SAI: Social Theory Symposium: UCC, Cork, April 25-26th 2025

Pluralism, fragmentation and relativism are well established features of modernity. Arguably, the rise of social media, culture wars and a segmented public sphere in recent years have exacerbated these tendencies. What counts today as a transgression is intensely contested, as clearly established and accepted norms or values are rare. Furthermore, critiques and disruptions of existing norms are also joined by the emergence of fresh assertions of norms. 

Of course, much of this discourse and performance involves reinventing or up-cycling existing ideas and norms within society. Yet, while previous centuries might have been characterised by a clear distinction between conservative defenders of existing cultural norms and critical challengers, the current situation is more chaotic, a cacophony of different claims. 

All sides engaged in political debates present themselves as contesting and even transgressing norms which are imposed by powerful others. For decades, the broad left has been concerned with the co-opting and imitation of critique by its opponents, but what might it have imitated itself while engaged in the ‘culture war’. What kind of innovators and promoters of new norms do we find across the political spectrum, and what sorts of new valorisations of transgression are emerging? And how can we make sense of this contemporary scene of constant contestation?

We invite papers that offer theoretical reflections on these matters: How can issues of contestation, transgression and plural norms be thought through conceptually? 

Note: This event welcomes short papers and position pieces responding to this theme. The event is a symposium rather than a conference – with 15 minutes presentation time, with extended discussion.

Abstracts to tom.boland@ucc.ie or diana.stypinska@universityofgalway.ie

Length 100-200 words. Deadline February 28^th.