Session on "Body, Culture and Society"
Organizer: Jason Whitesel

Sociologists are well poised to talk about the role of the body in sociological research. They can study how groups organize around their bodies and the ways that the body figures into matters of self- and collective-identity. This session will highlight current work on the sociology of the body, theorize the body in relation to culture and social identity, and focus on the critical analysis of research in areas such as disability studies, fat studies and sexualities. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

-Body techniques
-Body symbolism
-Alternative body practices
-Consumption
-Representations of working bodies
-Old age
-Body politics
-Disciplined bodies
-Body projects
-Unruly Bodies
-Intersexuality
-Transgender bodies
-Queer- and fat-affirming bodies
-What constitutes pleasurable bodies?
-Abject bodies
-Embodiment
-Inside/outside distinctions of the body
-Contamination and pollution
-Orifices
-Bodily performance of identity
-Bodies on the internet
-Body modification
-Tattoos
-Cosmetic surgery
-Physical Difference and otherness
-The body and the experience of illness
-The maternal body
-The body and desire
-Religions perspectives on the body

If you are interested in presenting at this session, please send the following information:

1) Title of your paper
2) Paper Abstract
3) Your name and institutional affiliation
4) Mailing address AND email address
5) Telephone and fax numbers

Please send this information NO LATER than October 31, 2008