Conference

Friends, Patrons, Followers

Practices, discourses and semantics of friendship and patronage in historical, anthropological and cross-cultural perspectives

Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg, July 23-25, 2009

In recent years, cross-disciplinary research on interpersonal relations that go beyond the contexts of family and kinship has attracted increasing attention. However, existing research on these topics still lacks in-depth studies that consider the social, political and cross-cultural aspects of friendship and patronage. More precisely, a systematic analysis of the various notions of symmetrical and asymmetrical ties and their connection to discourses on actual interpersonal relationships appears to be promising. Relationships like friendship, patronage and other allegiance networks are variations of social bonds and the results of different historical contexts as well as different cultural backgrounds. Their continuing existence over time and across cultural boundaries makes them an interesting, yet underrepresented subject for cross-disciplinary research.
Accordingly, the conference will be guided by questions regarding changing friendship semantics, the historical and (cross)cultural and/or political practices of friendship, patronage, and loyalty. Of particular relevance here are critical discussions and re-evaluations of values and norms, which, for example, constitute friendship in different cultures and historical periods, as are the specific social circumstances that give rise to these interpersonal relations.
To arrive at a wider analysis of social discourse, reflections on topics like the constitution and representation of gender and body or the emergence of trust and betrayal are also of interest. In addition, contributions dealing with the perceptions of these relationships in a given society or historical context, or a political or economic environment in general, are encouraged. The upcoming conference aims at bringing together scholars with an expertise in interpersonal relationships, in particular, friendship, patronage, revenge, and corruption. The PhD research group Friends, Patrons, Followers at Freiburg University will contribute to the conference programme by presenting results of completed research projects. (www.grk-freundschaft.uni-freiburg.de)

We invite papers which may provide starting points for a dialogue across disciplines on these matters. The following panels are planned:

- boundaries and trangressions: end of friendship/friendship and enmity, vengeance and rituals, friendship and sexual/romantic relationships, dynamics in friendship
- practices of friendship: new forms, role of (new) media, friendship in politics/groups/cross-cultural contexts
- meaning and concepts of friendship: semantics, discourses, norms
- patronage: corruption, networks, hierarchy

The conference language is English, in particular cases papers in German can be accepted. We especially welcome interdisciplinary contributions from history, anthropology, literature studies, political sciences, gender studies, philosophy, and economics. The publication of the conference papers is currently planned. Accommodation will be provided and travel expenses reimbursed for participants presenting papers. Please submit an abstract of 250-300 words in English and a short CV including publications until December 5, 2008 to:

Eric Anton Heuser
PhD research group
Friends, Patrons, Followers
University of Freiburg
eric.anton.heuser@grk-freundschaft.uni-freiburg.de

Caroline Krüger
PhD research group
Friends, Patrons, Followers
University of Freiburg
caroline.krueger@grk-freundschaft.uni-freiburg.de