XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology (July 15-21, 2018)

594

Hate Speech and the Challenge of Nation-Building

RC32 Women in Society (host committee)

Language: English

It is universally accepted that freedom of expression is an inalienable human right although its actual manifestation is not absolute. Thus, when one’s speech, conduct, and writing incite others to violence or prejudicial action, it becomes hate speech. Hate speech employs discriminatory epithets to insult, dehumanize and stigmatize others on the basis of their race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious belief, among others. This act engenders division, mistrust, harassment, and violence and cuts through all facets of social life and social systems, ultimately undermining nation building and development. Hate speech has become increasingly pervasive in global democratic processes where there is stern competition by groups for scarce social values and resources. Evidence reveals how factions of the political elite use print and social media to fan the embers of animosity that promote misogyny, feminist backlash, homophobia, religious fundamentalism, anti-migration policies, etc. This proposal invites scholarly contributions that will interrogate critical issues pertaining to the prevalence of hate speech in the contemporary period. Informed by empirical and theoretical research, the panel will explore a range of issues that broaden understanding about the historical, economic, political and cultural underpinnings of hate speech and its impact and implications for vulnerable groups such as women, LGBTQ, religious minorities and migrant communities.  Panellists will also discuss prospects and challenges of international and national legislative measures to control hate speech propagation and to prosecute and punish perpetrators of this culture of violence which undermines human dignity and democratic consolidation.