* Apologies for cross posting *
Call for papers:
Special Edition – Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events:
Equality and Diversity in the Professional Events Sector.
Following
the recent Contemporary Policy Debate paper written by Rhodri Thomas in
this journal, this special edition will build on the concerns raised in
order to develop an on-going debate on policies around of equality and
diversity across the events sector. Whilst Thomas (2016) points out
positive changes and initiatives, it remains, white men dominate the
sector, visually at least, at high profile events and in industry
publications. It is also becoming increasingly evident via social media
platforms that there is discomfort around the prominence of all male
panels and conferences whether academic or corporate, with the website http://allmalepanels.tumblr.com/
documenting this. Further, the recent report on the gender pay-gap from
the Institute for Fiscal Studies further illustrates the timeliness of
such a special edition within a policy-focused journal of this nature.
There has also been a clear lack of consideration of policy-making
within the examination of the professional events sector on diversity
beyond just gender with questions of ethnicity, disability (Darcy, 2012)
and sexuality receiving limited attention.
Policy-makers
and organisations in the planned events sector need to consider how
equality and diversity is managed across the sector as a legal and moral
imperative. We, as social scientists, have a responsibility to inform
such thinking and contribute to positive social change. There is an
expectation that tourism, leisure and events organisations, management
professionals and public bodies have a responsibility not only to
support equality endeavours, but also to promote diversity within their
own organisations as well as appeal to diverse audiences and
communities. Along with analyses of mega-event contexts, there is also
scope to focus more locally and examine how policies related to equality
and diversity processes are affecting the events landscape. It is
expected that a special issue highlighting policy research undertaken in
this area will contribute to knowledge in understanding the ways in
which events-related equality and diversity policies have an impact on
people and places. It also has the potential to further discourses
related to power relations, sites of challenge and resistance, and
models of best practice. A question remains whether our events
programmes represent diversity in their student bodies and academic
staff, as well as in what we deliver in the curriculum.
Diversity
is a global issue and the perspectives from different nations would
enhance debate and discussion; therefore, submissions from non-UK based
scholars is encouraged. The sector is growing in emerging markets, and
these locations need to be examined within this special issue. Equality
and diversity issues are not subjects which only pertain to a particular
country or region; rather, they incorporate ethical ideals and provide
platforms for understanding complex cultural processes with which the
international academic community already engage on multiple levels.
Papers in this edition will help to inform research and teaching, as
more and more institutions are focusing on these subjects to foster
internationally-focused and socially responsible graduates.
Indicative areas could include:
• Policy and governance around equality and diversity, especially in events, tourism and leisure contexts
• Performance management and career development in events environments
• Experiences of the workforce within the planned events sector
• The role of events management education with regard to equality and diversity issues
• Equality and diversity challenges/best cases with regard to
stakeholders and actors as well as diverse audiences and communities in
planned events
• Media representation of equality and diversity in planned events
• Issue of identity and participation in planned events
• Research methods and methodologies for studying equality and diversity, especially in events, tourism and leisure fields
• The lived experience of equality and diversity issues in events landscapes
• Future for equality and diversity in events education/industry
Both empirical and conceptual submissions are welcomed.
Please submit a 250 word abstract to Louise Platt at [log in to unmask] by
5th December 2016.
Full timetable
Abstracts due 5th December 2016
Decision by 16th December 2016
Full papers for review by 19th May 2017
Amendments if required by August 2017 latest
Aim for publication Autumn 2017
NB: Acceptance of abstracts does not guarantee publication and papers can be rejected at reviewing stage.