Methodology as a Tool for Resistance and Hope

This working group operates from the premise that methodology itself can be approached and conceptualized as a form of political resistance—a practice that actively resists and reclaims hope by generating alternatives. We seek to position methodology as an explicit, vital strategy for social and political resistance against various and interconnected forms of oppression. This approach asserts that the very tools we use to research and understand the world are integral to changing it.

We invite proposals that explore the theoretical, ethical, and practical dimensions of this work, with a particular interest in papers demonstrating how specific emancipatory methodologies have the capacity to be sites of resistance and hope. Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Decolonial Archival Methods & Counter-Mapping
• Oral History & Testimonios
• Feminist Interviewing & Collaborative Ethnography
• Visual, Digital, and Participatory Action Research Methods
• Reflexivity and Ethical Practice as Resistance

We highly encourage submissions from scholars, activists, writers, journalists, artists, and
practitioners, especially those based in the Global South. The session will be held online on 26 or 27 February 2026. Abstracts must be between 200 and 300 words and they should be sent by 30 November 2025 to reyhane.gholami.n@gmail.com. You will be informed about acceptance by 12 December 2025.

For all inquiries regarding this working group, please contact the organizer, Reyhane Gholami:
reyhane.gholami.n@gmail.com.