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

Contemporary sociologists predominantly focus on inequality in the distribution of resources such as wealth, occupations, and education. However, another critical dimension of injustice stems from a lack of recognition. Recognition claims are pivotal in today's society and are voiced by people of diverse ethnicities, classes, genders, including women and minorities (sexual, ethnic, national). Seeking support and solidarity, these groups often form or join social movements as platforms for advocacy.

This session delves into the multifaceted struggles for recognition arising from legal, cultural, and social injustices, as well as socio-economic inequalities. We aim to bring together scholars from various sociological subdisciplines to present both empirical studies and theoretical conceptualizations. Our goal is to highlight recognition as a critical issue in sociology and a significant marker of contemporary injustice.

We invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- How various social movements mobilize to address recognition gaps.

- The challenges of recognition in neoliberal and capitalist societies.

- Recognition struggles in ongoing global conflicts.

- The interplay between recognition and redistribution in the pursuit of justice.

- Theoretical insights into recognition, stigma, and respect.

- Extending the discourse of recognition to non-human entities, the natural environment, and post-humanistic approaches.

- Empirical studies on experiences of stigma and efforts toward destigmatization.

- The roles of sociologists, policymakers, and institutions in mitigating recognition deficits.

We encourage submissions that engage critically with these topics, offering new perspectives and methodologies. Papers integrating interdisciplinary approaches or addressing recognition in under-explored contexts are particularly welcome.