ASA Annual Meeting 2021: Emancipatory Sociology and the Du Boisian Challenge
ASA Annual Meeting 2021: Emancipatory Sociology and the Du Boisian Challenge
The American Sociological Association’s 116th Annual Meeting took place online from 6 to 10 August 2021. Its theme, “Emancipatory Sociology: Rising to the Du Boisian Challenge”, invited sociologists to consider how their research and teaching could help expose and challenge inequality.
A meeting shaped by its time
Held during the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual meeting brought together researchers, teachers and students from across the sociological community. The online format enabled participants to attend from different locations and take part in a programme of scholarly sessions, discussions and professional events.
The theme drew on the work of W. E. B. Du Bois, whose scholarship examined race, power and social life. It encouraged attendees to reflect on sociology’s role not only in understanding society, but also in addressing the structures and practices that produce injustice.
Research, teaching and social change
The meeting’s central question had wide relevance across sociology: how can sociological knowledge contribute to a more equitable society? Discussions connected this question with the responsibilities of researchers and educators, including how they choose their questions, interpret evidence and share their findings.
For scholars working on religion and education, the theme offered a useful framework for considering the ways institutions, identities and social inequalities intersect. It also highlighted the value of bringing different perspectives into research and teaching, particularly when examining questions of belonging, representation and power.
A continuing conversation
The 2021 Annual Meeting provided a space for academic exchange at a time when many established forms of gathering were changing. Its focus on emancipatory sociology encouraged participants to think critically about the purpose of their work and the contribution it might make beyond the university.
Although the meeting was a specific event, its central challenge remains relevant: to use careful, rigorous sociological research to deepen understanding and support meaningful change.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ASA Annual Meeting 2021
- When and where was the ASA Annual Meeting 2021 held?
- What was the theme of the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
- Was the ASA Annual Meeting 2021 held online or in person?
- Who could attend the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
- How could people register for the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
- What sessions and events were included in the 2021 programme?
- Who were the keynote speakers at the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
- Were session recordings or other materials available after the meeting?
- How could presenters and attendees take part in the virtual meeting?
When and where was the ASA Annual Meeting 2021 held?
The American Sociological Association’s 2021 Annual Meeting was held online from 6 to 10 August 2021. The virtual format enabled participants to attend sessions and events remotely.
What was the theme of the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
The theme of the 2021 American Sociological Association (ASA) Annual Meeting was “Emancipatory Sociology: Rising to the Du Boisian Challenge”. It invited sociologists to consider how their research and teaching could help challenge inequality and contribute to social change, drawing inspiration from W. E. B. Du Bois’s work.
Was the ASA Annual Meeting 2021 held online or in person?
The ASA Annual Meeting 2021 was held online from 6 to 10 August, rather than in person. The virtual format allowed participants to join sessions and events remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who could attend the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
The ASA Annual Meeting 2021 was open to sociologists, researchers, educators, students and others interested in the discipline. Attendees needed to register for the virtual event; ASA membership was not necessarily required, although registration fees and access arrangements could vary by membership status and participant category.
How could people register for the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
People could register for the ASA Annual Meeting 2021 through the American Sociological Association’s official website, using its online registration system to choose the appropriate attendee category and complete payment. As the meeting was held virtually, registered participants received access to the online programme and sessions; registration for the 2021 event is now closed.
What sessions and events were included in the 2021 programme?
The 2021 ASA Annual Meeting programme included research paper sessions, panel discussions and roundtables, alongside plenary and invited events exploring the theme “Emancipatory Sociology: Rising to the Du Boisian Challenge”. It also offered opportunities for professional development, networking and discussion within ASA sections and interest groups. The meeting was held online, with sessions bringing together sociologists to share research and consider how the discipline can address inequality.
Who were the keynote speakers at the ASA Annual Meeting 2021?
The ASA Annual Meeting 2021 did not centre on a conventional line-up of keynote speakers; its principal featured address was the presidential address by sociologist Aldon Morris. In keeping with the meeting’s theme, “Emancipatory Sociology: Rising to the Du Boisian Challenge”, the programme also included discussions and sessions exploring W. E. B. Du Bois’s legacy and sociology’s role in challenging inequality.
Were session recordings or other materials available after the meeting?
Some session recordings and supporting materials may have been available to registered attendees after the meeting, depending on the session and whether the organisers or speakers provided them. Access was through the meeting platform and may have been time-limited; not every session was necessarily recorded. For details about a particular session or access to archived materials, check the ASA Annual Meeting 2021 website or contact the association.
How could presenters and attendees take part in the virtual meeting?
Presenters and attendees took part through the ASA’s online meeting platform, using the access details provided after registration. Presenters joined their scheduled sessions remotely to deliver papers or take part in discussions, while attendees could watch sessions, ask questions and engage with other participants using the platform’s interactive features. The virtual format also allowed people to join from different locations without travelling to the meeting.