Psychology and Anthropology in a Changing World

7-9 June 2023
The University of Oslo, Norway

Conference Theme: Psychology and Anthropology in a Changing World

Psychology and anthropology are disciplines with an overlapping and sometimes fractious relationship.  Today there is perhaps a growing sense of the need for an interdisciplinary conversation from both sides.  The growth of interest in psychological anthropology provides one example of this as does the rise of interest in issues concerning cultural diversity and representation with psy-disciplines on the other.

As in the case of the first ENPA Biennial, this conference will be launched as an inclusive forum for scholars from a wide range of disciplinary and thematic orientations to discuss, theorize and reflect on historically and socio-culturally situated concepts of [i.e. the mind, the body, and their entanglements in cultural, social, and/or political worlds]. Critical perspectives on the concepts of mainstream psychology are encouraged; productive engagements across the disciplinary boundaries of anthropology and cognitive science, psychiatry, philosophy, evolutionary biology, and others will also be welcome.  We also welcome discussion that touches upon contemporary practical and political issues, such as the role of diversity in mental health services, whilst also allowing for a re-examination of related classic or broader theoretical themes, such as how we conceptualise the nature of cultural difference in psychology in a globally interconnected world.

Through a fruitful dialogue within and between disciplines, the European Network for Psychological Anthropology (ENPA) aims to foster new insights not only in research contexts, but also in policy-making, therapy, and healing.

Call for Panels and Papers

We warmly invite panel and paper submissions across the field of Psychological Anthropology. We encourage panel submissions, but will also accept a limited number of individual papers, which will be arranged into cohesive panels by the ENPA conference team. Each session includes 5 x 20 minute presentation slots, and 20 minutes for open discussion. Possible formats are:

• 5 papers + 20 min discussion
• 4 papers, discussant + 20 min discussion

We also encourage submissions beyond conventional paper panels, e.g. flash presentation sessions or open mic sessions. Please submit your panel/paper by February 10, 2023 via email at submissions@enpanthro.net. Panel submission should include:

• general abstract, max 250 words
• abstract for each of the 4-5 papers, max 250 words
• name, institutional affiliation and email of all participants (chair/s, presenters, discussant)

Individual paper submissions should include:

• abstract, max 250 words
• name, affiliation and email

There is no registration fee for this conference.

There is an online option for those who cannot attend in person. 

If you have any further questions regarding the conference, please do not hesitate to contact us at conference@enpanthro.net.

The conference will be preceded by the Writing (Co-)Lab: ENPA Pre-Conference Workshop for Graduate Students and Early Career Scholars. More info here.