Social Cohesion in the Last Decade: Taking Stock to Inform The New Decade

Call For Papers:

Social Cohesion in the Last Decade: Taking Stock to Inform The New Decade

The Democracy Development Program (DDP), is planning to host a conference on Social Cohesion in late 2020 and invites interested candidates to submit a paper to be presented at this conference.

The conference aims to present, interrogate and share diverse methodologies towards social cohesion. The conference will be a space for beneficiaries and practitioners of social cohesion processes in government, academia, politics, business and non-profits to share some of their test-cases, case-studies and success stories towards establishing a minimum standard for social cohesion projects, and collaboratively establishing best practice guidelines.

Papers will be accepted in responding to one or more of the following questions:

1. Whose work is it to ensure ‘recognition’ of people’s diverse identities, histories and ways of being?
2. How do we work towards building bridges towards understanding and appreciation of different people and their contributions towards building the kind of communities we want to see?
3.  Policies, legislation and the constitution – how have all of these supported/hindered the nation building project?
4. What needs to shift in the social cohesion ecosystem in South Africa in order to realize socially cohesive communities in the new decade?
5. What else remains unresolved as far as promoting social cohesion in South Africa is concerned and needs to be addressed in this new decade?

The conference targets representatives from various social cohesion activist organizations, academics and researchers, including donor community, local government practitioners, traditional leaders, civil society, government officials, public administration students, legal fraternity as well as representatives from various political parties, the private sector and labour unions.

Submission Procedure:

Interested applicants wishing to present their original research should submit extended abstracts(1000 – 1500 words) by Friday, 08 May 2020, 12 Noon (South African time).

All extended abstracts/queries should be submitted electronically to Mr Sphamandla Mhlongo on brianb@ddp.org.za

Important Dates: