Events

#International Conferences 

Venue: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Date: December 12-13, 2008
Conference organizers: Gender Research Centre and Gender Studies Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Co-organizers: Women’s Studies Centre, Peking University, and Institute for Women’s Studies, Keimyung University

Over the last few decades, East Asia has emerged as one of the fastest changing regions in the world: first characterized by a post-war bloom and then a drastic economic downturn, now an ever-growing consuming power, cutting-edge technology and a creative industry and popular culture that have crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries. Amidst all these changes, how has the family as a fundamental social institution been affected? How is the understanding of the family as the core of Asian values and nation-building re-negotiated? Who are the agents that have contributed to these changes and who will decide what the future of family will be? Apart from the traditional organization of family around gender hierarchy, what are the emerging patterns or possibilities of gender relationships surrounding the family in the rapidly changing societies of mainland China, Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Japan, and Taiwan? Most importantly, in an increasingly globalized world, in what ways have issues of diversity and multiculturalism challenged the definition of the East Asian family in the new century? These are some of the issues that this coming conference will address.

The conference aims to provide a forum that encourages the sharing of knowledge and experience on the region of East Asia, a platform to build a network of like-minds that are concerned about the nature and development of the family, and an opportunity to develop joint strategies that combine academic discussion and activism. Papers and poster presentations may focus on the various theoretical debates and experiences related to gender and family in the region. Proposed sub-themes include:

• Theories of family and gender
• Family policy and gender equality
• Family, gender and law
• Family-work interface
• Family, gender and religion
• Family, marriage and sexualities
• Family, gender and health
• Family, social capital and marginality
• Motherhoods and fatherhoods
• Trans-border families

Language: The conference language will primarily be in English.

Accommodation: On campus accommodation is limited and will be arranged on a first-come-first served basis. Please indicate on the registration form if you would like to stay on campus. There are also a number of hotels in the vicinity of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Special rates will be negotiated, but participants are responsible for making reservations and payments directly with the hotel. Housing information will be uploaded on the conference website as soon as possible.