About the conference

Location: Pannon Egyetem (Pannon University), Veszprém, Hungary

Address: H-8200 Veszprém, Egyetem utca 10.

Europe has always been a scene of constant exchange. Social sciences predominantly deal with society as a relatively closed unit and fail to focus enough attention to the flow of men, goods and ideas. The research and analysis of these phenomena has become a highly topical issue after the political system changes of the Central Eastern European countries and the opening of the European frontiers by the Schengen agreement.

In the Central Eastern European region, it is vitally important to never disregard the existence of the national borders and a comparative analysis of these phenomena, as well as its reception and impact is required. We are inviting lecturers dealing with the various aspects of the reception of Western social scientific ideas, their adaptations to local conditions and the problems caused by the conflicts between the traditional and newly constituted inner models.

From 1990, Hungary had to face new challenges. Sociology was expected to play a significant role in public opinion and decision making, but unfortunately the discipline has not experienced any fundamental changes concerning its methods and topics.

The main goal of the conference is to focus on the different sociological, socio-psychological and cultural aspects of the social processes that followed the political system changes in the Central Eastern European region and to facilitate an open dialogue and debate on society and provide intellectuals with the necessary guidelines on how to gain a clear picture of the tasks ahead.

The conference will be organized covering the following broad topics:

1. The diversity of the Central European regions
2. The ideal of equality and the social reality of the political system change
3. The reproduction of deprivation
4. Generations gaps
5. New culture- new media- new publicity
6. The survivor of redistribution
7. The system change and its psychological affects: frustration, nostalgy, anomy
   

Registration

In order to participate in the conference it is necessary to complete the Registration Form and send by e-mail to mszt@socio.mta.hu.

Registration fee

  Please transfer the fee to:

Schedule

The final schedule of the conference will be released and will be send by e-mail to participants in the middle of October.

Travel, accommodation and location information

The conference will be held at the University of Pannon in Veszprém. Every year the University of Pannon hosts several national and international research conferences, which strengthen its international reputation. In the near future the offer will include new faculties and new schools. The leaders of the institution strive to turn the university into the educational, intellectual, and research centre of the Transdanubian Region and to help find its place in Europe.

Veszprém is a quiet and shy city of county status and it is also the seat of Veszprém megye (county), in western Hungary. It was among the first Hungarian cities to have a university - students studied law and arts here. The university was destroyed by a fire in 1276, after which Veszprém became a university town again in the 20th century. Veszrém is not just a centre of education, but also a cultural ganglion. One must pay attention to it. In order to absorb its special atmosphere, one must stroll around its streets and squares, listen to the bells and observe its walls and buildings.

Veszprém lies on both sides of the creek Séd, approximately 110km (68mi) from Budapest (via the M7 motorway and Road 8). It can also be reached from Győr via Road 82, and from Székesfehérvár via Road 8. The easiest way to reach the city is to catch a train (MÁV) or a bus (Volánbusz).

Participants are solely responsible for their passage to Veszprém, but if it is required or necessary we can provide accompaniment for small groups and try to help in everything needed. After registration we will send each lecturer an informative form including timetables, accommodation information and prices.

Participants are solely responsible for their hotel accommodation. After registration we will send each participant an informative form including timetables, accommodation information and prices.