HomeBuilding Futures: Sociology in the Public Sphere

Building Futures: Sociology in the Public Sphere

Futuros en construcción: la sociología en la esfera pública

Des avenirs en construction: la sociologie dans la sphère publique

Futuros em Construção: A Sociologia na Esfera Pública

APS 2027 - 14th Portuguese Congress of Sociology

APS 2027 - XIV Congreso Portugués de Sociología

XIVe congrès portugais de sociologie

APS 2027 - XIV Congresso Português de Sociologia

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Abstract

In a world marked by multiple crises and rapid transformations, building alternative futures has become a collective task. The 14th Portuguese Congress of Sociology invites the sociological community and other social scientists to reflect on Building Futures: Sociology in the Public Sphere. In Faro, at the University of the Algarve, we will provide a space for networking, debate and the sharing of knowledge on the relationship between sociological knowledge and future paths of transformation for contemporary societies. 

Announcement

Attendance

The conference will take place from 22 to 25 March 2027 at the Faculty of Economics of the University of the Algarve, in Faro.

The 22nd will be online, and the 23rd to the 25th will be in person. In-person sessions will be held exclusively in person, and online sessions will be held exclusively online. Plenary and semi-plenary sessions will be held in person, with online streaming.

Argument

We live in a context marked by various interconnected crises – environmental, health, economic, geopolitical, and crises of trust in science and institutions – by the worsening of various forms of inequality and vulnerability, by rapid and profound technological transformations, and by political tensions and populism that call into question the functioning of democracies. Against this backdrop, Sociology has been challenged to renew its role in the production of socially relevant knowledge and its presence in the public sphere.

It is true that Sociology possesses the theoretical and methodological tools necessary to understand the dynamics at play. However, sociology is also called upon today to ensure that the knowledge it produces has an impact on the public sphere and acts as an agent of social transformation. It is therefore pertinent to reflect on processes of co-creation of sociological knowledge that involve citizens and other fields of knowledge in dynamics of social change and the collective co-construction of fairer, more sustainable and democratic futures.

The 14th Portuguese Congress of Sociology, under the theme Futures Under Construction: Sociology in the Public Sphere, thus presents itself as a forum for reflection on the ways in which sociological knowledge is produced, circulated and utilised within society. It also seeks to discuss the contribution of sociology to the quality of public debate, to the underpinning of public policy, and to the strengthening of democratic life. Beyond the scientific understanding of major contemporary challenges, it proposes to debate the role of sociology as a field of knowledge for collectively imagining and constructing alternative futures.

The University of the Algarve, located in Faro, in southern Portugal, offers a particularly inspiring setting for this special gathering of the sociological and social sciences community. In a region marked by cultural and natural diversity, participants will have the opportunity to strengthen collaborative networks, exchange perspectives and deepen interdisciplinary dialogue and critical reflection on the role of sociology in the public sphere, not only in the context of Portuguese society but also of societies located in other parts of the globe.

Sections

  • Art, Culture, and Communication [Thematic Section]
  • Civil Society, Alternative Economies and Volunteering (ST SCEAV) [Thematic Section]
  • Classes, Social Inequalities and Public Policy [Thematic Section]
  • Cultural Diversity and Spaces for Intervention [Thematic Section]
  • Environment and Society [Thematic Section]
  • Families and life courses [Thematic Section]
  • Globalization, Politics and Citizenship [Thematic Section]
  • Identities, Values and Ways of Life [Thematic Area]
  • Knowledge, Science and Technology [Thematic Section]
  • Proposals must be submitted through the Congress website until 22 June 2026.
  • Migrations, Ethnicity and Racism [Thematic Section]
  • Population Dynamics, Generations and Ageing [Thematic Area]
  • Poverty, Social Exclusion and Social Policies [Thematic Section]
  • Security, Defence and Armed Forces [Thematic Section]
  • Sexuality and Gender [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology of Consumption [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology of Education [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology of Health [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology of Law and Justice [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology of Religion [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology of Sport [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology of Tourism [Thematic Section]
  • Sociology Theories and Methodologies [Thematic Area]
  • Work, Organizations and Professions [Thematic Section]

Thematic sessions' calls for paper

Submission guidelines

Abstracts may be submitted in Portuguese, Spanish, English or French.

With this in mind, the Portuguese Sociological Association and the University of the Algarve invite sociologists, colleagues from the social sciences, students and professionals from various fields to submit their abstract proposals for this academic conference on the conference website by 6 July 2026. We welcome proposals in Portuguese, English, Spanish or French, presenting the results of empirical research, theoretical or methodological contributions, as well as professional reflections and interdisciplinary approaches, within the scope of our thematic areas and sections.

Come and take part in this vibrant space for debate and the collective co-construction of sociological knowledge and imagination!

Evaluation

Paper proposals are evaluated by the coordination teams of the sections and thematic areas.

Places

  • Faculdade de Economia Campus de Gambelas
    Faro, Portugal (8005-139)

Event attendance modalities

Hybrid event (on site and online)


Keywords

  • society, public sociology, knowledge, contemporary challenge, debate

Contact(s)

  • Isabel Rebelo
    courriel : aps [at] aps [dot] pt

License

CC0-1.0 This announcement is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal.

To cite this announcement

« Building Futures: Sociology in the Public Sphere », Call for papers, Calenda, Published on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, https://doi.org/10.58079/16dap

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