rights
  language, cultural and ways of life
  decolonization;
  o disability and ableism
  o wealth and tax inequality
  o family, public life and gender
  o AI and technology
  o citizenship, migration and statelessness
  o climate crisis
  o violence
• the impact of social justice movements on equality law
• the relationship of equality law with rising authoritarianism and democratic decay
• equality and international law

Instructions for submission

We invite submissions for individual presentations as well as panel proposals on the theme of the conference. We also encourage authors of recent monographs and edited collections to submit proposals to have panel discussions of their recent scholarship on the hope of equality law. We encourage submissions from scholars at all stages of their career. We also welcome a wide range of approaches and perspectives including normative, doctrinal, critical and interdisciplinary. Submissions are invited from scholars working in law and allied disciplines of social sciences and humanities.

Abstracts should not exceed 500 words and clearly indicate how your paper fits the theme of the conference, the objectives of the paper and its methodology. Please include a brief biography of maximum 100 words which is suitable for publication on the conference website, including affiliation, your email-address and a link to online bio, if available. Panel submissions should include a title and an abstract for the entire panel as well as titles, abstracts, and author information for all papers. Each panel should contain between three and four papers. The panel can be submitted by any of the authors.

Timeline

• Abstracts are due 1 December 2023.
• The abstracts will be reviewed, and invitations will be sent in February 2024.
• Full papers or presentations will be due on 1 July 2024 from authors whose abstracts are selected. Full papers will be made available to the participants of the conference. Subject to prior approval from authors, their papers and presentations may be posted on the conference website.

Finances

The conference organizers strive to keep the conference fee as low as possible. The fee will likely consist of 400 USD for participants outside India and INR 6000 for persons from India. The conference organizers can regrettably not cover travel and accommodation. Fee waiver may be considered subject to availability of funds. Those wishing to apply for it are required to submit a statement indicating why they require a full or partial waiver.

Contact Us

Please send the abstract and any queries relating to the conference to oxfordhumanrightshub@law.ox.ac.uk