ESA RN27 Midterm Conference
Chania (Crete) Greece, 3-6 September 2025
Organizer
Harokopio University of Athens (Greece), Department of Geography
With the support of:
Hellenic Sociological Association (HSS)
Venue
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh), Chania (Crete), Greece
Call for papers
The consolidation of the EU economy and the forces of globalization, which affect the quality of life and well-being of individuals and social groups, are leading to continuous transformation of European cities and regions. Current challenges related to growing inequalities, migration flows, the climate and energy crisis, and populist and right-wing politics have led to cumulative uncertainty. In this context, the general democratic demands for social inclusion, belonging, and social justice are being questioned by large sections of society and fought against in the name of social cohesion, localism/parochialism, and the defense of the market economy.
Southern European societies, faced with polycrises and the effects of austerity policies, are struggling with greater social fragmentation and a decline in their welfare policies. The previous socio-political processes that favoured social inclusion, belonging and justice are weakened under the threat of permanent uncertainty perpetuated by macroeconomic, geopolitical, and environmental conditions.
The conference welcomes theoretical and empirical research that addresses key issues affecting different countries, regions, places, social groups, ethnic groups or other categories. Topics may concern old and new challenges, which will be discussed using different theoretical or methodological tools with an emphasis on quantitative or qualitative data. Contributions from sociologists and social scientists are welcome, as are contributions based on interdisciplinary perspectives on the topics discussed at this conference. Papers with a comparative focus are particularly encouraged, as are targeted studies at different spatial scales that examine different aspects of social inclusion, belonging, and justice.
The conference welcomes the participation of researchers and academics from neighbouring countries working on common themes, especially from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and other regions of Europe. Some indicative topics are the following:
– Welfare policies and provision of social services
– Poverty and social inequalities
– Social resilience
– Governance and social participation
– Citizenship and social exclusion
– Demography and population movements
– Labour market, employment and unemployment
– Precarity, seasonal employment and deskilling
– Migrations, mobilities, and new residents
– Digital transformation and digital skills
– Platform economy
– Housing, social segregation and living conditions
– Home and belonging
– Gender inequalities and identities
– Ethnic groups, ethnicities and minorities
– Criminality, social stigmatization, and marginalization
– Climate crisis and sustainability
– Placed-based policies
– Regional identity and regionalism
– Social impact of public policies
– Education and educational inequalities
– Health and health inequalities
Abstract
Send your abstract, of a maximum of 250 words, to: Conf2025.RN27@gmail.com. Please, indicate name, surname, affiliation, and email address.
For any questions please don’t hesitate to email to: apospapa@hua.gr
Key dates
Abstract submission deadline: 25th April 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 12th May 2025
Early Bird Registration: Before 4th July 2025
Late Registration: After 4th July 2025
Program publication: 1st August 2025
More details will be shared with the notification of paper acceptance.
More information HERE!