A message for social science: more human relationships with others and normalising the non-normative
Disability and non-normativity, the hardships of motherhood in Poland, and being a woman at a Polish University were the themes that particularly stirred emotions. During the discussion, academics shared their own experiences of parenthood, as well as various observations on the not always favourable working conditions and complex interpersonal relationships in the structures of academia. Those gathered were united by Szpila's message that a focus on respect for human dignity and subjectivity is necessary in relationships, both institutional and interpersonal. In academic work, on the other hand, it is crucial to strive for the social normalisation of diversity and to allow for narratives that stand up for vulnerable and discriminated beings, including the environment as inextricably linked to humans.
The meeting was held on 24 October 2024 at 12:00 in the Library of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz. The event was co-organised by the section of Qualitative Sociology and Symbolic Interactionism of the Polish Sociological Association. The meeting was led by Prof. Krzysztof Konecki, dr hab. Mariusz Sokołowicz, Associate Profesor at the University of Lodz and mgr Hanna Kroczak.
Text: Hanna Kroczak
Photo: Katarzyna Chojnacka