Sudan Studies Association www.sudanstudies.org Conference Announcement and Call for Papers Dynamics of Gender and Culture in Sudan 23nd Annual Meeting of Sudan Studies Association May 28 - May 30, 2004 to be held at Santa Clara University (www.scu.edu) Conference theme: Gender and culture are important dynamic phenomena underlying the militarization and polarization of Sudanese society due to the prolonged civil war. The cultures of Sudan are changing rapidly, partly due to a large and growing diaspora community of northern exiles and southern refugees, an enormous increase in internally displaced persons within Sudan, especially in Khartoum, and increasing access by many to international cultural media (internet, satellite television, etc.). Sudanese arts are flourishing, both in the country and abroad. Much of this artistic output is inspired by the horrors of the long war, and comments on the war itself. Religion, as a central element of many Sudanese cultures, has also featured prominently in discourses about war and peace. In northern Sudan Muslims are increasingly debating the content of Islam, and new voices are being heard. In southern Sudan, there is no doubt about the increasing influence of Christian discourses, but traditional prophets and diviners continue to thrive. Gender roles are important components of culture, and a number of Sudanist academics have pointed out that definitions of masculinity and femininity and the roles and identities of men and women have been changing rapidly all across the country and for many ethnic groups. The identities, for example, are central to recruitment and propaganda strategies of leaders in both the north and the south. The economic stagnation and dislocation of the country also generate new livelihood strategies for men and women: women in northern Sudan are increasingly becoming de facto landowners and economic operators. Women are becoming important political actors in southern Sudan. Finally, men and women in both north and south are producing new "scripts" for how to live meaningful lives; sometimes these "scripts" harken back to a "traditional" past, sometimes look forward to a "modern" future. How to submit abstracts: The Sudan Studies Association has been organizing annual conferences of academics, policymakers, Sudanese citizens and other interested persons for over 20 years. The Sudan Studies Association (SSA) seeks proposals for papers and panels that address various issues (past and present) related to the dynamics of gender and culture in Sudan. SSA welcomes proposals not only from Sudan specialists, but from experts on other African countries who may wish to pursue comparative analyses. Artists and musicians are also welcome to submit proposals for displays or performances, though space and time for these are limited. The tradition of the SSA conference is to give priority in timing and prominence of presentation to papers that address the theme of the conference, but papers on other issues relating to Sudan are also welcome.Abstracts of proposed papers (150-200 words) should be received by March 1, 2004. Please send to Michael Kevane, SSA program committee chair, Department of Economics, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053 tel 408-554-6888, fax 408-554-2331, [EMAIL PROTECTED]. A preliminary program will be announced on March 15, 2004. Late proposals for papers will be considered only if space is available. Proposals and paper abstracts submitted earlier will receive preferential treatment in scheduling. Acceptance for presentation will depend on the quality of the abstract and the judgment of the program committee. Small stipends of $200 are available for assistance to a limited number of graduate students (interested persons should contact SSA President Michael Kevane). Program Committee: Ali B. Ali-Dinar, African Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania; Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban, Colgate University; Martha Saavedra, African Studies Center, University of California at Berkeley; Michael Kevane, Santa Clara University, Jay O'Brien, California State University-Fresno. Local arrangements hosts: Michael Kevane, Department of Economics, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053 tel 408-554-6888, fax 408-554-2331, [EMAIL PROTECTED] and Martha Saavedra, African Studies Center, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720 ***** Michael Kevane Department of Economics Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA 95053 408-554-6888 phone 408-554-2331 fax http://lsb.scu.edu/~mkevane [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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