Care colleghe, cari colleghi
vi segnalo queste due sessioni inserite nella CfP del Convegno ESA prossimo, che si terrà a Varsavia dal 25 al 28 agosto 2026. Come sapete, la call scade il 30 gennaio e le proposte possono essere inviate tramite la piattaforma ufficiale: https://www.conftool.com/esa2026/
Joint session between research networks
JS_RN20 _RN21_RN29: Reconnecting Theory and Methods in Contemporary Sociology (Joint session with RN20 Qualitative Methods, RN21 Quantitative methods and RN29 Social Theory)
Sociology relies on a robust and continuous interplay between its theoretical frameworks and its empirical methodologies. This relationship is not merely a static application of one to the other but rather a vibrant, circular partnership that is essential for the discipline’s vitality and ongoing development. It is crucial to move beyond a mere focus on the limitations of research that lacks a theoretical foundation or theory detached from empirical inquiry. Instead, recognizing the generative potential that arises when these two dimensions work in synergy is paramount. The session addresses the enduring imperative to strengthen the dynamic, circular partnership between sociological theory and methods. Sociology thrives when theoretical frameworks provide conceptual guidance and empirical research rigorously evaluates and refines these theories. The session aims to explore the generative potential arising from this synergy, fostering reflexivity and enhancing the critical, transformative capacity of sociological practice.
We invite contributions that critically examine the theory-methods nexus across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Special attention will be given to contemporary challenges and opportunities, including the theoretical background of digital methods; artificial intelligence in its double role of subject of study and opportunity for new analytical possibilities; the transformative potential of decolonizing methodologies and theorizing. This session seeks papers that offer new conceptualizations, methodological innovations, or empirical studies demonstrating how a robust reconnection of theory and methods can advance sociological understanding and address pressing societal issues.
RN21 Quantitative Methods – Session
Quantitative methods play a pivotal role in the prediction and explanation of social phenomena, making substantive contributions to the analysis of a broad array of topics that hold profound sociological and sociopolitical implications. Amongst others, quantitative sociology contributes to investigating social problems associated with climate change, public opinion about wars (Ukraine, Palestine, etc.), social and political trust, social inequalities, xenophobia, misinformation, and “fake news”. In line with the conference theme “Strengthening Democracies: Social Action, Solidarity, and Sustainable Futures”, we encourage presentations to reflect methodological challenges, problems, methodological as well as statistical advances, and the use of new methods of the big data and artificial intelligence era for predicting and explaining our changing societies within Europe. In addition, we welcome papers on various substantial topics in the fields of quantitative methods. The following list of topics is by no means exhaustive:
• Advances in statistical and data collection methods
• Statistical advances in prediction and causal explanation
• Experimental methods in sociology
• Application of simulation and analytical modelling techniques
• Quantitative methods and applications for studying democracies in Europe
• Quantitative studies in different substantial fields, e.g., migration and refugees, climate change, xenophobia, social inequality, and fake news
Fabrizio Martire
fabrizio.martire@uniroma1.it