Sociologies of Construction II – Building Society: Perspectives on a Sociology of Construction In Turbulent Times

One of the most fundamental human activities is construction. Martin Heidegger (2022 [1954]) emphasised that construction is not merely a technical process of production, but rather a form of ‘bringing forth’ and ‘gathering’ through which dwelling becomes possible and is anchored in a specific place. In light of the climate crisis to which construction is a major contributor, far-reaching environmental changes, finite resources and urbanisation, the question of construction is thus always a question of the development of society.

Sociological perspective on construction have developed primarily in the Anglo-Saxon world: ranging from approaches based on technology and innovation theory (Harty 2005), class theory and the sociology of work (Thiel 2007), through ethnographic and ethnomethodological approaches (Pink/Tutt/Dainty 2013) to human geographical approaches (Sage/Vitry 2018), there is a wide range of theoretical frameworks which, together with empirical studies, highlight the sociological significance of the construction sector.

To widen this perspective globally the session invites contributions that adress construction as primary subjects of sociological research. Theoretically sophisticated and/or empirically grounded contributions may address various aspects of construction, e.g.:

• the management of construction processes
• construction organisation and its digitalisation
• the construction industry, construction work and the transformation of construction trades
• the everyday encounter with building sites
• constructing for rapid urbanization and a growing climate crisis
• reconstruction in devastated areas
• informal construction