CfP: Emotions in the Global South

Online seminar: Emotions in the Global South – 12-14 June 2024

The seminar aims to delve into the multifaceted theme of emotions within the specific context of the Global South. At its core, the primary objective of this event is to foster an in-depth examination of how emotions are manifested, operated, lived, perceived, and practised. Emotions, within the scope of this seminar, are conceived both as individual bodily reactions but also as intricate socio-cultural constructs, thereby embracing a comprehensive understanding that spans the interplay between personal experiences and broader cultural contexts.

That is, participants will be invited to explore the ways in which personal feelings intersect with cultural norms, social structures, historical legacies, and geopolitical influences. The seminar aims not only to deepen our theoretical understanding of emotions but also to contribute to a more nuanced and culturally sensitive discourse surrounding emotional experiences in the Global South. As we embark on this intellectual journey, the intention is to move beyond simplistic dichotomies or reductionist approaches, yet to re-examine the question of universals. 

We would like to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas that can contribute to a more holistic comprehension of the role emotions play in the Global South. We conceptualise the Global South as both a socio-geographical place and space, and an imaginative realm. As such, we do not impose any clear-cut boundaries.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to answering the following questions:

• Are emotions culturally specific in the context of postcoloniality and non-postcoloniality? 
• How the socio-political specifics of the Global South spaces and places influences the emotional approach of individuals and communities?
• How emotions are lived, used and employed? 
• How to conceptualise  the relations between the individual emotional approach and the broader socio-cultural context? 
• How the narratives and discourses on emotions are created and developed? 
• How to conduct research on the emotions in the Global South? 
• How the challenges of the contemporary world (climate change, wars, genocide, pandemic,economic inequalities, precariousness) are being mitaged by emotions and what emotions do they invoke?  

We invite researchers, both junior and senior, to participate in and contribute to our seminar. The call is open to scholars within the humanities and social sciences, who use qualitative methods in their research. The seminar will be held online, and the link will be sent to all participants before the seminar. 

Proposals for 20-minute presentations in the form of a 200-300 word abstract should be submitted by 15 March 2024. Participants will be notified by the end of March 2024. Upon acceptance, they will be required to submit their written papers for comments two weeks before the seminar. Each participant will present one paper and comment on at least one presentation. Participation is free of cost. 

The seminar is part of the Polish National Science Center project no. 2020/37/B/HS3/04074.

All submissions and enquiries should be addressed to: 
anna.romanowicz@uj.edu.pl and elzbieta.foltyniak@doctoral.uj.edu.pl.
You can also find us here: 
https://howdowelove.project.uj.edu.pl/emotions-in-the-global-south