July 8-9, 2027

Lusofona University, Portugal

Deadline: February 15, 2027

The ECREA TWG Aging & Communication would like to invite you to our third international conference of our TWG. 

It is now possible to submit your abstract! Please do so via our form: https://forms.gle/w1qQb2rBqwMHbLAq7 

Title: Beyond Deficit Narratives: Media Representation, Voice, and the Diversity of Ageing

When: 8-9 July 2027

Where: Lusófona University - Porto University Center (Portugal)

Short summary of the call: Aging is often framed in public discourse through narratives of decline, dependency, vulnerability, and loss. These narratives hide the true heterogeneity of later life. As media and communication are essential contributors to these narratives we invite papers which examine the construction, circulation, negotiation and negation of the deficit narrative. We particularly encourage contributions that challenge everyday assumptions about ageing, engage with diverse social and cultural contexts, and explore the implications of media and communication for age-based inequalities and social justice.

The conference welcomes research from media and communication studies, sociology, critical gerontology, cultural studies, gender studies, science and technology studies, and related disciplines. Both theoretically oriented and empirically grounded contributions are invited, including comparative, interdisciplinary, and innovative methodological approaches.

Submission guidelines and important deadlines: 

• Call for Papers opens: 15 of November 2026
  
• Abstract submission deadline: 15 February 2027
  
• Notification of acceptance and waiting list: 15 April 2027
  
• Registration opens: 16 April 2027
  
• Final registration deadline for presenters: 31 May 2027
  

This conference will benefit from a joint session with the ECREA Audience and Reception Studies Section (ARS).

As always keep an eye on our linked-in for more information.. 

Are you a member of ECREA? Do not forget to register on the ECREA intranet to receive updates from us. 

If you are interested in joining our scientific board do not hesitate to contact us!

Kind regards, 

Management team TWG Aging & Communication