Article 1: Goal

The EASA is a non-profit, non-governmental, and independent scientific organization, with no religious, political, ideological, or any other form of affiliation. Its goal is to provide a platform for academic exchange to advance scientific knowledge, with the aim of contributing to the resolution of social problems, improving the quality of life of peoples, and fostering cooperative and productive relations among East Asians and beyond.

Article 2: Objectives

To achieve the above goal, the EASA shall:

  • organize congresses and meetings;
  • facilitate research activities through research networks and initiatives;
  • publish newsletters, scientific journals, and book series; and
  • promote other scientific activities.The EASA shall also collaborate with other national, regional, and international sociological associations and academic organizations.

Article 3: Membership

The EASA shall have individual members. Individual membership is open to scholars who contribute to the development of sociological knowledge and understanding by conducting sociological research, teaching sociology, holding sociological posts, or possessing academic degrees or training in sociology. Individual membership is also open to academics in other disciplines who have an interest in the activities of the EASA or its Research Networks. Individual student membership is open to all university-level students in sociology and related subjects (including PhD students).

Article 4: Governing Bodies

The governing bodies of the EASA are:

  • the General Assembly;
  • the Executive Committee;
  • the Office of the EASA;
  • the Presidents and Vice-Presidents;
  • the Research Networks and Research Initiatives.

Article 5: The General Assembly

The General Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the EASA. It consists of individual members in good standing. It shall be convened during the Congress. The General Assembly shall be convened by the President. The General Assembly shall deliberate with the members present. Decisions shall, in principle, be made by deliberation. When necessary, decisions may be made by a majority vote of those present and voting.

The functions of the General Assembly are to:

  • discuss and determine the general policy of the EASA;
  • consider and approve reports from the Presidents and the Executive Committee;
  • consider and approve amendments to the Statutes and By-laws;
  • consider and approve the Treasurer’s report;
  • take decisions regarding the merger, absorption, or dissolution of the EASA;
  • add new items to the agenda, if necessary, for discussion by the General Assembly.

Article 6: The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the operation of the EASA by planning and implementing its policies. It shall meet during the Congress. The Executive Committee shall consist of representatives of all Research Networks.

Article 7: The Office of the EASA

The Office of the EASA shall be established to support the administrative and operational functions of the Association. It shall be supervised by the President and shall implement the decisions of the Executive Committee. The specific tasks and responsibilities of the Office shall be defined in the By-laws.

Article 8: Presidents and Vice-Presidents

The EASA shall have three Presidents and one or more Vice-Presidents.

The Presidents shall:

  • represent the EASA externally;
  • preside over the General Assembly and the Executive Committee; and
  • ensure the implementation of policies and decisions adopted by the Executive Committee and the General Assembly.

The Vice-Presidents shall assist the President and may act on the Presidents’ behalf when delegated or when the Presidents are unable to fulfill their duties.

Article 9: Research Networks and Research Initiatives

The EASA shall promote academic activities through its Research Networks and Research Initiatives. Each Research Network shall focus on a specific thematic or regional area and shall be coordinated by representatives elected or appointed according to procedures set out in the By-laws. The Research Networks shall report on their activities to the Executive Committee and the General Assembly.

Article 10: Finances

The financial resources of the EASA shall consist of:

  • membership fees;
  • congress and event participation fees;
  • donations, grants, and subsidies; and
  • other income consistent with the goals of the Association.

The Treasurer shall prepare and present a financial report to the Executive Committee and the General Assembly for approval.
The financial year and accounting procedures shall be defined in the By-laws.

Article 11: Amendments to the Statutes

Proposals for amendments to these Statutes may be submitted by the Executive Committee or by at least one-fifth of the members in good standing. Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting at the General Assembly.

Article 12: Dissolution of the EASA

The dissolution of the EASA may be decided only by the General Assembly with a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. In the event of dissolution, the General Assembly shall determine the allocation of the assets of the EASA in accordance with applicable laws and in a manner consistent with the goals of the Association.