Study Groups

The label of SAI Study Group is used for groups established by members of the SAI who take on the role of convenor of a group that comes together around a shared thematic interest.

The character of study groups within SAI is diverse. There have been groups organised as a series of online gatherings with invited guest speakers as discussion partners. In this format the guest speakers are often located outside of Ireland, and they also may come from neighbouring disciplines, thus providing new perspectives on the topics that are of interest for the study group.
Other groups are more like reflective communities with members who enjoy sharing their experiences in their respective areas of interest, and developing new ideas for their practice in research and teaching.

Another format that is used by study groups is the concept of a reading group where all participants in the study group read and discuss certain texts related to their topical interests.

To become a SAI Study Group there is a rather informal process of approval. The convenor needs to be a member of SAI. S/he needs to contact us at sociology.ie@gmail.com, submit a briefing on the envisaged character of the group and its activities, and have the support of five current members of SAI. Study groups are asked to contribute to the annual SAI conference. The format of contributions is flexible, e.g. panel discussions, paper presentation(s) by members of the study group, study group portraits, workshops on the topic of the study group.

SAI provides study groups with a small subsidy to support their efforts. Want to know more? Click here for the full info on the SAI Study Group concepts and procedures

At present the following study groups are running:

For information on their respective activities please contact the convenors directly.

Suggestions for new studies groups are always welcome. Topically they should avoid undue overlaps with existing groups. Groups with an inter- or transdiciplinary character are also appreciated.

For general information on the running of a study group please contact Robert Hamm at soha2000@gmx.net