Research Committees

RC57 Visual Sociology

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Thematic Group 05 Visual Sociology established in 2009. Upgraded to WG03 in 2013. Upgraded to RC57 in 2017.

Objectives

Visual Sociology is a diverse field of study which gathers sociologists involved in visual studies and studies of the visual. As a relatively new discipline and methodology within the sociology, Visual Sociology attracts growing numbers of scholars and students who are using visual methods, and/or interested in the production, use and dissemination of visual knowledge.

The overall goal of the research committee in Visual Sociology is to bridge discussions on theoretical and practical aspects of the analysis of visual data. The research committe provides the opportunity to share, exchange and develop ideas which are relevant to Visual Sociology in the global arena. The focus of the research committe is on applying visual methods in sociology at large, and developing theoretical perspectives as well as specific sociological methods, such as web-site analysis, photo-elicitation interviews, sociological video and photo production and analysis.

The group aims to generate further discussions concerning the collection of  visual data in the field (in archives, photo albums, media, websites etc.) as well as the production of visual materials by the researcher (photography and documentaries) with an emphasis on methods of analysis of these data.

Another objective of the group's work is the contemporary and historical analysis of the socio-cultural locus of the visual. The key concern here is how the visual is produced, used and disseminated, and how it intersects with the verbal and other means of communication and sensual experiences.

Lastly, it is our goal to put to debate broader theoretical issues of the sociology of the visual sphere and discuss the applicability of various sociological theories in the analysis of the visual data.

Board 2023 - 2027

President Luc PAUWELS, University of Antwerp, Belgium, luc.pauwels@uantwerpen.be
Vice-President Carolina CAMBRE, Concordia University, Canada
Secretary Iakovos PANAGOPOULOS, Ionian University, Greece, iakovospanagopoulos@yahoo.co.uk
Treasurer John GRADY, Wheaton College, USA, jgrady@wheatonma.edu
Nomination for Rachel Tanur Memorial Prize

Paolo S. H. FAVERO, University of Antwerp, Belgium, paolosh.favero@uantwerpen.be

Newsletter Editors Ana Ines HERAS, CEDESI-UNSAM-CONICET, Argentina, herasmonnersans2@gmail.com
Analia Ines MEO, CONICET, Argentina, analiameo@conicet.gov.ar
Board Members Marina CIAMPI, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Annalisa FRISINA, University of Padova, Italy
Sarah WILSON, University of Stirling, United Kingdom

Program Coordinators for 5th ISA Forum of Sociology 2025 are:
Luc PAUWELS, luc.pauwels@uantwerpen.be
Maria-Carolina CAMBRE, carolina.cambre@concordia.ca

Membership

Dues for a 4-year period:

  • Category A: USD 40
  • Category B: USD 20
  • Category C and students: USD 10

Table of countries per category

Interested in joining? Start your membership by visiting: https://members.isa-sociology.org/login

Newsletter

The RC57 Newsletter is published twice a year. 

For previous issues click here.