ISA RC51 on Sociocybernetics | Research Committee 51 on Sociocybernetics of the International Sociological Organization

2011-11-04

About Aside

RC51 is the Research Committee on Sociocybernetics of the International Sociological Association.

We aim to promote the development of sociocybernetic theory and research within the social sciences. Sociocybernetics is broadly defined here as applications within the social sciences of first- and second-order cybernetics, general systems theory and the various combinations and variations of these that can be subsumed under the term “the emerging sciences of complexity”.

Welcome to RC51 Website

2026-01-23

JoS

New Submission Categories in the Journal of Sociocybernetics: Commentaries & Book Reviews

Dear Colleagues,

Historically, the Journal of Sociocybernetics has focused on publishing original academic research and theoretical discussions. To further foster sociocybernetic thought and dynamic exchange, we are pleased to announce that starting in 2026, the journal will expand its scope to include Commentaries and Book Reviews.

Our aim is to widen the reach of the journal by providing a platform for critical reflection and timely discussion outside of the traditional research article format.

New Contribution Types:

Commentaries: Short, provocative pieces that apply a sociocybernetic lens to current global events, offer “state of the field” reflections, or respond to recent articles published in the journal.
Book Reviews: We invite reviews not only of newly published texts but also of classic works revisited through a modern lens, or older books that have gained renewed relevance due to current social complexities.

Please note that these new sections will be subject to editorial review rather than the standard blind peer-review process, allowing for a faster publication timeline.

We look forward to your contributions.

Sincerely,

Andrew Mitchell
Editor, Journal of Sociocybernetics
https://papiro.unizar.es/ojs/index.php/rc51-jos/en/about

2026-01-23

Board

2026: New Year Greetings from the Board of RC51 Sociocybernetics

Dear RC51 members and friends,

I trust this message reaches you in good health and high spirits as we embark on 2026.

As I reflect on 2025, I am pleased to report on the remarkable progress our community has achieved.

Throughout the year, our membership has grown steadily, welcoming new colleagues who share our passion for sociocybernetics.

In July, RC51 actively participated in the 5th ISA Forum, where we facilitated enriching sessions that sparked insightful dialogue and exchange among participants.

The Open Online Activity initiative, which commenced in 2024, has flourished, with multiple engaging sessions held throughout 2025, strengthening connections within our global community.

As we turn our attention to 2026, exciting opportunities await us.

Our primary milestone will be the 19th International Conference of Sociocybernetics, scheduled to take place in Oaxaca, Mexico, in August. The Call for Papers will be announced soon, and we are excited to hear your contributions.

Concurrently, preparations are underway for the ISA World Congress of Sociology in Gwangju, South Korea, in 2027. We will soon begin soliciting session proposals for this significant gathering.

I look forward to our continued collaboration and the vibrant exchanges that lie ahead, both in virtual and physical spaces.

Warmest regards,

On behalf of the RC51 Board
Saburo Akahori

Visit our website: https://sociocybernetics.org/
RC51 newsletter: https://sociocybernetics.org/newsletter (The latest version was published last November)
Journal of Sociocybernetics: https://papiro.unizar.es/ojs/index.php/rc51-jos/index

2025-11-17

Online Activity

Next Open Online Activity

Welcome to participate to stay connected and to have a chance to share conceptual discussions in the sociocybernetic framework.

As agreed in the last meeting in October, the discussions shared on the concept of reality will continue focusing on the concept RELATIONSHIP chosen for the next session.

This third session of the autumn term will take place on Zoom at 3:00 – 4:30 pm Finnish time on Wednesday 3rd December 2025

Register in advance (preferably a week before 26^th November) for this meeting with this link: https://hamk.zoom.us/meeting/register/7mU_Z6cuR_iMlTMlNnFsuA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting.

Please, pay attention to the schedule of the session regarding to your own time zone: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html

Feel free to share the information for the next sessions in your networks!

Join with your view! For an ideal dialogue, please reserve the whole time, if possible! Thoughts, questions and literature relating to the chosen concepts are warmly welcome. The sessions are initiated, led and facilitated, also in form of collaborative documentation of the discussions, by Finnish RC51 members, Mikael Kivelä and Raija Koskinen.

Contact information related to these meetings preferably: raija.koskinen@hamk.fi see also my Häme University of Applied Sciences Finder entry Also reachable with my affiliation in the University of Helsinki: raija.koskinen@helsinki.fi.

Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.

2025-10-14

Online Activity

Next Open Online Activity

Welcome to participate to stay connected and to have a chance to share conceptual discussions in the sociocybernetic framework. As agreed in the session realized on 17^th September, we will continue organizing the activity based on the accumulating experience and feedback.

The concept chosen to be discussed in the next session is REALITY.

This second session of the autumn term will take place on Zoom at 3:00 – 4:30 pm Finnish time on Wednesday 29th October 2025

Register in advance (preferably a week before 22^nd October) for this meeting with this link: https://hamk.zoom.us/meeting/register/RsyjdqLyR0qZ9JKMYC9Gzg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please, pay attention to the schedule of the session regarding to your own time zone: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html

Feel free to share the information for the next sessions in your networks!

Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.