The roots of neglect: Towards a sociology of non-imagination

The sociology of expectations has helped academics and policy analysts to understand how socio-technical imaginaries are not only hypoethetical and “in the future", but how they create realities in the present. They do so by shaping what gets funded, who gets hired, and even how people lead their lives as they consider particular futures more likely than others. While this focus on the performative power of specific expectations and visions has been hugely important, in my talk I will foreground another situation that has arguably been at least equally impactful on the present: The absence of (alternative) imaginaries of the future. I will argue that it is the absence of visions of the future that people deem desirable that explains why we have not changed these arrangements - despite being fully aware of political and economic practices and arrangements that are detrimental for human and planetary health. I will end with sketching the elements that an alternative vision of the future should have that could get us to act in the present.

Sociology at the Edge

In this keynote address, Dr Crompvoets will discuss her experience applying sociological theories and methodologies outside of academia. She will talk about opportunities for the sociology entrepreneur, and how sociologists can apply their skills and knowledge across government and corporate sectors. Using examples from across 15 years of applied work, and delivering critical insights and strategic advice to decision-makers, Dr. Crompvoets will explore what works and what doesn’t . She will critically consider how an applied sociological framing situates her ‘on the edge’ of two distinct worlds. Doing sociology at the edge of academia brings with it challenges and opportunities, and she explores what it means to be doing research that is applied, impactful, and academically rigorous.

Indigenous perspectives on decolonial societies

This presentation will explore constructions of Western culture, colonisation and modernity alongside Indigenous worldviews, perspectives and philosophies. Practical decolonial actions that flow from these perspectives will also be considered together with potential emergent decolonial societies that may arise in potential futures.