Braga 2010 - Communication and HIV/AIDS Working Group Call for Papers

The Communication and HIV/AIDS Working Group of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) welcomes the submission of papers for the 2010 Conference to be held in Braga, Portugal, from 18 - 22 July 2010. The general theme of the conference is 'Communication and Citizenship: Rethinking Crisis and Change' and it aims to interrogate emergent models of communication and to open up innovative debates on mechanisms for empowering citizenship and participation. Creative and alternative thinking on old and new dimensions of social participation is expected to shed light on contemporary uncertainties and deadlocks.

Focusing on the complex and changing relationships between Communication and Citizenship, the IAMCR invites researchers from different latitudes, professional and cultural backgrounds, to develop research for and as citizens.

We invite papers that reflect theoretical and practice-based issues and challenges in HIV/AIDS communication research and practice, including abstracts that reflect upon and present results from on-the-ground HIV/AIDS communication activities. Papers should reflect upon communication within the multiple dimensions of the fight against HIV/AIDS. This may include, for example, policy challenges, implications of socio-economic or cultural contexts, the role of treatment in communication, campaign fatigue, governance and accountability issues. Please consider the implications of your paper for HIV/AIDS communication theory and/or practice.

We are particularly interested in papers that present innovative approaches to HIV/AIDS communication theory and practice, moving beyond analysing traditional ABC campaigns (Abstinence, Being Faithful, and using Condoms). We seek papers that take a critical approach to HIV/AIDS communication, exploring the interdisciplinary, multi-dimensional nature of the epidemic. As such, we hope to see more abstracts that move beyond traditional health communication models, and reflect upon the diversity of approaches to communication, including, for instance, social change communication, citizen/alternative/radical media approaches, participatory communication, advocacy communication, folk media and other cultural approaches.

Both individual abstracts and panel proposals are encouraged. The sessions of the working group will be organized as suits emerging themes from abstracts. We are also convening at three joint sessions, the details of which follow.

Joint sessions

Gender and HIV/AIDS Communication (joint session with the Gender and Communication section

The Gender and Communication Section and the Communication and HIV/AIDS Working Group are inviting papers for a panel on the intersections of HIV/AIDS, gender and communication. While many realize the importance of communication in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the gender dimensions of communication in the pandemic are not always well understood. We invite papers from those working specifically on gender issues as they relate to HIV/AIDS and communication.
HIV/AIDS and Participatory Communication Approaches (joint session with the Participatory Communication Research Section)

The Participatory Communication and Research (PCR) Section and the Communication and HIV/AIDS Working Group are inviting papers for a special session on the participation and communication in HIV/AIDS responses. The epidemic has highlighted the importance of issues of participation, social inclusion and exclusion, and the challenges posed by marginalization, stigma and discrimination. We invite papers from those engaging in research and practice related to participation and participatory approaches to communication within the context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Health Communication and Social Change in the Context of HIV/AIDS (joint session with the Health, Communication and Change Working Group)

The Communication and HIV/AIDS working group is furthermore organizing a joint panel with the Health Communication and Change Working Group. This panel will be exploring communication and social change in the context of HIV/AIDS as a global health catastrophe. Responses to HIV/AIDS have raised questions about how we understand change within health communication interventions. In particular, questions remain in understanding processes of social and cultural change surrounding the epidemic and the role that communication may play. We invite papers from those engaging in research and practice that critically explore social and cultural change related to health, communication and HIV/AIDS.

Logistics & Deadlines

IAMCR does not permit multiple submissions of identical abstracts to more than one section. Abstracts or panel proposals should include: the name(s) of author(s) and professional title(s); institutional affiliation; and e-mail address/contact information. Due to scheduling considerations, a limited number of panels will be accepted.

The deadline for the submission of abstracts (500 words maximum) is January 31, 2010 . All abstracts will be peer reviewed and you will be informed whether or not your abstract is accepted by March 15, 2010. The deadline for full papers is April 30, 2010 .

Abstract Submission

Please submit your abstract on-line at the conference website. If you have trouble with the online submission process, please contact the co-chairs of the working group. Please CC all three co-chairs:

Sarah Cardey: s.p.cardey[AT]reading.ac.uk
Nancy Muturi: nmuturi[AT]ksu.edu
Joseph Muyungata: joseph_muyangata[AT]yahoo.com

For additional information related to this call for papers, please contact Sarah Cardey on s.p.cardey[AT]reading.ac.uk .

Please note that if your abstract is accepted, you may be called upon to facilitate or moderate one of the working group sessions.

Conference Information

For more information about the conference, please see the conference website.

Nancy Muturi, PhD
A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506
Tel: 785-532-3890
nmuturi[AT]ksu.edu

IAMCR - International Association for Media and Communication Research