Call for papers for a special issue of the International Journal of Sociology on Precarity and Peacebuilding: Sociological Insights into Global Challenges and Local Responses. Deadline: abstract only, 30 May 2024.
Special issue editor:
Tamanna M. Shah (Ohio University)
The concept of precarity, primarily examined within the economic and labor domains, symbolizes the instability and vulnerability faced by individuals and communities across various societal dimensions. This special issue aims to reframe precarity within the sociological discourse of peacebuilding, exploring how precarity not only influences but also intersects with efforts to build peace in regions marred by conflict and instability. It aims to extend the conversation beyond economic conditions to include cultural, political, and social factors that contribute to precarity and impact peacebuilding processes. The issue is motivated by an understanding that precarity transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, presenting a global challenge that requires sociological insight and innovative policy responses.
This special issue calls for submissions that unpack the complex dynamics of conflict, peace, and instability through a sociological lens. It will examine existing policies and social movements, identify best practices, and explore innovative approaches to peacebuilding to make recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and civil society actors working in conflict-affected areas. These recommendations may include policy reforms, grassroots initiatives, community-based interventions, and advocacy campaigns aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and building sustainable peace from the ground up. By situating the discussion within varied geopolitical contexts – from armed conflicts and political violence to economic crises and social unrest – this issue aims to contribute to positive social change, enhance resilience, and promote peace and stability in precarious contexts around the world.
