WINIR Young Scholars Pre-Conference Workshop

WINIR YS Pre-Conference Workshop

Bridging Divides: Institutional Theory and the Dynamics of Coexistence in Global Societies

The WINIR Young Scholars Pre-Conference uses institutional theory as a starting point to help us look at how societies with deep cultural and political differences can coexist peacefully and thrive amidst the challenges posed by globalization and technological revolutions. The pre-conference aims to scrutinise existing governance and social arrangements to manage growing disparities, exacerbated by information technology, immigration, and cultural exchanges, leading to a crisis in political and governance frameworks. It engages the fundamental question: How are individuals, communities, and societies working to overcome the deep divisions that result from the growing polarisation evident in most countries around the world? Moreover, although institutional theory is the focus, we welcome submissions that shed light on how societies are navigating these differences, whether theoretical, empirical, or both. Papers can examine bottom-up grassroots initiatives, top-down policy reforms, or efforts to build pluralism that sit at the intersection of both or that develop new paradigms altogether.

Call for Submissions 

We welcome papers that explore, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Mechanisms of institutional adaptation and resilience in the face of increasing polarisation, and emerging socio-political and economic divides;
• Case Studies of governance systems responding to economic, political or environmental crises;
• The role of technology in creating or resolving deep differences;
• Comparative Analysis of institutional responses to crises across different regions and contexts;
• New theoretical frameworks to approach profound differences and institutional crises.

Eligibility and Funding 

This call is open to PhD students and early career researchers (within three years of obtaining a PhD) from all disciplines. Projects based in or relating to the Global South are of particular interest. With the generous contribution of the Center for Governance and Markets at the University of Pittsburgh, selected participants may receive partial funding in respect of travel and accommodation expenses for their participation in the pre-conference event and main conference.

Submission Guidelines 

• An abstract (maximum 400 words), outlining the research question, the methodology, and the main findings.
• Please ensure that the abstract makes explicit reference to concepts and theories related to the study of institutions (see the themes here)
• Please include a one-paragraph biographical statement, highlighting your current PhD program enrolment that includes your discipline and institution  
• 3 to 5 keywords
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Please submit your materials in PDF form and label them LastName.FirstName.AbstractBio.pdf; and LastName.FirstName.CV.pdf
• Submissions should be sent using this form.

Key Dates 

• Submission deadline: May 31, 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: June 15, 2024
• Pre-conference Date: September 18, 2024

For inquiries, please contact youngscholars@winir.org.

About WINIR Young Scholars:

WINIR Young Scholars aims to identify and promote the next generation of institutional scholars from diverse geographies, sociocultural contexts, and disciplines. Its major activities will be directed toward creating an inclusive and supportive space for young scholars to receive guidance and mentorship as they establish themselves as knowledge creators and navigate the academic job market.

WINIR Young Scholars is a collaboration between WINIR, The Law as Science Project and the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) of the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET).

Convenors:  

Christina Mosalagae (YSI INET)

Nikhilesh Sinha (Hult International Business School)  

Vanessa Villanueva Collao (European University Institute)

Simon Sun (Indiana University, Maurer School of Law)