THE ART OF CONNECTING
IN PRIVATE AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

In times of conflict, rapid social and technological changes, and related insecurity and unpredictability, the force of social bonds seems to reside in connecting via the diverse relationships we create. From making friends to solving long-distance issues, connecting through forming relationships is inherent in our lives. At the same time, how we define relationships and interactional partners evolves along with how our everyday reality alternates. One example would be flirting and falling in love with AI chatbots, bonding with non-human persons the way we bond with fellow humans, or interacting online within the professional context.

Relationships offer an interpersonal context for experiencing oneself and others, allowing us to satisfy our needs, cope, build self-esteem, accomplish goals, thrive, and grow. Still, they are also seemingly contradictory in inflicting stress and emotional pain in the face of friction, disagreement, relational transgression, and rejection. Thus, since social life seems to be driven by diverse relationships, working past internal and interpersonal conflicts is part of connecting and bonding processes.

To gain insight into the meaning of contemporary issues people face when bonding, experiencing, and practicing relationships, we intend to reflect on the following through the lens of diverse disciplines.

• What meanings do we give to our relationships?
• How do we practice, and what do we accomplish due to the relationships we create?
• Is connecting a remedy for societal loneliness and ontological insecurity?
• Can we experience disconnection when connecting, and what would that mean?
• How do we connect and interact through our bodies, and what implication can that hold for how we engage in diverse interactions?
• What obstacles and barriers can we face when connecting?
• How do we deal with abusive relationships?
• How do we study relationships and related emotions?

We invite you to consider these and related issues in the context of connecting in private and professional relationships.

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES

• Władza Sądzenia(Power of Judgment) (Thematic Issue) WŁADZA SĄDZENIA
• Qualitative Sociology Review(submit a paper on an ongoing basis) QUALITATIVE SOCIOLOGY REVIEW

CO-ORGANIZERS

Co-organizers of session number four:

Alicja Łaska-Formejster, Lodz University

Magdalena Wojciechowska, Lodz University