AFRICAN STUDIES

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating African Contexts Through Rigorous Scholarship

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding AFRICAN STUDIES, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0002-0184
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1942 to 2024
AbbreviationAFR STUD-UK / Afr. Stud.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'AFRICAN STUDIES' is dedicated to exploring the complex socio-cultural, political, and historical dynamics of Africa. It aims to present original research that contributes to the understanding of African experiences, identities, and transformations across various contexts.
  1. Cultural Studies and Identity:
    The journal focuses on the exploration of cultural practices, identities, and representations in Africa, examining how these elements influence and reflect broader social dynamics.
  2. Political and Historical Analysis:
    Research often delves into the political histories and contemporary governance issues within African nations, analyzing the impact of colonialism, nationalism, and modern-day politics.
  3. Gender and Sexuality Studies:
    There is a consistent emphasis on gender and sexuality, investigating how these constructs affect individual and collective identities, particularly in relation to power structures and societal norms.
  4. Urban Studies and Social Change:
    The journal addresses urbanization and its effects on social structures, including issues related to migration, informal economies, and community dynamics.
  5. Environmental and Economic Perspectives:
    Studies also encompass the intersection of environmental issues and economic practices, particularly how local communities manage resources and respond to ecological challenges.
Recent publications indicate emerging themes that reflect current socio-political contexts and cultural dynamics within Africa. These trends highlight the evolving landscape of African studies.
  1. Decolonization and Post-Colonial Discourse:
    There is a growing focus on decolonization, examining how historical legacies impact contemporary cultural and political landscapes, especially in relation to identity and representation.
  2. Diaspora and Transnationalism:
    Research increasingly addresses the complexities of diaspora experiences and transnational identities, reflecting on how migration shapes cultural exchanges and social dynamics.
  3. Youth Activism and Social Movements:
    The journal is witnessing a rise in studies related to youth activism, particularly in the context of movements like #EndSARS, which highlight the role of young people in shaping political discourse.
  4. Intersectionality in Gender Studies:
    Emerging themes emphasize intersectionality, exploring how various identities (race, class, gender) intersect to influence experiences and power relations in African societies.
  5. Media and Digital Culture:
    There is an increasing exploration of media ownership, digital culture, and the implications for power relations in contemporary African societies, particularly in light of technological advancements.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has robust themes, certain areas appear to be diminishing in prominence over recent years. This decline may reflect shifting research priorities or broader societal changes.
  1. Traditional Authority Studies:
    Research focused on traditional authority and its role in governance has seen a decline, possibly due to the increasing interest in modern governance models and local adaptations to global influences.
  2. Historical Narratives of Pre-Colonial Africa:
    There has been less emphasis on pre-colonial historical narratives, as contemporary issues and post-colonial perspectives take precedence in current research.
  3. Rural Studies and Agriculture:
    Topics related to rural studies and agricultural practices are less frequently addressed, suggesting a potential shift towards urban-centric research themes.

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