CALL FOR BOOK CHAPTERS: Images Of Difference And Different Images: Social Minorities And The Media The following is a call for book chapters to be included in a book on social minorities and the media, edited by Ruth Butler and Denise Carter. This edited text draws together ongoing and new research from across the social sciences, which focuses upon the complex interactions of minority social groups with different medias, for example newspapers, music, advertising, film, internet and TV. One of the most recently formed study groups of the British Sociological Association has been the 'Sociology of Media', reflecting the growing levels of research and teaching within this area. In Human Geography there have been a number of conference sessions, special journal issues and texts on specific medias. In some centres Journalists are coming together with Sociologists under the fundamental premise that journalism could benefit from a sociological perspective which seeks to reduce cultural biases, and that sociologists can learn much from journalists about communicating important information. At the same time, constructionist models of social minorities - disabled, gay and lesbian, gender, youth, child and race - continue to point to the need for social change and education as a necessity for greater integration and tolerance. However, although this need is often identified as a research conclusion there is relatively little comment on how such change and education may be achieved. We are looking for book chapters (5000 words) that explore various approaches to this analysis of the relationship between the media and minority groups. In particular we are looking to arrange the book in three sections:- 1.The same old stories: perpetuating stereotypes The media has been noted as being a powerful adversary to minority groups. Its role in perpetuating the stereotypical images of disabled people, ethnic minorities, women and youths for example are well documented. 2. Spaces of escape/equality/disembodiment New communications technologies may be seen to facilitate unlimited access to new social arenas that are disconnected from the traditional referents of age, race, gender, and so on. Equally the authorship of texts under pseudonyms, has at times been used to deliberately hide the gender or other factors in the social background of writers. 3. Radical voices: a space to speak. Different medias can offer a space to speak, a political platform, a space to present new images and depictions of misunderstood or previously silenced minorities. The use of music in the Black Rights movement, and the significance of recent TV programmes by gay and disabled script writers and producers are just two examples. Chapter proposals and a brief academic biography should be sent to one of the editors at the address below by 29th March. If you would like to discuss an idea informally or have any queries we will also be happy to hear from you. A timetable for submission of final work will be established in the near future. Denise Carter Lecturer in Sociology and Anthropology d.carter@hull.ac.uk Tel: 01482 465024 Ruth Butler Lecturer in Applied Social Research r.e.butler@hull.ac.uk Tel: 01482 465788 CASS, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull. UK. HU6 7RX