Africa Spectrum

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Knowledge on Africa's Transformative Journey

Introduction

Welcome to the Africa Spectrum information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Africa Spectrum, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageGerman
ISSN0002-0397
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessYes
CountryGermany
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1983 to 1984, from 2006 to 2024
AbbreviationAFR SPECTR / Afr. Spectr.
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

Africa Spectrum is dedicated to advancing scholarly discourse on the complex socio-political, cultural, and economic landscapes of Africa. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary research and critical analyses that reflect the continent's diverse experiences and global connections.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research on African Studies:
    The journal encompasses a wide range of disciplines including politics, sociology, history, cultural studies, and economics, thereby promoting a holistic understanding of African issues.
  2. Focus on Agency and Identity:
    There is a consistent emphasis on exploring the concepts of agency, identity, and belonging, particularly in the context of marginalized groups and communities in Africa.
  3. Critical Examination of Historical Narratives:
    The journal seeks to challenge and reinterpret historical narratives related to colonialism, post-colonialism, and contemporary socio-political dynamics, highlighting African perspectives.
  4. Analysis of Governance and Political Dynamics:
    Research often investigates governance structures, political participation, and the impact of global influences on local politics, with a focus on both state and non-state actors.
  5. Sustainability and Development Issues:
    The journal addresses topics related to sustainable development, resource management, and the socio-economic challenges facing African nations, often from a critical lens.
  6. Cultural and Social Movements:
    It engages with the dynamics of cultural production, social movements, and the impact of digital media on public discourse and political engagement.
Recent publications in Africa Spectrum highlight several emerging themes that reflect current socio-political dynamics and scholarly interests within African studies. These trends indicate a vibrant engagement with contemporary issues impacting the continent.
  1. Digital Politics and Media Influence:
    There is a growing trend towards analyzing the role of digital platforms, such as TikTok, in shaping political discourse and engagement, reflecting the importance of new media in contemporary African politics.
  2. Transnational Relationships and Globalization:
    Emerging themes focus on the interconnectedness of African nations with global powers, particularly in the context of Sino-African relations, showcasing the impact of globalization on local contexts.
  3. Youth and Demographic Changes:
    Research increasingly addresses the implications of Africa's youthful population, with a focus on youth agency, activism, and the socio-economic challenges they face, thus highlighting the demographic transition.
  4. Decolonial Perspectives and Knowledge Production:
    A significant trend is the exploration of decoloniality and the critique of traditional knowledge production frameworks, emphasizing the need for African voices and perspectives in academia.
  5. Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Contexts:
    There is an emerging focus on gender and sexuality, particularly in relation to masculinity studies, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of gender dynamics in African societies.

Declining or Waning

While Africa Spectrum has consistently explored a wide array of themes related to the continent, certain topics have shown signs of declining prominence in recent publications. This shift may reflect changing research priorities or evolving socio-political contexts within Africa.
  1. Traditional Ethnographic Studies:
    There appears to be a reduction in the focus on traditional ethnographic studies, which may be due to a shift towards more contemporary issues and methodologies that emphasize quantitative analysis or digital engagement.
  2. Historical Colonial Studies:
    While historical perspectives remain relevant, the frequency of articles solely dedicated to colonial studies has diminished, likely as scholars seek to connect historical contexts to current issues.
  3. Regionalism and Localized Studies:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers centered on specific regional studies within Africa, indicating a potential move towards broader, pan-African analyses or comparative studies.
  4. Gender Studies in Isolation:
    Although gender issues are still present, there seems to be less emphasis on gender studies as standalone topics, with a trend towards integrating gender analysis within broader socio-political discussions.
  5. Single-issue Environmental Studies:
    The journal has shifted from focusing on isolated environmental issues towards more integrated discussions that include socio-economic and political dimensions of environmental challenges.

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