5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Does the race and ethnic origin system intersect with academic achievement, or does sociology examine the mental health issues caused by academic and social responses during higher education studies? How does the psycho-social phenomenon influence and shape mental health and wellbeing, distinguishing between privilege and dis-privilege social background? This inquiry delves into psycho-social perspectives on identity and stigma, complementing ongoing psycho-sociological and anthropological research. Drawing on identity process theory, this paper explores the roles played by race and identity based stigma in higher educational connecting to academic achievement.

Utilising theories by Goffman, Perlin, and Guru, stigma, stress process theory, and humiliation, this session will discuss justice within an institutional context and liberation from social psyche, particularly focusing on justice in higher education. It will examine racial and ethnic connection to social behaviour and humiliation in higher education, theorising culture, justice, social psychology, and freedom in the UK and across the globe.

The overarching theme is to engage in dialogue on the realities and theoretical arguments surrounding race and ethnicity, social psychology, humiliation, mental health and wellbeing. Abstracts of up to 250 words are invited from scholars, researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners, shedding light on the socio-interactional processes, particularly mental health and wellbeing in higher education contexts, regarding various psycho-social phenomena understood across global societies.