The Society's annual conference will take place in York, 2–4 January 1999.

Proposals for papers on the theme of ‘Self and Society’ in any historical period and culture are invited. Proposals should contain a title proposal and an abstract of one or two paragraphs. They should be sent to Mrs Linda Persson, Centre for Social History, Furness College, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK; email l.persson@lancaster.ac.uk, so as to arrive if possible by 31 May 1998.

Subjects for consideration include:

self, community, region and nation

social inclusion and exclusion

welfare and welfare systems

individualism, communitarianism, and collectivism

identities

(auto)biography

self-presentation, manners and behaviour

private and public

body and self.

Presentations will normally be of 20 minutes' duration, followed by discussion. Proposals for panels comprising a chair and three papers on a linked subject or period will be particularly welcomed, as will proposals for papers from post- graduate students.