What? The World Social Sciences Forum 2013
Who? The International Social Science Council
When? From October 13th to 15th 2013
Where? Palais des Congrès, Montréal
Theme? Social transformation and the digital era
Digital era and social sciences
Many agree that we are currently facing an era of unique transformations, and that these will hit the social sciences world soon. Among these transformations are the environmental crisis, the relationship between public and private sectors, the role of politics in society and of course, the phenomenal expansion of the digital era, which seems set to alter the parameters of our social relationships irrevocably.
A first example of this major digital revolution comes in the form of the appearance of social media platforms which, even though already used widely by individuals of all ages and from all around the globe, are just starting to be analyzed as actors of social life. A second example is related to transmission of knowledge. The recent arrival of digital libraries such as the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), or online free university courses such as the “Coursera” from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, represent significant changes in the field of education. The same goes for questions of diversity, culture, security, health and collaboration, which will all be affected by the digital era. Despite all of its advantages, this new virtual web on which our future is being drawn does not come without some concerns. An in-depth analysis is needed to better control all facets of this new era, and this is what the The World Social Sciences Forum 2013 is attempting to do.
The event
The event will unite hundreds of specialists from all around the world and from all social science disciplines. They will focus on the theme of social transformation in the digital era and focus on four specific questions: 1) How does the conception of technologies affect the possibilities of engagement and participation from different groups of society? 2) What can we learn from socio-technological transformations of the past? 3) How do digital technologies affect the way researchers conduct their research and analysis? 4) How are identities and activities of individuals and collectivity built in the digital era? The forum is organized by The International Social Science Council and will take place from October 13th to October 15th 2013, at the Palais des Congrès of Montréal. For more information, read the special section published in Le Devoir or visit the event website.
Image credit : Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
