Decolonizing Margins: Social Justice and Equality In Turbulent Times

Contemporary societies are increasingly shaped by intersecting crises, including widening inequalities, displacement, environmental degradation, democratic uncertainties, technological disruptions and persistent forms of exclusion rooted in colonialism, caste, race, patriarchy and structural disadvantage. These turbulent times disproportionately affect communities that have historically remained at the margins of social, economic, political and knowledge systems.

This session foregrounds the lived experiences, knowledge systems and transformative capacities of marginalized and weaker sections, Dalit, Black, Indigenous and Tribal Communities, Women, Migrants, Labour including child, forced and bonded labour, Persons with Disabilities and all other historically disadvantaged populations. Moving beyond deficit-based narratives, it seeks to reposition margins not as sites of exclusion, but as spaces of knowledge, resilience, agency and social transformation.

Drawing on Clinical Sociology's emphasis on collaborative, community-engaged and transformative practice, this session welcomes contributions that bridge research, intervention and action across diverse contexts and communities. Contributions are encouraged on sub-themes such as decolonizing knowledge, ethics, migration, disability, environmental justice, health and well-being, community resilience, digital inequalities, social movements, social transformation, fundamental principles and rights to work, egalitarian, cooperative and community-led solutions. Comparative and participatory approaches that foster dialogue across the Global South and Global North are particularly welcome.

The session aims to advance actionable, equitable and community-centred pathways towards social justice, inclusive and sustainable futures in turbulent times.