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

This session will comprehensively investigate the ways in which nostalgia shapes contemporary social life. Today’s preoccupation with nostalgia reflects an increased anxiety about the world in which we live, which is increasingly perceived as dangerous and fearful. Since the study of nostalgia has evolved into a distinct academic field, it attracts scholars from a range of disciplines and fields of research, most notably sociology. Nostalgia is now viewed as an important emotional anchor in one’s relations to time, memory, others, and self, and is theorized as a composite emotion constituted by a number of seemingly contradictory experiences. The complexity of nostalgia and its various socio-cultural contexts can thus have differing social consequences for people’s relationships and the social order as a whole, including a transformative potential to shape ideology and policy. We welcome all contributions that address the interplay between nostalgia and modern social dynamics and seek new perspectives and insights. Possible discussion topics include: Nostalgia and social identity: How nostalgia shapes individual and collective identities in different cultural contexts; Healing and resilience through nostalgia: How nostalgic memories contribute to personal well-being and community resilience in times of uncertainty; Critical perspectives on nostalgia: The limitations of nostalgia, including selective memory and exclusionary narratives; The role of nostalgia in media and communication: The use of nostalgia in media content and its impact on audience engagement and social discourse; Nostalgia in the digital age: The promotion and dissemination of nostalgic content by social media and digital platforms.