Call for papers

Imagination and commitment. Representations of the social question
International Conference, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
10-11 May 2007

The ‘social question’, as it was raised in the western world between
approximately 1870 and 1914, addressed individuals as well as local and
national governments. Awareness of the circumstances in which the
working classes were working and living expanded. Historical research on
this subject has focused mainly on the political implications: the
incorporating of social issues in political writings or party programs,
political agenda setting, social policy and the roots of the modern
welfare-state.
This kind of research has neglected the representation of the social
question, taking it for granted and moving on to political consequences
and possible solutions. Whereas, however, there is every reason to study
the process of representation of the social question itself. The many
ways in which the social question is represented focus on the
interpretations of the problem, and its place in society. Not only
content, but also the different forms of representation are constructed
with specific purposes and effects. Representations behold an analysis
of social issues and their moral and political implications, sometimes
in embryonic yet essential form.
Therefore, a broad perspective on representations of the social
question is needed, to enhance our understanding of this important
historical issue, which is in fact one of the essentially contested
questions of social and political history. This interdisciplinary
conference – including the fields of history, social and political
sciences, media studies, literary sciences and art history – will not
only provide us with new perspectives on the social question itself. It
could also help to broaden the definition of politics, and shed light
upon the social and political implications of art and literature.

Keynotes will be given by:

Patrick Joyce, Professor of Modern History, University of Manchester,
and
Seth Koven, Associate Professor of History, Rutgers University.

This conference will focus on two themes:
1. Form, genre and style of representations of the social question
Perspectives: Which forms of representations were thought to be
suitable? Fiction or non-fiction, text or image? Why was this author or
artist fascinated by social issues? For which purposes was the social
question represented in this specific form or genre? (awareness, moral
education, entertainment, aesthetics, (political) solutions?) Was
realism predominant as a style in visual arts and literature? Which
different discourses evolved around this issue?

2. Social and political effects of representations of the social question
Perspectives: In what ways did specific representations influence
imagination, knowledge and ideas on the social question? What kind of
podiums and media were used? In which ways were society and politics
influenced by the representations? Did they place the social question on
public and political agendas? Was there an international arena or
network in which representations of the social question were
transferred? What role played representations in fostering commitment to
solving the social question?

Papers are welcomed on the representation of the social question in:
literature and theatre, journalism, pamphlets, political speeches,
conferences and exhibitions, photography, visual arts, and on their
respective reception and various effects on politics and society.

Proposals (200-300 words) should be submitted to Dr. Ilja van der Broek
(I.M.van.den.Broekrug.nl) or Dr. Christianne Smit (C.A.L.Smitrug.nl),
the conference organisers, by no later than Monday 8th January 2007.

Dr. Ilja van den Broek
History Department,
Groningen University

Dr. Christianne Smit
History Department,
Groningen University

Conference website:
http://www.rug.nl/grssh/research/researchgroups/dpk/representationconference

See also:
http://odur.let.rug.nl/politicalculture/
http://www.rug.nl/grssh/research/researchgroups/dpk