Conference "Critical Approaches to Romani Studies" - Call for Papers

March 17, 2017

Date: 25-26 May, 2017

Date for submission of Abstracts: April 16, 2017

Venue: Central European University, Budapest, Hungary

Scholars are invited to submit abstract for the conference “Critical Approaches to Romani Studies” organized by the Roma in European Societies (RES) initiative of the Central European University (CEU) to take place in Budapest, Hungary on 25-26 May, 2017.

The Roma have been an object of academic inquiry for centuries. In spite of the increasing number of articles, studies, and books, especially since the collapse of communism, Roma participation in shaping the discourse on themselves remained very limited. In the name of scientism and objectivity, Roma have been de facto excluded from knowledge production. Recently, there is an increasing number of Roma and non-Roma researchers and academics using critical theories and methods in their work on and with Roma. They are proposing a paradigm shift in Romani Studies, to challenge the dominant academic and policy discourses. They question the status quo and propose inquiries into the forms of oppressions Roma are facing, the importance of racism for Roma and Romani identity, inequalities and structural discrimination of Roma, power relations and the need to contextualize the knowledge production.

CEU RES seeks paper proposals for panel of this conference. Whilst papers covering any aspect of Romani studies using critical approaches and methods will be considered, we are especially keen to receive papers on the following topics:

  1. The relevance of Postcolonial studies for Romani studies
  2. Romani women’s activism and gender politics
  3. Critical Race Theory and researching oppression of Roma
  4. Antigypsyism and challenges to the dominant narratives on Roma

Guidelines for authors

Proposals are welcome from researchers at all stages of their careers (including MA graduates and PhD students). Young scholars of Romani origin are particularly encouraged to apply. Please send submissions including the author’s name, the title, a 500-word-long abstract, a 100-word-long biography, and institutional affiliation (if relevant) to res@ceu.edu . Deadline of submission: April 16, 2017. Successful applicants will be notified by April 25. Original (not yet published) draft papers are to be submitted by May 20.  All abstracts will be peer-reviewed by the academic program committee.

CEU will cover travel, accommodation and meals costs for all the successful applicants who submit an original (not yet published) draft paper. Junior scholars may submit 1500-3000-word-long papers, whereas senior scholars are expected to contribute 3000-7000-word-long papers.

About CEU

Central European University (CEU) is a graduate research-intensive university specializing primarily in the social sciences and the humanities, as well as law, business and public policy. It is located in Budapest, and accredited in the United States and Hungary. CEU's mission is to promote academic excellence, state-of-the-art research, and civic engagement. CEU offers both Master's and doctoral programs, and enrolls about 1400 students from 100 countries. The teaching staff consists of more than 180 resident faculty members from over 40 countries, and a large number of prominent visiting scholars from around the world. The language of instruction is English.

The Roma in European Societies initiative has been launched in 2016 as the first of its kind in higher education a new interdisciplinary effort to support existing work to improve the situation of Roma in all sectors at local, national, and regional levels through teaching and research, leadership development and community outreach funded by a consortium of grant makers the VELUX Foundations, Open Society FoundationsRoma Initiatives Office (RIO) and the Roma Education Fund (REF).

For more information on the Central European University, please visit www.ceu.edu

All inquiries should be directed to res@ceu.edu