[Discussion] CONF./CFP- Aspects of Social Transformations, ESA RS, Sept. 2005, Poland

[Sule Tarakcioglu]

CONF./CFP- Aspects of Social Transformations, ESA RS, Sept. 2005, Poland

Call for Papers

'Behind the Scenes' Aspects of Social Transformations:
Hidden Actors and Factors

(A Research Stream)

The 7th Conference of the European Sociological Association
Torun, Poland, 9 - 12 September 2005

The post-communist countries systemic transformations, combined with
globalization, provide a fertile ground for a rapid but often hidden
change of the established rules of the game. These processes constitute
a natural environment for diverse behind-the-scenes (BTS) activities by
actors, who seek to promote their particular interests. Various interest
groups engage routinely in illegal activities, contributing to the
creation of a gray zone of democracy. Those intricate 'behind the
scenes' activities in the context of a rapid system makeover are among
the major causes of an acute crisis of democratic institutions in
transitional societies.

The problems we would like address during our sessions include the
following:

1. The influence of BTS activities on the privatization processes

2. BTS issues in the modern economy, including corporate crime,
lawlessness of transnational corporations, price collusion and criminal
cartels

3. Intelligence services as one of the key actors of political
transformation in post-communist states

4. BTS issues in local and global politics

5. BTS undercurrents in globalization processes

6. The impact of BTS interest groups on technological change

7. The role of BTS activities in the area of research and development (R&D)

8. BTS aspects of dealing with risk

9. Theoretical foundations for a sociology of BTS phenomena

10. Methodology of BTS research

While it is possible to find some economic, legal and criminological
studies related to the above listed issues, there is virtually no
relevant research of a sociological nature. Even when sociologists are
aware of these problems and talk about them in their everyday-life
conversations, they seem to steer clear of this topic in their
professional capacity. As a result, a crucial layer of social reality
still awaits a systematic sociological exploration. It seems that some
invisible barriers psychological, methodological, ontological, etc keep
sociologists from investigating BTS phenomena. Our research stream might
create an opportunity to question and surmount some of these barriers
and start the work on viable theoretical approaches and methodological
tools. The focus of this research stream will offer scholars an
opportunity to meet and lay the groundwork for a new field of inquiry.
Its importance will extend far beyond post communist or transitional
societies.

There will be a maximum of 8 paper sessions, each of 2 hours duration.
About 3-4 papers will be presented in each session.

Proposals should be submitted before February 15, 2005. Please email a
200-word abstract in English to Ms Joanna Szalacha (joasza@tlen.pl) or
to Mr Piotr Stankiewicz (piotrek@umk.pl). Make sure to include the title
of the paper, the name(s) of the author(s), and institutional
affiliation (both university and department), mailing address, email
address, fax and phone number. Decisions concerning submitted abstracts
will be communicated byMarch 31, 2005.

PLEASE NOTE that according to the ESA guidelines for this conference,
abstracts should not exceed 200 words and individuals should not deliver
more than one paper at the ESA conference. Moreover, abstracts should
only be sent to the above address and not to the Local Organization
Committee in Torun.

For more information about the ESA conference, visit
www.7thESAconference.umk.pl/index1.html

Research Stream co-ordinator:

Andrzej Zybertowicz
Institute Director
Institute of Sociology, Nicolaus Copernicus University
Fosa Staromiejska 1a
87-100 Torun
Poland
Tel: +48 56 611 3635
Fax: +48 56 622 4765



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