ESA Research Networks
Research networks are an essential part of the intellectual life of the ESA. They are the groups "where most of the action is": confrontation between different approaches; comparison between societies and between national sociological traditions; continued discussion and collaboration. They organize regular meetings among their members and other interested sociologists and have a key role in preparing the program of the large bi-annual ESA conference. Research networks are focussed sufficiently to motivate people and to enable them to work effectively with each other. They meet more frequently than is possible within the framework of general conferences. These meetings tend to be smaller and more homogeneous, and thus more suited to intellectual debate and the exchange of ideas.
How to establish a new Research Network
The ESA Statutes provide the following procedure for establishing a Research Network: a Network is proposed by a minimum of ten ESA members in good standing from at least three different countries and is approved by the Executive Committee. The latter has set up three substantive criteria for approval:
1. Research Networks should be set up so that they can continue to work productively over a longer period. This requires topics or foci that are neither too narrow nor specific to passing fads. Topics should generate sustained interest from different perspectives and on different levels. Networks should not depend upon the enthusiasm of one or two people. (At the same time, it is possible that at least some research networks will have a limited goal envisioned from their beginning and deliberately will cease operations after a definite span);
2. Research Networks should have a European focus which either bears directly on Europe as an emerging social, cultural, political and economic entity or on comparative research among European societies. This means that the ESA will not necessarily cover the whole range of sociological themes. Still, most of the core sub-fields of sociological research should be represented;
3. Proposals should give an indication of the likely number of members, show what the group has done so far (e.g., organised a successful Working Group at a European Conference of Sociology, established a core of members etc), and what activities the Network intends (e.g., publication plans, comparative research initiatives, further conferences, etc).
Research Networks will be allocated time slots during the bi-annual European Conferences of Sociology for a program of their own responsibility. Networks will be encouraged also to hold at least one workshop or academic meeting during the period between the European Conferences of Sociology so that members have the chance to meet together at least once a year. It is hoped that Networks will use the facilities of the newsletter and the european-sociologist Mailbase e-mail discussion lists as well as relevant journals to publicize their activities.
You are invited to join the Research Networks, to indicate your interest and support for the proposed Networks, or to initiate a proposal for a Research Network. Membership in Research Networks are open to all ESA members.
The contact person for Research Networks is: