Dear ~~first_name~~,
There are just 32 sleeps until TASA 2025! The countdown is officially on, and we’re looking forward to reconnecting with so many of you in Melbourne.
This week, we’re delighted to welcome Rebecca Walker and Jessica Nitschke as new members. We also bring you news of an exciting development from the Journal of Sociology, the introduction of Special Sections, with proposals now open.
Next week brings two postgraduate events designed to connect and support our emerging scholars, and in case you are not aware, Bristol University Press has over 1,500 open access sociology resources available.
You’ll also find new member publications, upcoming events, and more from across our community.
Sally, Penny and Ali
TASA Team
| Introducing Special Sections
Following the recent launch of a new paper type for Journal of Sociology, Teaching Notes, the JoS team are launching a new feature called Special Sections. They invite proposals at any time for thematic sections that consist of three or four standard 8,000 word papers, framed with a 4,000 word introduction. This will be an ideal format for developing and publishing outcomes from, for instance, a conference panel, a smaller research network, or papers in conversation around a hot topic. Special Sections are designed to be a smaller, more manageable version of a special issue and will feature in standard issues along with regular papers.
If you would like to pitch a special section, please write firstly to our Managing Editor, Dr Amy Vanderharst.
| The latest special issue of the Journal of Sociology explores ‘Equity in the creative industries’ in the context of a changing employment landscape in Australia. Inequality is central to understanding the social consequences and distribution of cultural work. The COVID-19 pandemic, rise of digital cultural production, growth of media sharing platforms, and instability of changes in government (and policy) have both disrupted and re-organised cultural work. The collection of articles aims to develop debate on competing imaginaries of the lived experiences of workers, and to shed light on the struggle and complexities of contemporary creative labour.
All articles have been published on open access and are available here.
| | TASA 2025 Conference Program
You can search by day, track, thematic group, workshop, social function, or keynote, and even download a personalised program containing only the sessions you wish to attend.
You can access the program here. | | | Nguyen-Trung, K., Vo, T.D., Ly, A.T. et al. Place-making in times of crisis: A thematic analysis of how Vietnamese students abroad reconfigure spaces. High Education (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-025-01545-6. [Full access].
Pienaar, K et al. (2025) Introduction to the Tenth Anniversary section of Catalyst. Catalyst: Feminism, Theory, Technoscience, 11(2): 1-17. [Full access].
Roy, D, Pienaar, K & Lee. R. (2025) Catalyst Origin Stories Deboleena Roy in Conversation with Kiran Pienaar and Robyn Lee. Catalyst: Feminism, Theory, Technoscience, 11(2): 1-14. [Full access].
Keilty, P, Murphy, M, Subramaniam, B, Aristarkhova, A & Pienaar, K. (2025). Reflections on Catalyst’s legacy and future Catalyst editors in conversation. Catalyst: Feminism, Theory, Technoscience, 11(2): 1-16. [Full access].
Dhillon, H. M., Drysdale, K., Haire, B., valentine, kylie, Walsberger, S., Hartley, A., Jasicki, L., Daignault, C., & Smith, A. K. J. (2025). LGBTQ+ participation in cancer clinical trials: Ensuring justice and data equity. Research Ethics, 17470161251383558. https://doi.org/10.1177/17470161251383558. [Full access].
| Nishitani, Makiko, Butler, Rose, & Pale, Maryanne. 2025. Outreach Across Cultures: Building scaffolding for more equitable and diverse career pathways for young people in Sunraysia. Bundoora, La Trobe University. https://doi.org/10.26181/30252370. [Full access].
| This month we are looking at Chapter 8 'Post-Fordism as a mass disabling event' in The Empire of Normality by Robert Chapman. Chapman's book explores the history of neurodiversity while critically engaging with the myth of 'normal' and it's links to capitalism.
Download this month's reading here : The Empire of Normality
Event Details
Date: Next Tuesday 28th October
Time: 10am - 11am AEDT
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
| | | | TASA Thursday: Life After the PhD – Pathways and Possibilities
Date: Next Thursday 30 October
Time: 12:30–1:30pm (AEDT)
Cost: Complimentary via Zoom
Transitioning from PhD research into the next career stage can be both exciting and uncertain. Join Dr Laura Davy (ANU) and Dr Evangeline Aguas (UTS) as they share insights on securing fellowships, building a research profile, publishing, and turning your thesis into a book. Designed for current PhD candidates and recent graduates, this interactive session offers practical strategies for navigating early academic careers.
| | | |
Event Details
Date: Friday 21 November
Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Location: Monash University City Campus
Cost: TASA Member In-person - $40 | TASA Member PG, Casual, unwaged In-person- $15 | Non Member In-person $40 | Online - Complimentary
| | | Research Fellow
The Australian National University
The Research Fellow will contribute to RegNet’s teaching efforts, particularly at postgraduate, professional training and higher degree by research (HDR) levels, and carry out activities to develop their scholarly, research and/or professional track record. Early career scholars working on the following topics are particularly welcome to apply: concerns related to complexity and uncertainty in governance, contemporary regulatory governance and the governance of innovation and risk.
| Research Specialist
Academia Sinica (Taiwan)
The Center for Survey Research, Academia Sinica (Taiwan) invites applications for a full-time position at the rank of Assistant Research Specialist or above with a focus on computational social science and survey methodology
Application deadline: October 31. Read on...
| | Scholarship Opportunities | | Transnationally mobile youth and their transitions to adulthood
The PhD project can be on any topic related to YFAM’s focus on youth, mobility and migration, and can have an Australian and/or international focus. We welcome innovative research proposals that align with YFAM while bringing fresh perspectives to migration and youth studies research.
