Possible themes, which are consistent with the aim and scope of the 7th International Community, Work and Family conference, include but are not limited to:

Sustainable workplaces. We particularly welcome contributions that examine the conditions under which work, employment and business activities can develop and thrive, while maintaining a sustainable relationship with community and family. We encourage scholars to submit manuscripts and posters focusing on the role of employers, and namely on workplace policies and environments that support the quality of work and employment, sustainable careers and career equality, work-life balance and wellbeing over the life course, diversity management and equal opportunities for all, and leadership advancement.

Family health and wellbeing. We aim to draw attention to the conceptualization and meaning of family health and wellbeing in its intersection with work and community life. We also invite authors to submit both conceptual and empirical contributions that could be inclusive of care and domestic workers’ views. Authors are invited to explore questions such as: which resources and capabilities do families need to cultivate a sustainable interface with community and work? How can family needs for care and household support be combined with work-family needs of care and domestic workers? To what extent do employment and community engagement contribute to overall family health and wellbeing?

Community resilience. We encourage submissions that address the willingness and ability of local and national communities to adapt to changing economic and societal conditions, anticipate future needs and tensions and foster sustainable relations between community, work and family. In particular, we welcome research that investigates the processes and patterns of inclusion and participation of minorities and disadvantaged groups (e.g. migrants and beneficiaries of international protection, low income/low-skilled workers, disabled workers and workers with health conditions, and more in general individuals whose employability is challenged by personal and family circumstances) in all significant role domains and assesses the impact of these processes and patterns on social cohesion. We also seek contributions that assess the role of the third sector (i.e. NGOs, religious organisations, volunteer organisations, advocacy organisations, social enterprises, and other non-profit organisations) in strengthening community resilience.

Policy innovation: We encourage research that improves our understanding of how public policy change empowers or limits the opportunities individuals have for gainful employment as well as thriving in family and community lives. Specifically, we are interested in papers that consider to what extent recent labour market and welfare policy reforms and innovations influence the capability of individuals and families to plan and manage transitions between work and non-work domains effectively across the life course. Contributions that focus on the intersection of organisational and public policies in the field of community, work and family are also appreciated.

Cross-country analyses and comparisons that contribute to framing and understanding the embeddedness of the relations between community, work and family in specific economic and institutional contexts are encouraged for all the themes.

Papers dealing with other themes and issues in the field of community, work and family are also welcome.