allow me to post the following Call for Abstracts (and apologies for cross-posting):

Call for Papers for the 18th conference of the German-Japanese Society for Social Sciences on the topic

Conference Venue: FernUniversität in Hagen, Campus Bonn

Date: Thursday, September 17 to Friday, September 18, 2026

Social relationships are at the core of societal life. They connect generations, shape families and communities, and influence social and political cohesion. Yet many societies are currently experiencing significant shifts in how people relate to one another. Demographic change, ageing populations, digital communication technologies, growing diversity, and increasing polarization are transforming everyday interactions as well as broader social structures.

For our upcoming meeting, we invite contributions under the theme "Social Relationships in Transition", we welcome abstracts which address this topic from various angles. This may include (but is not limited to) intergenerational relations and family dynamics in ageing societies; changing roles between parents and children; questions of care and solidarity; the form and impact of digital interaction, including social media and AI; experiences of loneliness and social isolation; or the implications of social inequality, diversity, and polarization for social cohesion.

As a society committed to dialogue between Germany and Japan, the GJSSS particularly encourages comparative perspectives, while also welcoming contributions that focus on one country or take a broader theoretical or empirical approach. Our aim is to create space for exchange across disciplines and methodologies and to continue our ongoing conversations on contemporary social change.

Deadline: Submission of abstract (up to 350 words) by April 30, 2026.

(Acceptance notification by May 31, 2026)

More details and the full call can be accessed via the website of the GJSSS: 

Please feel free to share this call with anyone who might be interested. We particularly welcome submissions from early-career scholars (from PhD level).

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch.

We hope to see many of you in Bonn!

With best wishes,

Laura Froehlich and Carola Hommerich
(Conference organizers)