Global transformations and local mobility

Dates of the conference
25th, 26th and 27th of March 2011.
Venue
LUMS, Lahore, Pakistan

The lived experience within a global society though not recent is a dynamic field with constantly emerging discourses and methodologies of understanding.  The primary aim of this conference is to come to a synergistic understanding of the theories developed around the idea of globalisation and the impact this phenomenon has had on communities around the world. Of particular concern are issues related to the experiences and dilemmas created within a global context. How have macro level flows of capital and production, of skills and labour, and of ideas and ideologies impacted upon the decision making capabilities of national and international level actors? How do the financial and political institutions of the state respond to changes in the processes and mechanisms of governance?  What are the human consequences of such macro level changes in terms of the lived reality of individuals and civic engagement at the local level? With new areas of difference and cooperation emerging constantly it is vitally important to create a platform for the exchange of ideas which is based on a theoretically reflexive understanding of emerging global themes and social transformations.
Pakistan with its geopolitical significance in the War on Terror; with migrant communities in most parts of the developed world; with new political and social structures being formulated and created in different global and local contexts seems to be an ideal place for such an exchange.
The conference brings together early career and established researchers from across the humanities and social sciences for a scholarly exchange of ideas and a platform for debate. We hope to facilitate innovative and challenging discussions from a multiplicity of perspectives at the interface of disciplines in order to push the frontiers of critical thinking in academia and develop new methodologies of understanding. Theoretical and empirical papers are welcome to interrogate contemporary economic, political and cultural debates. The annual HSS conference is both a unique and ideal arena in which to facilitate intellectual enterprise and cooperation with experts from around the world. While there is an established tradition of global exchanges at governmental and organisational levels within Pakistan we feel that academic exchanges are not as well established. We hope to bridge this gap and create new academic links that can be sustained beyond this conference.
Below we have suggested some areas of importance with regard to the conference theme. However this list is not exhaustive and we welcome suggestions based on your area of expertise.

National and transnational borders and boundaries:
• Financial flows: the international political economy
• Processes of production and transportation
• Traditional and modern societies: continuity and change
• Social media and mobilisations
• The state and transnationalism
• Migration flows
• Beyond conflict
Communities and civil society:
• Emerging repertoires of political activism
• Multiculturalism and identities
• Politics and aesthetics
• Postmodern cities
• Social movements
• Religion and heritage
Individuals and lived experience:
• Diasporas in the homeland
• Framing of identities and notions of self
• Agency and political will
• Cultural conceptualisations of time and space
• Cultures and belonging
• Myth making, nostalgia and the state
Conference organisers: Dr. Parveen Akhtar: parveen.akhtar@gmail.com; Lamia Irfan: lamia.irfan@lums.edu.pk
Abstract submission to: ssconference.lums@gmail.com
Dates of submission of abstract: 5th of September 2010.
Announcement of participants: 1st November 2010.
Please send confirmation of participation to the following address:ssconference.lums@gmail.com