International Symposium on Global Aging and Diversity" October 5-6, 2024

To invite submissions for the "International Symposium on Global Aging and Diversity" October 5-6, 2024. 

[On-Line/Hybrid] at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto.

 

“Counter-Hegemonic Narratives of Aging: Identity, Space, and Belonging”

Demographic realities of rapid increase of aging population and decreasing birthrate, rising medical and care-costs, socio-economic instability and needs, and overburdened governmental welfare structures and healthcare systems present exorbitant challenges shared by many societies throughout the world. The “aged” and the process of “aging” in comparison to youth are commonly seen with negative implications and the advanced stage of one’s life trajectory is synonymous with growing frailty, illness, disease, loss in physical and mental capacity, social and economic limits and immobility, loneliness and isolation, and being a burden to family and society. Amidst the macro-level discussions on how best to meet the challenges and needs of the increasing aging population, individuals in microcosms narrate diverse encounters with aging that defy the stereotypical images of “elderly” and “seniors.” Instead, they highlight subjective autonomy and agency in self, body, sexuality, representations, as well as physical, mental, and psychological maintenance and well-being in creative and innovative ways of dealing with the transitional process of body, mind, and spirit.

Initiating a macro conversation of global aging within an international realm and then specifying the focus to a regional level situated in Japan, a super-aging society where more than one in four persons are 65 or over, the hidden but very present counter-hegemonic narratives offer crucial case studies that draw attention to the changing discourse of aging through accentuating the realities of growing diverse communities and life-experiences. How does a conservative, rigidly hierarchical patriarchal society, often perceived by self and others as “homogeneous,” encounter and accommodate the undeniably increasing visible presence of diversity that is challenging the dominant preconceived notions of nation, ethnic, citizenship, language, traditionally categorized hierarchies of age and social roles, work and retirement, strict family structure, institutions, and infrastructures of aging and care? 

The two-day international symposium seeks papers that explore and elucidate diverse selves and experiences, productive innovative communities and spaces, evolving means of care, and transitions and transformation of passive to active autonomous “aging.” It aims to specifically call attention to the microcosms of peripheries, fringes, and alterities. Day One (Oct. 5) will reflect upon general theoretical discussions from various international regions. Day Two (Oct. 6) will focus specifically on Japan.

Proposals for papers that engage with the following suggested topics are welcome. However, papers addressing themes related to the core symposium focus will also be considered:

 

Suggested Topics:

1) Changing representations, perceptions, and narratives of body, sexuality, and aging

2) Emerging marketing and distribution strategies for the promotion of healthy autonomous aging employed in innovative businesses focusing on an aging market.

3) Ways of maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual autonomy

4) Media, movies, dramas that reshape and recreate changing cultural narratives of aging and their impact.

5) Aging ethnic minorities

6) Refugees, illegal residents, homeless, and aging

7) Indigenous population and aging

8) Stigma of disease and aging

9) Intersectional realities and aging

10) Aging LGBTQ sexual minorities

11) Innovative spaces and communities

12) Exploration of digital technology and media platforms and cultural production: On-line dating, Instagram and Facebook messaging and connections, aging influencers and growing fan base

 

Submission Guideline and Dates:

1) March 30, 2024: Abstract (250 words) and a brief bio (150 words) including contact details

2) April 30, 2024: Acceptance notifications will be sent

3) August 20, 2024: Full papers of 6,000-8,000 words with Reference. Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) Author-date reference system. 

*Please submit all individual papers/bios in one document to: conference@jackiekim-wachutka.com

The selected papers will be included in an edited volume.

*The symposium will be on-line/hybrid. Presenters will receive a set honorarium funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, JSPS.

*For questions, please contact the organizer: Dr. Jackie J. Kim-Wachutka, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto. 

conference@jackiekim-wachutka.com