The project is being led by TASA members Anita Harris and Loretta Baldassar.
The PhD project can be on any topic related to YFAM’s focus on youth, mobility and migration, and can have an Australian and/or international focus. We welcome innovative research proposals that align with YFAM while bringing fresh perspectives to migration and youth studies research.
Application deadline: TOMORROW October 24th, 5pm AEDT. Read on...
| | | PhD Scholarship - New Possibilities: Youth, Digital Democracy and Resilience
Western Sydney University
This project will undertake participatory research with young people aged 12 – 22 in Western Sydney to understand the views and experiences of those who are first time voters in the lead up to either a state or federal election.
Lead researchers include TASA member Philippa Collin
| Other Events, News & Opportunities
| New: Mark Davis' Thesis 11 Annual Lecture - Relational Sociology in Action! Zelizer and the Climate Crisis
Thursday November 27th, 6-8pm AEDT
Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture, Melbourne
Prof Mark Davis joins TASA 2025for the Thesis Eleven annual lecture to explore sociology’s role in addressing challenges like the climate crisis.
2025 Agnes Heller Lecture - AI, Care, and Ageing Futures
Presenter: fellow member Barbara Barbosa Neves
Level 2, Room 2.10, La Trobe City Campus
November 18th, 1:45pm - 3:30pm AEDT
From courtrooms to care homes, AI is remaking what it means to be old. On one hand, AI-driven hiring platforms are facing lawsuits for discriminating against older applicants. On the other, headlines celebrate robots to solve the so-called aged care crisis, alongside multimillion-dollar investments in chatbots that promise to cure loneliness among older people.
| Kohli Fellowship 2026
Berlin Social Science Center (WZB)
The Kohli Fellowship is awarded to a promising early-stage researcher in sociology. The fellowship is awarded for 24 months. The current monthly stipend is € 2,500, subject to revision.
Application deadline: November 16. Read on... | Call - Advisory Committee Members
| Advisory Committee on the Environmental Management of Industrial Chemicals (IChEMS Advisory Committee).
This independent expert committee advises the Minister for Environment and Water on scheduling decisions. These decisions help ensure industrial chemicals are managed safely.
The committee may provide advice on chemical properties, relevant environmental risks, end uses, and socio-economic factors.
A Candidate Information Pack can be downloaded from their website.
| Threads of resistance
Online, Thursday October 30, 12pm - 2pm
PhD students from Deakin University invite you to a lunchtime seminar on human resistance to domination and oppression. Speakers will describe threads of resistance running through their research in different fields.
Western Sydney University, Sexualities and Genders Research (SaGR) presents our famous, excellent, fun annual research showcase on Nov 10th 2pm-5pm at Parramatta City Campus, along with the launch of our 5 year review report. Attend to see researchers and community partners speed present their contemporary research, and network with other Sexualities, Genders and feminist scholars.
Newcastle Youth Studies Online Seminar Series
The Newcastle Youth Studies Centre is a collaborative group of researchers who work with young people to understand their lives, cultural, and economic forces they are living in. They have the following online seminars scheduled:
- The False Divide between Nature and Culture (November 5)
- ‘Your mum didn’t take selfies’: Youth and image cultures on social media (November 19)
| Towards Development of Mediatization Research IX: Youth, Sports, and Media
Online, 5 December
Researchers who wish to discuss their current projects within a focused and closed group of media scholars, under the guidance of an expert, are invited to attend.
Abstract submission deadline: October 27th. Read on...
| BSA Annual Conference 2026: 75 Years of Sociology
University of Edinburgh, UK
8-10 April 2026
Predoctoral Preconference
Work and Family Researchers Network Conference
The Predoctoral Preconference will provide workshops intended to help graduate students form meaningful connections with diverse scholars, learn about publication strategies, as well as how to engage with stakeholders such as organisational leaders or policy advocates.
| | Reimagining Boyhood: Addressing the wellbeing of boys and young men through education
21 January, 2026
The University of Queensland
Key Speakers include fellow member Garth Stahl.
