The Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction and the Qualitative Analysis Conference (also known as “The Qualitatives”) are pleased to announce their joint conference for 2026, to be held June 10-12 at The Brock Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University.

Our theme, “The Power of Meaning: Symbolic Interaction and its Adjacents” recognizes the significant impact of the symbolic interactionist perspective on sociological work and related fields, drawing on qualitative, ethnographic, and cultural approaches to the study of human social life. We invite papers from the variety of interactionist and scholarly approaches that explore the power of meaning in society. 

Resonant with this theme, we are excited to expand the legacy of Dr. Gary Alan Fine upon his retirement. Dr Fine is a long-time member and former president of the SSSI and was twice the Keynote Speaker at the Qualitatives (2008 and 2022). His study of small group culture challenges us to utilize the micro to study the macro, and we encourage submissions from those who draw on his work for special sessions.

We invite panels and papers related to these conference themes, as well as any research papers drawing on qualitative studies and advancing qualitative theoretical and methodological approaches. Please note that the conference does not accept literature reviews or project proposals.

Abstracts can be submitted online at www.qualitatives.ca/submit-abstract. If you have any questions, please contact us at thequalitatives@gmail.com.