Building Futures: Sociology in the Public Sphere
APS 2027 –14th Portuguese Congress of Sociology
Faculty of Economics, University of the Algarve
Gambelas Campus Educational Complex, Faro – Portugal
22–25 March 2027
Call for Papers
We live in a context marked by various interconnected crises – environmental, health, economic, geopolitical, and crises of trust in science and institutions – by the worsening of various forms of inequality and vulnerability, by rapid and profound technological transformations, and by political tensions and populism that call into question the functioning of democracies. Against this backdrop, Sociology has been challenged to renew its role in the production of socially relevant knowledge and its presence in the public sphere.
It is true that Sociology possesses the theoretical and methodological tools necessary to understand the dynamics at play. However, sociology is also called upon today to ensure that the knowledge it produces has an impact on the public sphere and acts as an agent of social transformation. It is therefore pertinent to reflect on processes of co-creation of sociological knowledge that involve citizens and other fields of knowledge in dynamics of social change and the collective co-construction of fairer, more sustainable and democratic futures.
The 14th Portuguese Congress of Sociology, under the theme Futures Under Construction: Sociology in the Public Sphere, thus presents itself as a forum for reflection on the ways in which sociological knowledge is produced, circulated and utilised within society. It also seeks to discuss the contribution of sociology to the quality of public debate, to the underpinning of public policy, and to the strengthening of democratic life. Beyond the scientific understanding of major contemporary challenges, it proposes to debate the role of sociology as a field of knowledge for collectively imagining and constructing alternative futures.
The University of the Algarve, located in Faro, in southern Portugal, offers a particularly inspiring setting for this special gathering of the sociological and social sciences community. In a region marked by cultural and natural diversity, participants will have the opportunity to strengthen collaborative networks, exchange perspectives and deepen interdisciplinary dialogue and critical reflection on the role of sociology in the public sphere, not only in the context of Portuguese society but also of societies located in other parts of the globe.
With this in mind, the Portuguese Sociological Association and the University of the Algarve invite sociologists, colleagues from the social sciences, students and professionals from various fields to submit their abstract proposals for this academic conference on the conference website by 22 June 2026. We welcome proposals in Portuguese, English, Spanish or French, presenting the results of empirical research, theoretical or methodological contributions, as well as professional reflections and interdisciplinary approaches, within the scope of our thematic areas and sections.
Come and take part in this vibrant space for debate and the collective co-construction of sociological knowledge and imagination!