Third ISA Forum of Sociology (July 10-14, 2016)

Framing Discourses, Action and Collective Imaginaries about Environmental Issues

Abstract Submissions Closed

WG03 Visual Sociology (host committee)
RC24 Environment and Society

Language: English

This joint session has two intentions. Firstly it aims to reflect on the augmented visibility of global and local environmental issues; and secondly, to consider how  representations about the management of cultural heritage and natural resources (past, present and future) shape lifestyles, visions of the future and collective imaginaries about the relationship between Nature and Society. 
These issues are narratively framed and knowledge is visually created and diffused, by individuals and collectives, as well as by institutions, media and NGOs. This offers a crucial viewpoint through which to observe, reflect and comment on the values that are shaping our visualscapes and guiding social development. 
Research and policy on these issues require comparative analysis and systemic thinking that challenges disciplinary, sectorial and methodological boundaries. Panelists are encouraged to submit interdisciplinary and multimedia papers focusing on any of the following topics:

• The ways in which human societies handle environmental problems, risks and conflicts, including how meanings and knowledge are visually constructed (and enacted).
• How representations and imaginaries convey meaning in forms that permeate the scientific debate and public discourse. This includes how we visually foster (or not) certain attitudes towards nature and socio-cultural change: e.g. popular culture, art practices, science and literatura.
• The leverages and barriers to the introduction of new categories, theoretical frames and paradigms (e.g. sustainability, complexity, etc.) and which are the tools and approaches that can better support policy making and citizen engagement and participation, with a special focus on the role of the visual.