Human and Health Sciences

Understanding the Social World
Conference 2011

13-15 July 2011

What are the key social issues of our time?  Is the social world in crisis?

Keynote speakers:

Professor Mary Maynard

Professor Michael Murray

Professor Jon Tonge

Professor Gill Valentine

We are pleased to announce that as part of the conference programme we will be showing two documentaries about prejudice and sport

The social sciences are at an important juncture, set within the context of international financial upheaval and retrenchment.  Social scientists are uniquely placed to analyse the current reconfiguration of relationships between the state, the public sector and the individual. Addressing the key social issues of our time requires an interdisciplinary approach, one which reflects critically on our role as social scientists, and on the conditions which structure our work.  It is in the spirit of proactive engagement with challenging times that the Centre for Research in the Social Sciences will be holding the new ‘Understanding the Social World’ conference.

The conference builds on the success of previous Understanding the Social World conferences held in 1995 and 2001, which supported the development of critical interdisciplinary scholarship.

The conference will provide a forum for critical thinking across a range of disciplines, with a view to informing the development of the Social Sciences over the coming period.

Convenors: Professor Jim McAuley and Dr Sharon Wray.

We have invited contributions that speak to the following indicative themes:

• The Social Sciences in crisis
• Identities and social change
• Conflict transformations
• (Inter) nationalism
• Social movements
• Sexualities and Genders
• Crime
• Religion and secularism
• Health and (dis)ability
• Methodology

We have already made initial enquiries about publishing key papers from the conference. Please let us know if you would potentially like to be involved.

Registration and fees

The Understanding the Social World conference registration fee includes the conference dinner and entertainment, which will take place on the evening of the 14th July.

• The ordinary registration fee is £300, payable by 30 June 2011
• Student delegates will be welcomed warmly and we are able to offer a reduced registration fee of £200, payable by 30 June 2011
• We are able to provide day rates for student delegates and ordinary delegates - Please see Secure online payment facility for details
• Secure online payment facility
• Accommodation can also be booked via online payment facility

Local attractions

Huddersfield is located close to some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. In addition, there is a wealth of fascinating industrial heritage for visitors to explore. Some useful websites are listed below.

• Visit Yorkshire website
• Visit the Peak District website
• Kirklees Council Visitors' Guide
• Our campus and town maps