The future of social difference: Alan Gamlen at Max Planck Society Symposium

RegNet Professor Alan Gamlen, who is also the Director of the ANU Migration Hub, was invited to the Max Planck Society symposium on the Future of Social Difference (originally titled Imagining Diversity Futures) held on 28 – 31 May 2025 at Schloss Ringberg, Tegernsee, Germany.

The symposium examined shifting social categories and concepts of 'difference', and explored how evolving identities, structures and cultural movements are shaping inequalities and societal superdiversity. Participants engaged with a range of critical questions, including: How might fundamental social categories like 'race', 'ethnicity', 'gender', and 'migrant' evolve over the next 50, 100, or 200 years? What novel markers or intersections of 'difference' could emerge, and what might be their societal implications? How will changing migration patterns and demographics reshape our understanding of 'difference' and inequality? Which political, social, economic, and environmental forces might drive these transformations?

The symposium brought together scholars and thinkers from diverse disciplines, each contributing to a wealth of insights, knowledge and experiences that made the discussions both intellectually stimulating and engaging. Facilitated by experts from the School of International Futures, London, the event featured an opening keynote lecture, brief 'impulse' talks to spark ideas, small breakout groups for focused discussions, paired walking conversations in the picturesque Alpine setting and plenary feedback sessions.

Sharing his reflection on the event, Professor Gamlen said: "The way societies organise and interpret ‘difference’ is shifting rapidly—and these shifts are driving some of the most profound global transformations today. Diversity is no longer just about scale; it’s about the expanding range of categories people identify with and care about.”

 “A few generations ago, social scientists focused mainly on labels like nationality, class, gender, and religion. Today, we’re grappling with a much broader set of identifiers—such as sexuality, legal status, and more—some of which barely existed in public discourse until recently. Understanding how all these categories evolve together is a complex but vital task for building more inclusive, thriving communities.

“It was a real privilege to contribute to such a forward-looking and interdisciplinary gathering. The insights shared—and the connections forged—will be invaluable in extending global research networks at ANU and strengthening our work at the Migration Hub."

Some of the main outcomes of the event include real-time social media coverage to engage a wider audience, short films featuring participants sharing their reflections and a final report produced collaboratively with attendees.