******************************************************
* http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
* A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
* online discussions, teaching and research resources *
* and international contacts directory. *
******************************************************
CALL FOR PAPERS
Conference
"Friends, Patrons, Followers
Practices, discourses and semantics of friendship and patronage in
historical, anthropological and cross-cultural perspectives"
Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, July 23-25, 2009
In recent years, cross-disciplinary research on interpersonal relations that
go beyond the contexts of family and kinship has attracted increasing
attention. However, existing research on these topics still lacks in-depth
studies that consider the social, political and cross-cultural aspects of
friendship and patronage. More precisely, a systematic analysis of the
various notions of symmetrical and asymmetrical ties and their connection to
discourses on actual interpersonal relationships appears to be promising.
Relationships like friendship, patronage and other allegiance networks are
variations of social bonds and the results of different historical contexts
as well as different cultural backgrounds. Their continuing existence over
time and across cultural boundaries makes them an interesting, yet
underrepresented subject for cross-disciplinary research.
Accordingly, the conference will be guided by questions regarding changing
friendship semantics, the historical and (cross)cultural and/or political
practices of friendship, patronage, and loyalty. Of particular relevance
here are critical discussions and re-evaluations of values and norms, which,
for example, constitute friendship in different cultures and historical
periods, as are the specific social circumstances that give rise to these
interpersonal relations.
To arrive at a wider analysis of social discourse, reflections on topics
like the constitution and representation of gender and body or the emergence
of trust and betrayal are also of interest. In addition, contributions
dealing with the perceptions of these relationships in a given society or
historical context, or a political or economic environment in general, are
encouraged.
The upcoming conference aims at bringing together scholars with an expertise
in interpersonal relationships, in particular, friendship, patronage,
revenge, and corruption. The PhD research group Friends, Patrons, Followers
at Freiburg University will contribute to the conference programme by
presenting results of completed research projects.
(www.grk-freundschaft.uni-freiburg.de)
We invite papers which may provide starting points for a dialogue across
disciplines on these matters. The following panels are planned:
- boundaries and trangressions: end of friendship/friendship and enmity,
vengeance
and rituals, friendship and sexual/romantic relationships, dynamics in
friendship
- practices of friendship: new forms, role of (new) media, friendship in
politics/groups/
cross-cultural contexts
- meaning and concepts of friendship: semantics, discourses, norms
- patronage: corruption, networks, hierarchy
The conference language is English, in particular cases papers in German can
be accepted. We especially welcome interdisciplinary contributions from
history, anthropology, literature studies, political sciences, gender
studies, philosophy, and economics. The publication of the conference papers
is currently planned. Accommodation will be provided and travel expenses
reimbursed for participants presenting papers. Please submit an abstract of
250-300 words in English and a short CV including publications until
December 5, 2008 to:
Eric Anton Heuser
PhD research group
Friends, Patrons, Followers
University of Freiburg
[log in to unmask]
Caroline Krüger
PhD research group
Friends, Patrons, Followers
University of Freiburg
[log in to unmask]
*************************************************************
* Anthropology-Matters Mailing List *
* To join this list or to look at the archived previous *
* messages visit: *
* http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/Anthropology-Matters.HTML *
* If you have ALREADY subscribed: to send a message to all *
* those currently subscribed to the list,just send mail to: *
* [log in to unmask] *
* *
* Enjoyed the mailing list? Why not join the new *
* CONTACTS SECTION @ www.anthropologymatters.com *
* an international directory of anthropology researchers *
***************************************************************
|