On 27 February - 2 March 2002 the fourth European Social Science History Conference will take place in The Hague, the Netherlands. The ESSHC brings together scholars interested in explaining historical phenomena using the methods of the social sciences, and is characterized by a lively exchange in many small groups, rather than formal plenary sessions. The Conference is organised in a large number of networks covering specific topics (e.g. criminal justice, family, social inequality, economics). Further information on the ESSHC is available from the conference web site at http://www.iisg.nl/esshc

Sessions and papers on the History of Sexuality can be proposed to the network, Lesley Hall (lesleyah@primex.co.uk). Papers, or complete panels (2-3 speakers, commentator, and chair) would be welcomed. Topics could include historical perspectives on (the following should be regarded as suggestions rather than limitations!): heterosexual relations: premarital (illegitimacy, courtship), marital, extramarital (adultery, divorce); same-sex relations; masturbation; prostitution; sexually transmitted diseases; abortion, birth control; sex education; moral reform organisations; legal regulation of sexual behaviour; medical views; sexual science; pornography; censorship; subcultures; 'perversions'/paraphilias; sexual violence.

To propose a paper: pre-register through the conference website, indicating ‘Sexuality’ as your network of preference. To propose a panel session: pre-register for 3 or 4 participants with full names and addresses of all paper-givers, and of a chair and/or commentator. Roundtable discussions e.g. of significant recent developments in the historiography of the subject, would also be welcomed. The deadline for sending in abstracts is 1 March 2001.