In contemporary society, social and cultural transformations constitute a critical field of inquiry for understanding the processes that shape the evolution of our societies. In a world defined by rapid change, fragmented discourses, and an increasing diversity of actors and meanings, it is essential to examine the conditions under which collective life, social identities, and the norms governing coexistence are rearticulated.
To engage with these processes, we must recognize that social change extends beyond material or institutional structures to include the symbolic and communicative frameworks that form the social fabric. From this perspective, cultural transformations are dialogical and often contentious, driven by intersubjectivity—the capacity of individuals to engage in mutual recognition through dialogue, negotiation, and struggles over meaning. The emergence of new normative frameworks, frequently in tension with established traditions, underscores the complex and contested nature of these changes.
These dynamics are profoundly shaped by broader forces, including globalization, identity shifts, and the growing influence of digital technologies. Far from being mere tools, digital technologies reshape how individuals interact, socialize, and construct shared meanings. They also transform the public sphere and the circulation of symbolic resources, creating new opportunities and challenges for social engagement.
Given this technological reconfiguration of communication, fostering conditions for open and undistorted dialogue becomes a critical challenge for building legitimate and sustainable social bonds. It is not enough to document the external manifestations of change; we must critically analyze how these transformations affect the possibilities for dialogue, democratic participation, and social cohesion. Cultural transformations, as they influence the conditions for social dialogue, are not peripheral but central to collective life in our time.
Building on this need for open communication, this thematic axis invites researchers to explore social and cultural transformations from critical, plural, and interdisciplinary perspectives. We encourage contributions that view these transformations as open and contested processes, shaped by struggles for recognition, shifts in symbolic power, and tensions between tradition and emerging forms of sociability. Particular value will be placed on works that integrate theoretical frameworks with empirical analyses to interrogate the interplay of culture, politics, and subjectivity.
To guide research efforts, we propose the following questions, among others:
1. How are individual and collective identities reshaped in contexts of rapid change driven by globalization and digitalization?
2. How do digital technologies influence the redefinition of public space and the emergence of new regimes of visibility and social interaction?
3. What conditions enable a critical analysis of symbolic inclusion and exclusion processes to strengthen social bonds and participatory engagement?
4. How do emerging cultural narratives engage with historical traditions in contexts of political and cultural negotiation?
Ultimately, this axis seeks to promote rigorous and reflective research committed to a critical understanding of social and cultural transformations. Recognizing that knowledge production shapes possible futures, contributions are expected to embrace an epistemological and ethical responsibility. The goal is not only to interpret the world but to contribute to its transformation by fostering more equitable, inclusive, and dialogic forms of coexistence.
In this spirit, TH+In welcomes submissions that address these social and cultural transformations, even if they extend beyond the specific questions outlined here. We particularly encourage explorations of emerging issues, understudied areas, or boundary-pushing phenomena that challenge conventional categories and enrich both academic and public discourse.
