Promoting sociology in Australia
Facilitating sociology teaching and research
Enhancing the professional development of TASA members
Promoting sociology in Australia
Facilitating sociology teaching and research
Enhancing the professional development of TASA members
TASA’s Sociology of Education Thematic Group invites you to a symposium and masterclass to explore questions of theory in the sociology of education.We hope this will be a great opportunity to build networks and dialogues between sociologists of education at all career stages.
The sociology of education is distinguished by the theory it uses as much as its objects of study, and by its accountability to practice. Where much educational research chooses to restrict itself to relations within institutional boundaries, such pragmatic constraints can mask the penetration of political, economic, social and religious interests in the way education is conducted, and in turn, the capacity of educational processes to influence social relations beyond its institutional settings. This would suggest that the study of educational questions or settings can draw from a broader theoretical palette. This symposium is designed as a conversation that seeks to examine both the power and limits of our field’s theoretical habits of mind, to encourage us to think outside comfort zones and taste different sociologies.
As provocateur, a social theorist (Gavin Kendall, QUT) shall be invited to explore the scales, frames and criteria that govern what constitutes theory in sociology. Two senior scholars working in the sociology of education (Parlo Singh, Griffith; James Ladwig, Newcastle) will then reflect on the theoretical habits of the field, theoretical resources acquired or discarded over their careers, and the reasoning behind their various ‘turns’ or constancies. The afternoon sessions will stage ‘masterclass’ conversations around using theory in smaller groups, structured around two themes. The first conversations will consider the power and limits of classic theory in the sociology of education. The second will explore theoretical ‘game changers’ in the sociology of education. Each group will feature two nominated doctoral students talking through the theoretical decision-making that has informed their work-in-progress, in conversation with a senior scholar. The groups will then engage more broadly around the themes explored.
Program
Speaker Abstracts and Biographies
Registration closes Tuesday 4 June: Full time student @ $30, others @ $70. (Fee includes morning tea and lunch)
Call for nomination for HDR speakers and travel subsidy (completed nomination form due 19 April)
For more information contact c.doherty@qut.edu.au
TASA hold one or more General Meetings for members each year, where the Executive reports on the running of the Association and members can raise issues of interest or concern. From time to time other events may be held, such as seminars or workshops. Members wishing to organise an event through TASA are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the Vice President. All forthcoming TASA events will be highlighted on this page. To promote your Thematic Group event, please provide TASA's Executive Officer with the full details.
