22-24 June 2016, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Conference theme: Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights in Times of Austerity
The EDI Conference welcomes a wide range of streams and workshops about the complex relationship between equality, diversity and inclusion from different theoretical, empirical and methodological angles as well as across various trans/inter/national and disciplinary contexts. In 2016, we wish to draw particular attention to human rights which seem to be under attack by a plethora of governments worldwide, under the guise of financial austerity measures. While a dominant economic and political discourse propagates austerity as a panacea for states, organizations and families, the "price" of inequality is rarely addressed, while the ideological underpinnings and repercussions of dangerous budget cuts are inadequately studied. In addition, austerity is left unconnected to other crises, such as the refugee crisis or the recent terrorist attacks, even if these financial measures lay the groundwork for dismantling past achievements in the field of equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights. Governments appear to be increasingly sceptical on launching and supporting open borders policies, whereas the rise of Europe's far-right voices threatens the Union's fundamental value of democracy. In such times, various questions arise: how are equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights issues dealt with during times of crisis and austerity; how does global economic austerity affect employees' lives; are human rights at risk; what is the role of equality, diversity and inclusion policies amidst financial crises? Simultaneously, alternatives forms of organizing and oppositional voices to austerity are rising "on the ground" and trying to gain momentum, visibility and legitimacy.
Deadlines for stream and workshop proposals
Stream and workshop proposals should be sent to Dr. Andri Georgiadou (contact: a.georgiadouEDI2016@gmail.com) no later than January 31, 2016. Decisions regarding streams/workshops and launch of call for papers: February 15, 2016; the call for papers will be circulated thereafter.
More information can be found at: http://www.edi-conference.org/index.php. For ongoing updates about the conference please follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/EDICyprus2016.