This event brings together leading international voices, cutting-edge research, and the shared commitment of schools and educators to shape the future of boys’ education, exploring identity, wellbeing, belonging, and learning in boyhood. With keynote speakers, expert panels, and interactive workshops, this full-day program offers evidence-based insights and practical strategies that educators can apply directly.
| | | Special Issues - call for submissions
| Professionalism beyond the Global North: A Space for New Theoretical Developments
Current Sociology Monographs
This issue invites contributions that advance sociological research on professions, professionalism, and expertise in the Global South—broadly defined to include Africa, Asia, Latin America, Southern and Eastern Europe, and Oceania
The Normative Turn in Sociology. Opening the Black Box
Sociology’s special issue hopes to lay the groundwork for a sociology of normativity; that is, a form of sociology (be it “critical” or otherwise) which is expressly normative. Editors are looking for contributions, theoretical and/or empirical, that engage with the question of normativity in sociology.
Paper submission deadline: 22 January. Read on...
Earning while Learning: Experiences, patterns and the political economy of working students
Work, Employment and Society’s new special issue aims to interrogate and fundamentally reconceptualize the relationship between earning and learning, bringing together different disciplinary approaches to interrogate student work and the global political economy that shapes it.
Paper submission deadline: 27 February. Read on...
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
The guest editors of this journal are seeking submissions for the forthcoming edition ‘Reframing artificial intelligence: Critical perspectives from AI social science’
In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), public and academic discourse is often dominated by polarised narratives—either heralding AI as a solution to complex problems or warning of its dangers … this Collection invites social science perspectives to advance the study of AI’s sociotechnical, cultural and political dimensions.
Submission deadline: 30 April. Read on...
| | Call for Participants – The Rationalisation of Love
Fellow member Nell Whittaker, UNSW
Have you been in a loving relationship for 12 months or longer? Researchers at UNSW want to hear how people narrate love in their everyday lives. By sharing your story in an interview, you’ll be contributing to sociological research aimed at understanding how love is rationalised.
If you’d like to participate and immortalise your love story, please email Nell or call on 0421 223 292.
| | |  | The Jobs & Scholarships Board allows you to view opportunities that TASA Admin and fellow members have posted.
In 4 easy steps, you can upload job & scholarship opportunities from your member's profile screen. For instructions, visit here.
The Jobs & Scholarships Board is a public facing searchable feature of TASAweb.
|
 | TASA’s Executive Committee (EC) governs the Association and manages its daily business as outlined in the Constitution and by established policies. A call for nominations for the 2027 – 2028 Executive term will be disseminated on July 1, 2026.
The November 2024 - November 2026 Executive Team can be viewed on TASAweb here.
|
|
 | TASA was officially established under the name of the Sociological Association of Australia and New Zealand (SAANZ) in 1963, crystallising what was a long, and perhaps delayed process of the discipline’s development in Australia.
For the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2013, pages on TASA's history were added to TASAweb.
|
|
 | The more members TASA has, the stronger our association can be.
To help spread the word about TASA, you can quickly and easily gift a TASA membership to someone from within your TASA membership profile.
|
|
 | | TASA members have free access to over 90 peer-reviewed Sage Sociology full-text collection online journals encompassing over 63,000 articles. The image on the left shows you where to access those journals, as well as the Sage Research Methods Collection & the Taylor and Francis Full Text Collection, when logged in to TASAweb. If needed, here is a short instructive video on how to access the online resources. |
|
 | TASA currently has 27 thematic groups in operation and members can join up to 4 groups. This can be done quickly, and easily via your membership profile.
Watch the very short video (1:30) to learn how to join a thematic group/s.
|
 | TASA's Membership Directory allows you to search for members by country and state. It also has search functions for members of a particular thematic group, and members who are available for supervision and/or mentoring.
To learn how to search the Membership Directory, watch this very short video (1 min).
|
|
 | Via your membership profile, you can update many options including adding a secondary email address, and indicating if you are available for mentoring, supervising, consulting, and/or talking to the media, for example. If you are in a Tier 2, Tier 3 & Tier 4 membership category, you can also opt in or out of receiving a hard copy of the Journal of Sociology.
All of these changes can be done quickly and easily. To learn how, watch this video (1 min). |
|
 |
Personal pronoun preferences can be added to your profile. There are 9 combination options to choose from. Please let Sally in TASA Admin know if your preference/s is not on the list and we will have them added.
|
 | We encourage you to support your colleagues by sharing details of your latest publications with them via this newsletter. No publication is too big or too small.
Any mention of sociology is of value to our association, and to the discipline, so please do email through details of your latest publication/s (fully referenced & with a link, where possible), events, job adverts etc. for the next newsletter, to TASA Admin (right click to retrieve the email address). Usually, the newsletter is disseminated every Thursday morning. |
|
 | As part of the agreement with Taylor & Francis, TASA members are entitled to a 30% books discount. This discount is valid on any full priced CRC Press or Routledge book.
To access the book discount, click on the following link and then log in to TASAweb: book discount link. |
|
Admin (Sally): admin@tasa.org.au
Events (Penny): events@tasa.org.au
Membership (Ali): membership@tasa.org.au
Digital Publications Editor (Roger): digitalpe@tasa.org.au
Indigenous (John): indigenousmembership@tasa.org.au
Thematic Groups (Naomi): thematicgroups@tasa.org.au
Postgraduates (Molly): postgraduates@tasa.org.au | |