Hi all,
some members maybe interested in the following seminar happening
here at the department of sociology university of surrey in July:

CALL FOR PAPERS

Young People, New Technologies and Political Engagement

University of Surrey, 24-25 July 2007


CONFIRMED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Prof. Lance Bennett (Center for Communication and Civic Engagement,
University of Washington)

Prof. Stephen Coleman (Institute of Communication Studies,
University of Leeds)

Dr. Anita Harris (Department of Sociology, Monash University)

Further keynote speakers TBC


Against the backdrop of increasing concern about the disengagement
of youth from politics and the public sphere, the relationship
between new technologies and young people's political engagement and
participation is a cross-disciplinary issue of considerable
importance not only to academics but to practitioners and
policymakers across the world.

There is now a large body of literature which has explored the
potential of `digital democracy' to revitalize political life and
challenge conventional forms of political participation. Separately,
youth researchers have provided considerable insights into the way
new technologies are influencing – and are themselves influenced by –
the lives and identities of young people. Only recently, though,
has significant research attention begun to focus upon the
particular relationships – potential and actual – between new
technologies and political engagement amongst the young.

This seminar intends to contribute to the development of research
and theory in this crucial area by providing a forum for scholars
from across the world to share the findings of empirical and
theoretical work, discuss the policy implications of their research,
and strengthen their international and inter-disciplinary ties. We
aim to bring together leading figures in the subject area from
across the globe as well as to offer a valuable international forum
for emerging projects and individuals.

Proposals are therefore invited for papers focused upon any aspect
of the relationship between young people, new technologies and
political engagement. As well as encouraging contributions from a
variety of academic disciplines and perspectives, we would
particularly welcome papers from practitioners and policy-makers.

The event is organised by the British Sociological Association's
Youth Study Group in association with the University of Surrey's
Institute of Advanced Studies and The Social Policy Association.
We are able to offer up to six grants (of up to £200) to speakers
traveling to the event from outside the UK. If you would like to be
considered for such a grant, please make this clear when sending
your abstract.

Please send abstracts (of up to 250 words) to Dr Rachel Brooks at
the University of Surrey (R.Brooks@...) by 23 February
2007 at the latest. Please include full contact details with your
proposal. For further information, please contact Dr Rachel Brooks
or Dr Paul Hodkinson (P.Hodkinson@...).


Further information about the event will soon be available on the
Institute for Advanced Studies website:
http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/ias/