Europe is a continent that is always changing, and mostly it is changed by people. People together with ideas, skills, objects, and customs have been crossing physical, political, and societal borders for centuries and transforming societies in all regions of the continent. However, for better understanding of mobility, transformation, and exchange to and from Europe, as well as within, it is necessary to include a broad view that does not only incorporate this continent and ist peoples. Europe's place in global history transcends beyond the monolithic understanding of mobility in Europe. Mobilities between east, west, south and northern Europe as well as interlinkages within Europe and connections with the rest of the world are the focus of our workshop.
In the 5th Annual Graduate Workshop of the Graduate School for East and Southeast European Studies in Regensburg, we will look at mobility as a force of transformation driven by diverse individuals and groups from a bottom-up perspective. Moreover, this workshop will give voice to the main actors of mobility – people, especially those whose stories often go unnoticed and unheard. This workshop is designed for PhD candidates and early career researchers interested in the multifaceted aspects of mobility and transformation to and from Europe, as well as within. We aim to look at these processes from a historical point of view and cover a timeframe from the 19th century to the present:
- How does mobility change communities and perceptions of different actors?
- What causes mobility and what kind of transformations does it provoke?
- Who benefits from mobility and change/transformation?
- Who misses out or is disadvantaged by mobility?
- How is mobility viewed by local communities and diasporas in receiving countries and countries of origin?
- How do immobilities shape or respond to the broader context of mobility, and what role do they play in shaping societies?
The conference sheds light on how mobility, migration, and diaspora, as well as the transfer of knowledge and ideas across borders lead to transformation in various fields such as culture, politics, and economy. Methodologically, we are interested in global microhistories.
We are looking forward to receiving papers on the following disciplines and topics:
- microhistories of mobility of ideas, knowledge, religion, and beliefs;
- microhistories of migration;
- spatial, urban and rural transformation;
- mobility and gender, families, and labour structures;
- entanglement and interconnectedness, exploring productions and dissemination of ideas, knowledge, and skills across Europe and beyond;
- social versatility, discussing social transformation and mobility caused by reaction to discrimination, inequalities and vulnerabilities, government policies, and legal status;
- visual studies and documentation of mobility.
This workshop will provide a platform for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds related to history, art history, cultural studies, political science, and sociology to exchange ideas and cultivate fresh perspectives. By bridging Western and Eastern European, as well as global, viewpoints and research topics across regions, we aim to transcend existing boundaries and biases, focusing on the intricate entanglements that define Europe as a continent in constant flux.
Submission Guidelines:
- We look forward to receiving abstracts by 6 January 2024.
- Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words and should clearly state the research question, methodology, and expected contributions.
- Please submit your abstract to gsoses.conference@ur.de.
Join us in unravelling the untold stories and unseen forces that shape Europe's ever-evolving landscape. We look forward to your participation in this enriching and transformative conference.
If you need transport contribution, please, inquire with the conference organizers.