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

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Historical Trends, Future Anticipations

RC07 Futures Research (host committee)
RC56 Historical Sociology

Language: English

History shows that society has on many grounds experienced noticeable advances. There have been significant progresses in science and technology, and many forms of pain, exploitation and exclusion have been overcome. Nevertheless, equally evident is the persistence of oppression, injustice, violence, old and new societal risks and threats. The analyses of past developments, settled patterns, and current trends, are valuable sociological contributions to tackle societal challenges. While somber political developments, environmental degradation, growing inequalities, and pending catastrophes spread pessimism, sociology can avoid the trap of conformism offering interpretations of current predicaments, analyzing ongoing trends, designing possible scenarios, discussing policy alternatives, and mapping out alternative political choices. Keeping in mind the social responsibility of sociology to inform possible futures, the session welcomes discussions around these lines from diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches.