We are pleased to invite you to submit abstracts for the upcoming international conference "Facing Inequalities - Strategies for Change", which will take place on November 6-7, 2025 in Graz, Austria. It is organized by the Cluster In/Equalities in the Context of Social Transformation Processes within the Field of Excellence Dimensions of Europe at the University of Graz. This conference aims to bring together researchers at all career stages from various disciplines as well as practitioners to foster interdisciplinary and comparative discussions on multiple inequalities and strategies that challenge them.

Please submit a 300-word abstract along with a short biographical note (max. 150 words) to europe@uni-graz.at by April 30, 2025. Contributions will be considered for publication in a special issue of an international peer-reviewed journal or an edited volume following the conference.

Important Dates:

* Abstract submission deadline: April 30, 2025
* Notification of acceptance: June 30, 2025
* Paper submission deadline: September 30, 2025
* Conference Dates: November 6-7, 2025

Financial support will be available for a limited number of participants, prioritizing independent scholars and early-career researchers.

In case you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Emma Lantschner (emma.lantschner@uni-graz.at) and Dr. Derya Özkaya (derya.oezkaya@uni-graz.at)

Organised by the Cluster In/Equalities in the Context of Social Transformation
Processes of the Field of Excellence Dimensions of Europe, University of Graz
In an era marked by profound social, political, and economic transformations, inequalities—
whether based on race, gender, class, ethnicity, age, or other dimensions—remain pervasive
challenges globally. While the complex mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion are constantly at
play, we are also witnessing the development of alternative strategies and practices that challenge
these inequalities.
The conference “Facing Inequalities – Strategies for Change” focuses on the intersections of
multiple inequalities and questions how mechanisms of exclusion and inclusion are (re)produced,
negotiated, and challenged through alternative imaginations and practices. It aims to foster a deeper
understanding of these complexities and explore strategies to promote equality, inclusivity, and
justice.
Conference Theme:
This interdisciplinary conference seeks to bring together diverse historical and contemporary
perspectives from a range of academic disciplines, providing a platform for scholars, researchers,
and practitioners to engage in insightful discussions on addressing exclusion, discrimination and
socio-political inequalities.
We invite contributions that address (but are not limited to) the following themes:
• Legal mechanisms and frameworks on societal cohesion, empowerment and
inclusion/exclusion in national and transnational contexts
• Intersectional dimensions of inequality
• (Im)mobilities, migration, and inequalities
• Social movements and political activism in contesting inequalities
• (Collective) feelings of (in)equality and (in)justice and their respective political and/or
societal consequences
• The role of educational environments and language in reinforcing stereotypes and
exclusion or function as a tool for inclusion
• Inequalities in later life, ageism, and intergenerational dynamics in transforming societies
• Translating inequalities: cultural, linguistic, and institutional mediation
• The impact of technological developments on inequalities, notably in terms of exacerbation
or mitigation
• Psychological and neuroscientific approaches to the origins of exclusionary mechanisms
and the necessary support for victims of discrimination
• Alternative perspectives for diversity and inclusion of minorities and marginalized
communities in public spaces, health- and social care
• Inequalities in the access to public resources and infrastructures
• Inequalities in the labor market, poverty, and discrimination in employment opportunities
• Ecological dimensions of inequalities and injustices
• Cultural Representations of (in)equalities, ex/inclusion and discrimination in cinema,
literature, art, etc.

Submission Guidelines:
We welcome abstracts from scholars at all career stages working in disciplines such as sociology,
law, political science, economics, history, anthropology, cultural studies, gender studies, human
rights, and beyond. Contributions with interdisciplinary and comparative approaches are
particularly encouraged.
In addition to theories and methodologies of research on inequalities, we aim to have case studies
and best practices of the strategies for dealing with inequalities in every aspect of our life. We
therefore also invite practitioners, activists and NGOs to bring their expertise into conversation
with academic discussions, aiming to develop alternative imaginaries and solutions to multiple
inequalities and injustices.
We invite proposals for both individual contributions that address the conference theme and panels
with 3–4 speakers and a discussant. We also welcome book panels with the participation of the
author(s) and discussants.
Please submit a 300-word abstract along with a short biographical note (max. 150 words) to
europe@uni-graz.at by April 30, 2025.
We plan to publish a selection of contributions in a special issue of an international peer-reviewed
journal or an edited volume following the conference.
Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: June 30, 2025
Paper Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025
Conference Dates: November 6-7, 2025
Funding:
We offer financial support to a limited number of participants. Independent scholars and early
career researchers will receive priority. Please indicate your interest in financial support when
submitting your application.
Contact Information:

For inquiries, please contact Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Emma Lantschner (emma.lantschner@uni-
graz.at) and Dr. Derya Özkaya (derya.oezkaya@uni-graz.at).

We look forward to your contributions to this important and timely discussion.
Sincerely,
Assoc.-Prof. Dr. Emma Lantschner
Dr. Derya Özkaya
Speakers of the Cluster “In/Equalities in the Context of Social Transformation Processes”