2026 ANNUAL MEETING

Friday, February 20 - Saturday, February 21

South Carolina State University

State Room

Orangeburg, SC

Heather Shay & Danielle Lewis Program Chairs

Conference Theme: Sociology: Back to the Basics

Sociology, like many social sciences, has been subject to political attacks and its relevance as an academic discipline questioned. Critics disparage both the concerns of sociology and its findings, with some arguing that concepts like inequality and intersectionality are rooted in politically liberal ideology rather than science. Questions have also been raised about the validity and reliability of the research methodologies used by sociologists, particularly qualitative approaches. While these attacks on sociology and other social sciences have escalated in recent years, they are part of a larger pattern of attacks on scientific inquiry. One reason for these attacks might be a lack of knowledge about the nature, focus, and contributions of sociological research. This conference invites papers that broadens the understanding of social process by “making the familiar strange.” We invite submissions that engage with ordinary and everyday aspects of sociology, while applying sociological analytical lens.

Participants may submit proposals for these categories

Thematic Papers

Explore the meeting theme pertaining to the future of sociology and the value of sociology in changing times. These papers may be thought pieces broad in scope or research-based studies.

Research Papers

Focus on any area of sociological work that may or may not relate to the conference theme.

Panel Sessions or Workshops

May be thematic or address an array of issues sociologists face in the course of their work (e.g. teaching, service, research, applied). Panels or workshops addressing other faculty or student-related concerns (such as career preparation or internships) will also be considered. Individual submissions or entire panel proposals are welcomed.

Poster Sessions

Highlights the research and creative activity among faculty and graduate students. Graduate students are encouraged to participate even if they are only in the beginning stages of their studies. Graduate students who present posters will be eligible for first or second place awards.

Author Meets Critic Sessions

Bring authors of recent books contributing to the discipline of sociology together with discussants to provide different viewpoints on the book(s).

Guidelines & Deadline for Submitting Proposals

Email proposals to Heather Shay (hshay@scsu.edu). Please include “SCSA Proposal” in the subject line. Submissions are now being accepted, with preference given to proposals received by Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Please use the following guidelines when submitting proposals:

Thematic Paper or Research Paper

Working title for the paper [15 words or fewer]
Brief description of the substantive focus [150 words or fewer]
Author(s) [include full name(s), email address(es) and institutional affiliation(s) (if any)]
Designation of the paper type: Thematic Paper or Research Paper

Panel Session or Workshop

Working title for the panel session or workshop [15 words or fewer]
Brief description of the substantive focus [150 words or fewer]
Session organizer(s) [include full name(s), email address(es) and institutional affiliation(s) (if
any)]
A list of potential participants [include full names and institutional affiliations (if any)]

Poster Session

Working title for the poster presentation [15 words or fewer]
Brief description of the substantive focus [150 words or fewer]
Author(s) [include full name(s), email address(es) and institutional affiliation(s) (if any)]
Academic status: Graduate student or faculty member

Author Meets Critics

Title and author of book [include publisher and publication date]
Brief statement about the book’s relevance to the discipline of sociology
Session organizer(s) [The book author(s) organizes the session, although a moderator
may be appointed; include full name(s), email address(es) and institutional affiliation(s) (if any)]
A list of potential discussants for the panel

South Carolina Sociological Association