Dynamics of Loneliness. Intersections of the Cultural, Social and Medical

Call for papers

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research into Health and Illness welcomes proposals for contributions to the interdisciplinary conference Dynamics of loneliness. Intersections of the cultural, social and medical.

Loneliness is a multi-faceted phenomenon: It can function as exclusion from society, as discriminatory experience, and have impact on mental health. At the same time, it can have positive connotations, as individual experience of autonomy and freedom, as a source of creativity, contemplation, self-care and well-being.

There is growing academic interest in loneliness, in particular, in response to the covid-19 pandemic. It is still unclear, however, not only what constitutes loneliness and its experience, but also what its workings are. To this effect, the organisers are looking to hold a conference devoted to discussions on loneliness as dynamic experience constructed in multiple medical, cultural, literary or philosophical discourses/contexts.

We intend the conference to be interdisciplinary. We welcome contributions of scholars working with a variety of disciplinary or theoretical perspectives, including but not limited to sociology, psychology, linguistics, literature, visual culture, philosophy. Similarly, we welcome contributions from both established scholars and those only beginning their academic journeys.

The topics which we suggest for the event include but are not limited to (in no particular order):

• How is loneliness linked to spatial and temporal formations? Where and when is loneliness experienced? Does loneliness have a beginning and an end?
• How is it linked to related concepts of being alone, being bored, or being isolated?
• What is the tension between loneliness and increased connection through digitalization and globalization?
• How is loneliness reflected and represented in literary, visual and digital culture? Are there particular narrative strategies, motives or aesthetics?
• Does loneliness have a gender?
• What is the relationship between loneliness and migratory experiences?
• How is loneliness part of experience of illness and/or disability?
• How is loneliness related to cultural and academic production (e.g., writing or painting)?

The conference will be free to attend. It will be an in-person conference. We will do our best to offer live online streaming.

We cannot offer reimbursements for travel. However, if you are a student wanting to attend the conference and need financial assistance, please contact us. We shall try to offer you university accommodation in Wroclaw. Priority will be given to students from lower-income countries.  Please write to us at cirhi@uwr.edu.pl.

The meeting will be held at the University of Wroclaw in the centre of the city. Wroclaw is in the southwest of Poland and has an international airport frequented by many major international airlines.

Please submit your abstracts by 31 March 2023 to cirhi@uwr.edu.pl.