The 5th ISA Forum of Sociology, organized by the International Sociological Association (ISA), is scheduled for July 6–11, 2025, at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco1.
This marks the first time the ISA Forum will be hosted in this region, highlighting Morocco’s unique position at the crossroads of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African civilizations.
Theme: “Knowing Justice in the Anthropocene”
The forum’s central theme addresses the concept of the Anthropocene—a term introduced at the turn of the millennium to describe the significant and irreversible impact of human activities on Earth’s geology and ecosystems. Despite debates among geologists regarding its formal recognition as a new epoch, the Anthropocene has gained substantial traction in social sciences and humanities. The forum aims to delve into the complexities of this concept, focusing on:
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Epistemological Questions: Exploring what it means to “know” in the context of the Anthropocene, determining whose knowledge is prioritized, and understanding the implications of these knowledge hierarchies on societal change.
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Justice Dimensions: Investigating various facets of justice—including environmental, legal, transitional, land, water, interspecies, racial, ethnic, and gender justice—and how these are understood and enacted in the Anthropocene era.
The forum seeks to engage the sociological imagination in these discussions, encouraging contributions that examine both ontological and epistemic justice. It provides a platform for dialogue across ISA’s 67 Research Committees, Working Groups, and Thematic Groups, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Special Events
In addition to academic sessions, the forum will feature a sociological film festival open to the public. This event offers an opportunity to engage with sociological themes through cinema, enriching the forum’s discourse. Notably, the forum precedes the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, positioning Rabat as a hub of cultural and intellectual activity during this period.
Call for Participation
Sociologists and scholars worldwide are invited to participate in the forum. The Research Committee on the Sociology of Urban and Regional Development (RC21) has issued a call for abstracts for its sessions, encouraging submissions that foster international and comparative dialogue on knowledge and justice in urban and regional development.
For detailed information on session topics, abstract submission guidelines, and registration details, please visit the official ISA website.
The 5th ISA Forum of Sociology in Rabat represents a significant opportunity for scholars to engage in critical discussions on justice and knowledge in the Anthropocene, contributing to a deeper understanding of our rapidly changing world.
1Paper accepted: “Ancestral Citizenship as Restitution, or Selective Immigration Policy?”
