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

When attending family events, there are things that members usually take for granted. Who buys the cake? Who orders the decorations? Who gets the gift and make sure that it is not the same as last year’s? The role of maintaining and strengthening connections, organizing events, and upholding family traditions—known as kinkeeping—falls disproportionately on certain members. Often, women are seen as the primary kinkeepers, responsible for the emotional labor and time investment required to ensure the family remains connected. This panel will delve into the gendered dynamics of kinkeeping, exploring how these roles impact both women, men, and LGBTs differently. We will discuss how traditional expectations of gender roles shape these responsibilities and how shifts in contemporary family structures are influencing these practices.

We will consider generational perspectives on family celebrations. Different generations within a family may have varying views on the importance and execution of these events. Elders often play a significant role in maintaining traditions, while younger members may introduce new practices, leading to a dynamic interplay between continuity and change.

We look forward to submissions that critically examines family reunions, rituals on celebrating birth and mourning death, weddings (including pre and post wedding traditions), and the roles of family group chats using gender and generational lenses. The panel will also address the challenges posed by migration and geographical distance, which can affect the frequency and nature of these family events.