Workshop | 23–24 November 2026 | University of Graz
Organizers
- Dr. Evelyn Reuter (University of Graz)
- Prof. Dr. Florian Bieber (University of Graz)
This workshop brings together scholars from various disciplines, including Political Science, Law, Sociology, Religious Studies, and others, to critically engage with the concept of minorities beyond numerical definitions. The central research question is: how can minorities be defined and analyzed qualitatively, rather than quantitatively? Can a smaller group be considered a majority, or can a larger group still be considered a minority? How do contextual factors shape minority-majority constellations? Participants will explore these questions through theoretical approaches and their application to different types of minorities, such as religious, linguistic, ethnic, or other groups.
The workshop is designed as an interactive event, combining presentations, discussions, and group work. In the group sessions, participants will collaboratively examine specific examples to test and refine theoretical approaches. The geographical focus is on Southeast Europe, reflecting the expertise of the University of Graz, while also incorporating perspectives from related regions to acknowledge the impact of migration and globalization on minority dynamics.
By fostering interdisciplinary exchange, the workshop aims to critically assess disciplinary approaches to minority studies and address existing gaps in research. Many studies define minorities solely through statistical data, which can lead to oversimplifications or misleading conclusions. The workshop seeks to develop a shared qualitative understanding of minorities that accounts for contextual factors and complex dynamics.
Specific examples to be discussed will depend on the participants’ expertise, but may include cases such as religious minorities in the region (e.g., Sufi orders, new religious communities), ethnic and linguistic minorities such as Serbs in Kosovo, Turks in (North) Macedonia, or Roma and Pomaks in Bulgaria. Additionally, the workshop may explore transnational or migrant communities shaped by globalization, as well as queer communities, to examine how minority identities are defined and negotiated in different settings.
This workshop is hosted by the Institute of Religious Studies and the Centre for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz. It is part of the FWF-funded research project “Governance Processes of Religious Diversity in Post-Socialist Albania (RelDivA)” (ESP3544224).
Contact
Dr. Evelyn Reuter (evelyn.reuter@uni-graz.at)
