University of Göttingen / Graduate School of Social Sciences 22 to 24 November 2011

Point of departure
Democratisation processes around the world are challenging the trade unions as political players in the creation and transformation of (new) societies because these processes are inevitably associated with the shifts and realignments of civil society. At the same time, globalisation and demographic change are also changing the work of the trade unions in established democracies.

The conference will cover issues relating to the role and influence of trade unions within the framework of democratisation efforts and as the result of the radical changes and transformations which have and are still taking place in various political systems around the world. It will also consider the options available to trade unions in existing democracies to shape developments, particularly in light of the growing socio-economic problems and new challenges that they face in many of these democracies. The conference will focus on the initial situations, developments, processes and results of trade union influence in very different countries, regions and political frameworks. International comparisons and historical perspectives are also possible and desired.

In particular, the conference will cover the following topics and issues
- What functions do trade unions assume in democratisation and/or democracy stabilisation processes?
- In what way are trade unions political players in their operative frameworks and functions? How do they present themselves?
- What are the definitions and interpretations of democracy from a behaviour influencing perspective?
- How do the trade unions collaborate with their alliance partners in the democratic process?
- How do the trade unions’ strategic concepts compare at an international level?
- What roles do trade unions play in repressive regimes? - To what extent have trade unions adapted to changing work situations and demographic shifts (e.g. to the ’internship generation’ in industrial nations, migrants or the very young average age of many populations in the southern hemisphere)?
- What functions do trade unions assume in connection with the inclusion and integration of marginal sed groups?
- What function does the ILO and other international trade union organisations assume in the above
connection? What is the significance of transnational networks? - What kind of a media presence do trade unions have in the democratic process?

Addressees
This Call for Papers is addressed to doctoral students and young scientists of all disciplines who are involved in research projects which relate to the conference theme, i.e. presentations of current theses or research projects on the subject matter are also feasible and desired. There are plans to publish a conference digest after the conference.

Agenda and organisation
Wiebke Friedrich, Christoph H. Schwarz, Sebastian Voigt (Hans Böckler Foundation doctoral scholarship holder) Doctoral Scholarship Department of the Hans-Böckler Foundation Göttingen Graduate School of Social Sciences

Dates and deadlines
Interested parties are requested to send a 1 to 2-page exposé/ abstract together with a biography and research profile (max. half a page) to WT@boeckler.de by 19 August 2011 at the latest. Please also send queries and conference registration requests to this address or call the Scholarship Department of the Hans Böckler Foundation (Dr. Susanne Schedel, Tel.: +49 (0)211/7778-301). The selection process will take place at the end of August.

Conference venue: Historical Observatory Conference Centre,
University of Göttingen
Registration deadline: 21 October 2011
Conference languages: German and English
Board and lodging costs will be paid by the Hans Böckler Foundation.
Travel expenses for conference
speakers and Hans Böckler Foundation scholarship holders will also be reimbursed.