Welcome

Welcome to Margins to Centre 2025.

The Margins to Centre Conference seeks to amplify the voices of marginalised communities. At our 2025 conference, we will explore the theme of Belonging -celebrating the literature, art, and histories that too often remain unheard. Join us as we engage with discussions on identity, inclusion, and the diverse narratives shaping our world.

The conference will take place on April 24th, 2025, at the Berrick Saul Building, University of York, from 12.30pm to 6pm.

Belonging

The theme of belonging examines how individuals and communities have navigated inclusion and exclusion within societal structures. Historically, belonging has been central to the formation of nations, identities, and power dynamics, often shaped by citizenship, culture and social hierarchies.

For example, marginalised and colonised groups have been affected by a disrupted sense of belonging, while nationalist movements have redefined belonging through ethnic or cultural homogeneity. The civil rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ movements have also challenged exclusion and redefined who belongs.

The theme is purposely very broad to allow for diverse perspectives.

Our themes

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Marginalisation and Power: Dynamics of Exclusion and Resistance

Examine how marginalised groups navigate systems of power that seek to silence, oppress, or render them invisible. How do histories of exclusion shape contemporary identities and social movements? What forms of resistance, both subtle and overt, challenge these power dynamics?

Gender and Identity in Historical Perspectives

Gender and identity are very personal but are also impacted by deep social constructs that influence and are influenced by how individuals and groups are recognised, accepted, or marginalised within various cultural, political, and social contexts. By tracing the evolution of gender roles and identities, we can better understand the complex dynamics of inclusion and exclusion that have defined experiences of belonging.

Colonialism and the Construction of the 'Other'

Engage with how colonial powers created and reinforcement exploitation and marginalisation, and how colonised peoples responded to, resisted, or navigated these imposed identities. What are the long-lasting effects of these constructions on contemporary issues of race, identity, and power?

Reassessing marginalised and underutilised sources

Explore the rich potential of overlooked and underutilised sources that have often been marginalised in traditional research. The theme invites you to reconsider archival material, oral histories, neglected texts, and unconventional data that offer fresh perspectives and insights.

The conference agenda, including detailed timings and speaker lineup, will be announced soon. For any inquiries or to get in touch, please feel free to contact us.