Humboldt University, Berlin (DE), May 5-6 2026

This workshop focuses on research in economic history that examines the origins, dynamics, and consequences of social conflict. In recent years, scholars have increasingly investigated how social groups have strengthened their positions and rights, especially in the areas of gender, race, class, and ethnicity. At the same time, we know more about how political and economic elites have responded to these claims – through accommodation, repression, or co-optation – and how such responses have shaped long-term economic and political development. We particularly welcome contributions that use historical evidence to study conflicts over labor rights, gender equality, racial and ethnic inclusion, and access to resources or political power, from around the globe. By bringing together work on these topics, the workshop seeks to advance dialogue in economic history on the causes and consequences of social conflict.

The purpose of this workshop is to create the opportunity for PhD students, postdocs, and other early-stage researchers to discuss new work in the field of social conflict. This will be an environment especially focused on constructive feedback and support. The keynote speaker will be Mohamed Saleh from The London School of Economics.

The organizers will accommodate around 12 speakers. Accepted papers will receive 45 minutes each (approx. 30 minutes for presentation and 15 minutes for discussion). The workshop will take place on the 5th and 6th of May. As the program starts in the morning of May 5th, speakers are expected to arrive by May 4th. An informal dinner will be organized that evening for early arrivals, and a workshop dinner will take place on May 5th. Lunch and coffee will be provided during the workshop. To help cover these costs, participants are asked to pay a fee of €50. Please note that travel and hotel accommodation should be covered by participants themselves. Participants are expected to attend the entire workshop.

Paper submission: Researchers interested in presenting should send an abstract of max. 500 words and/or a full paper, as well as a brief (1-2 page) CV to f.kersting@hu-berlin.de in one single pdf file.

This meeting is organized by Felix Kersting in association with the Frontier Research in Economic and Social History series