The 27th Conference of the Nordic Association for the Sociology of Religion | NCSR 2026

Research Approaches, Design, and Methods:

Centering the Marginalized, Vulnerable, and Socially Excluded

12–14 August, 2026

Arken, Tehtaankatu 2, 20500

Turku, Finland

The Call for Sessions is Now Open

We welcome session proposals on any topic of general interest in the sociology of religion, but particularly invite proposals relating to the conference theme.

This includes methodological aspects of research on underrepresented populations, specifically the marginalised, vulnerable and socially excluded.

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Call for Papers

The 2026 conference of the Nordic Association for the Sociology of Religion (NCSR) invites scholars to critically engage with how we research religion and worldviews in contemporary social and cultural contexts. We particularly welcome contributions focusing on contexts marked by marginalization, vulnerability, and social exclusion.

Contributions may address a range of issues, ranging from practical challenges, interdisciplinary strategies, methodological limitations and possibilities, or broader questions relating to adequate representation, access, and epistemic justice.

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Overhead view of scattered white paper sheets creating an abstract pattern.

The 27th conference of the Nordic Association for the Sociology of Religion | NCSR 2026

Research Approaches, Design and Methodology in the Sociology of Religion:

Centering the Marginalized, Vulnerable and Socially Excluded

The methodological repertoire of the sociology of religion is rich and expanding—encompassing both quantitative and qualitative approaches: large-scale surveys, ethnographic fieldwork, mixed-methods designs, participatory and arts-based approaches, and legal-ethical frameworks for working with sensitive data. Yet, when it comes to marginalized and socially excluded populations—such as indigenous groups, LGBTQI+ communities, migrants, or those experiencing homelessness, to mention a few—new questions arise: How can we ensure inclusive and sustainable research practices? How do we achieve higher quality, validity and reliability? What legal and ethical constraints must we navigate? How do our methods shape whose voices are heard and how those voices are interpreted? 

By focusing on these critical issues, NCSR 2026 aims to foster a deeper, more inclusive sociology of religion that not only observes but actively engages with the complexity and diversity of contemporary lived realities.

Important Dates

Call for Sessions: Now Open; deadline: 2 December 2025.
Call for Papers: To be published in December; deadline: 1 February 2026.
Registration Deadlines: To be announced.