Science and Social Justice

What: Association for the Rhetoric of Science & Technology (ARST) preconference, held in conjunction with the Rhetoric Society of America (RSA) biennial conference

Where: Marriott River Center, San Antonio, TX

When: May 22, 2014

Submission Deadline: August 1, 2013

From the disposal of toxic substances to the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments, scientific practices have been implicated in abetting social injustice and inequalities. Yet, scientific practices were instrumental in making some of these problems visible and exigent in the first place, and people consistently turn to science as a resource for argument and a resource for identity creation in the face of inequity. The intersection of science and social justice calls for critical interrogation by rhetorical scholars. The theme of “Science and Social Justice” opens a space for conversations and inquiries about how science—broadly understood to include scientific, medical, technological and environmental concerns—has played a role in ongoing oppression and resistance to oppression based on race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, disease condition, etc. Papers and presentations reflecting diverse methods spanning conventional and critical-cultural rhetorical analysis, ethnography, interviewing, discourse analysis, and hybrid methods are welcome.

Submission Instructions

Please submit papers of no more 25 pages (including references), with a description of no more than 250 words or extended presentation abstracts of up to 1,000 words (references included) as a Word file or pdf (with author name, affiliation, and any identifying data removed from both the manuscript and the file name) to John Lynch at john.lynch@uc.edu by August 1, 2013. Include author names, affiliations, and complete contact information in the email accompanying the submission and use the subject line “ARST Preconference Submission.” ARST will assess a $25 conference registration fee to those attending the preconference.

For more information, contact John Lynch at john.lynch@uc.edu.