The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) warmly invites you to the 2026 Annual Conference, which promises to be an inspiring event bringing together the sociological community to explore the theme: Revolution and Resistance.
Our social and ecological world appears caught in a series of cascading and compounding crises, leaving no one untouched. The planetary upheaval of climate change promises an unavoidable revolution, regardless of the impulse towards ‘business as usual’. War in the Ukraine, and the genocide in Gaza rage on, as antisemitism and Islamophobia materialise into further violence globally. Mass protests are yet to bear fruit, and authoritarianism appears resurgent. Previous forms of resistance and revolution, such as demonstrations, petitions, boycotts, sit-ins, and marches, no longer offer transformative social and political change. Millions have participated in No Kings marches across the US with no appreciable change to the Trump administration’s damaging policies and practices.
These points of inflection and change are of central interest to sociologists, who understand resistances and revolutions as plural, multiple, complex and contextual. For TASA 2026, we recognise that we meet on Kabi Kabi Country, for which native title was recognised in 2024, with resistance and revolution affirming enduring sovereignty, deep connection to place, and decades of sustained effort, underscoring the importance of this theme. This year's conference sits in and with the tension between the resistant and revolutionary practices of the past, and the future not yet born.
This year’s conference theme asks: What can sociology offer to understandings of resistance and revolution? How can we read resistance and revolution expansively, productively and generatively in pursuit of a better world?
Attendees can look forward to:
- Professional Development Workshops: Practical sessions designed to enhance skills and foster career growth.
- Keynote Presentation: Hear from leading sociological thinkers addressing critical issues aligned with the conference theme.
- Yarning Circle: Discussing the theme 'Can Australian sociology move beyond observing inequality to actively support structural transformation under Closing the Gap?'
- Concurrent Sessions: Engage with cutting-edge sociological research through diverse and engaging presentations.
- Poster Presentations: Explore innovative ideas and research from scholars across disciplines in an interactive format.
- Book Launches: Celebrate new publications and engage with authors in thought-provoking discussions.
- Social Events: Build connections through vibrant networking opportunities, including our:
- Welcome Reception
- Inaugural Postgrad Drinks
- Inclusive Women’s Breakfast
- Queer Drinks
- Conference Casual Dinner