Sociology Conference in the Cayman Islands – September 24–26, UCCI

Livingston Smith, PhD, President of the Caribbean Sociological Association (CASA)

This article is part of a series aimed at encouraging scholars, practitioners, and students to submit abstracts for the upcoming Sociology Conference, to be held at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) from September 24 to 26, 2025. The conference is hosted by the Caribbean Sociological Association (CASA) and is themed “Mobilizing Caribbean Sociologies: Bridging Theory, Method, and Fields of Sociology for Sustainable Caribbean Development.”

Send in an Abstract: What Does That Mean?

Submitting an abstract means sending a short summary of the topic or research you would  like to present at the conference. It does not need to be your final paper—just a clear, focused proposal (usually 150–300 words) explaining your main idea, the approach or method you plan to use, and how your work connects to Caribbean development in one of the themes of the conference. This is an opportunity to get feedback, share your work, and join a wider conversation on sociology’s role in shaping thought and action in the Caribbean.

As you will see below, there are many areas that you can write on especially from the perspective of the Cayman Islands.

What Can You Write On?

Whether you are a seasoned academic or an emerging researcher, or an observer of social issues and desire to make a change, this conference offers rich opportunities to engage with urgent sociological questions. Your submission should reflect one or more of the following themes and link meaningfully to Caribbean development. I outline six of the areas below and will outline the rest in the final article.

1. Theoretical Innovations in Caribbean Sociology

Explore how Caribbean thinkers are reshaping sociological theory. What fresh ideas are emerging from the region? You might analyze how traditional theories—such as  feminism, postmodernism, plural society, class/ stratified society, postcolonial, intersectionality, etcetera —can be reinterpreted through Caribbean realities. Contributions that challenge Eurocentric frameworks or promote interdisciplinary approaches are especially welcome.

2. Methodological Approaches in Caribbean Contexts

Highlight new ways of doing research that are rooted in Caribbean experiences. This can include participatory methods, community-based approaches, or ways of adapting statistical techniques to fit small island contexts. How do these methods offer more accurate or empowering understandings of Caribbean life?

3. Gender, Family, and Community Dynamics

Gender roles and family structures are constantly evolving. Research here could focus on masculinity and femininity, LGBTQ+ identities, family migration, or intergenerational relationships. How do these changes affect social stability, belonging, and development?

4. Education and Social Change

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation. Explore how curricula, teaching methods, or access to education are contributing to (or hindering) development. Subtopics include digital learning, decolonizing education, and post-pandemic educational challenges.

5. Culture, Environment, and Sustainability

How do Caribbean societies preserve culture while facing environmental threats like climate change? You can write about environmental justice, sustainable resource management, or how art and culture promote awareness and resilience.

6. Health, Wellbeing, and Social Policy

This area invites papers on health equity, access to care, and the role of social policies in improving lives. Mental health, chronic disease prevention, aging populations, and youth wellbeing are just a few focus points. How do we create inclusive, effective health systems across the region?

The Advantages of Participating

Participating in the CASA Sociology Conference offers many benefits:

• Visibility for Your Work: Share your research with a Caribbean and international audience.

• Networking: Connect with sociologists, students, activists, and policymakers who are passionate about Caribbean development.

• Collaboration: Discover opportunities for joint research, publications, or community-based projects.

• Professional Development: Enhance your presentation skills, receive feedback, and strengthen your academic profile.

• Impact: Contribute directly to discussions that matter—about identity, sustainability, equity, and the future of Caribbean societies.

Final Words: Be a Voice for Caribbean Sociology

This conference gives a space to shape the direction of Caribbean sociology. If you’re working on research that speaks to the lived realities of Caribbean people and communities, we want to hear from you. Let your voice be part of this important dialogue.

Submit your abstract today. For full submission guidelines and more details, visit www.carinsociology.org .