Call for papers: Social Cohesion in Displacement Contexts conference
The 7th IDOS International Migration and Displacement Workshop will take place in Bonn, Germany on 23-25 September 2025. The conference theme is: Social Cohesion in Displacement Contexts: Understanding the Role of Inclusive Identity, Trust in Institutions, and Cooperation for the Common Good in Displacement Research and Policy.
In an increasingly globalized world, displacement, migration, and (im)mobility are a socio-political phenomenon that countries must respond and adapt to. Displacement, both cross-border and internal, presents unique challenges for communities hosting displaced people, particularly given how fraught the politics of displacement can be. Social cohesion is increasingly recognized as an important condition for the stability of societies and the wellbeing of their members, a societal glue so to speak. Displacement presents a particular challenge for societies’ cohesiveness. In a world where this ‘glue’ that holds societies together is challenged by a multitude of factors, including rising inequality, discontent with public institutions, and a crisis of reliable news and information, finding avenues to help host countries and communities support and increase social cohesion in response to displacement, is critical for responding to future environmental, political, and economic shocks.
Paper proposals for this workshop should aim to answer the question: How is social cohesion affected in different contexts of displacement where there is wide demographic, cultural, religious, and political diversity? Papers can be empirical (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods are all accepted) or theoretical, should cover low- and middle-income country cases or regional contexts, and address an element of social cohesion. Papers that take a perspective on development and displacement policy are also of particular interest. Topics could include, but are not limited to:
- Urban displacement, city planning, and social cohesion
- Environmental and climate displacement, in both rural and urban settings
- Displacement due to conflict and violence
- Gender dimensions of displacement and social cohesion
- The impact of development aid and freedom of movement on social cohesion in host communities
Submissions can be made from any country, and all ranks from PhD students to senior scientists are invited to submit papers. The call for papers will close on 7 March 2025 and acceptance decisions will be sent by 28 March at the latest. For accepted papers, all the associated costs of travel, including visa fees, flight/train tickets, and accommodation for at least one author will be covered by IDOS (costs for co-authors will be considered case-by-case depending on available resources).
To submit a paper for consideration, please send a single PDF that includes the title, abstract (250 words max), author’s/authors’ name(s) and affiliation(s), and the corresponding author’s email address to Dr. Charles Martin-Shields (Charles.Martin-Shields[at]idos-research.de) by 7 March 2025. Any questions about the workshop or submissions can be sent to Dr. Martin-Shields as well.