The theme for the 2002 CIES conference is "The Social Construction of Marginality: Globalization's Impact on the Disenfranchised."

This year's theme is focused on the social construction of marginalized and disenfranchised populations, and how the effects of globalization have reinforced, and perhaps even expanded the division between rich and poor.

Participants are encouraged to consider what comparative and international education has contributed to a theoretical understanding of the process of marginalization. They might also wish to explore how the life chances of migrant, immigrant, minority and/or female students could be improved through educational policy, partnerships and practices.