AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST

Scope & Guideline

Fostering scholarly dialogue across cultures and disciplines.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0002-7294
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1888 to 1959, 1961, 1963, from 1965 to 1966, from 1970 to 2024
AbbreviationAM ANTHROPOL / Am. Anthropol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'American Anthropologist' aims to advance the field of anthropology through a diverse array of research topics and methodologies, reflecting the evolving nature of human societies and cultural practices. Its commitment to social justice, decolonization, and interdisciplinary approaches is evident in the breadth of its published works.
  1. Cultural Anthropology:
    The journal emphasizes cultural anthropology, exploring the intricacies of cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures across various communities worldwide.
  2. Decolonization and Indigenous Studies:
    There is a strong focus on decolonization, examining the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples and advocating for Indigenous rights and knowledge systems.
  3. Environmental and Political Anthropology:
    Research often intersects with environmental issues and political dynamics, addressing how cultural practices relate to ecological challenges and governance.
  4. Ethnographic Methods and Approaches:
    The journal promotes diverse ethnographic methodologies, encouraging innovative approaches to fieldwork and participant observation in various contexts.
  5. Social Justice and Activism:
    A significant aim is to address social justice issues through anthropological insights, emphasizing activism and advocacy within and beyond academic circles.
  6. Multispecies and More-than-Human Perspectives:
    The journal increasingly incorporates multispecies perspectives, exploring the relationships between humans and non-human entities in anthropological research.
The 'American Anthropologist' has seen a rise in interest in several key themes, reflecting the journal's responsiveness to contemporary global challenges and the evolving landscape of anthropological inquiry.
  1. Decolonial Theory and Practice:
    Recent publications increasingly emphasize decolonial frameworks, highlighting the need to challenge and rethink anthropological practices and knowledge production in relation to colonial histories.
  2. Climate Change and Environmental Justice:
    A notable surge in research addressing climate change impacts and environmental justice indicates a prioritization of ecological concerns and the social implications of environmental degradation.
  3. Global Health and Pandemic Studies:
    The journal has seen a rise in articles exploring the anthropological dimensions of global health crises, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating the intersection of health, culture, and society.
  4. Digital Anthropology:
    There is an emerging focus on digital anthropology, examining the implications of technology on social interactions, cultural practices, and identity formation in a rapidly digitizing world.
  5. Multispecies Relations and Eco-Anthropology:
    A growing interest in multispecies relations reflects a shift towards understanding human interactions with non-human entities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Declining or Waning

While 'American Anthropologist' continues to address a wide range of themes, certain areas of focus appear to be declining in prominence. These waning themes reflect shifts in the field's priorities and evolving societal contexts.
  1. Traditional Archaeology:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers solely focused on traditional archaeological methods and findings, as the journal shifts toward more contemporary and applied anthropological issues.
  2. Historical Anthropology:
    Research that strictly adheres to historical anthropology, without integrating present-day implications or connections, is becoming less frequent.
  3. Biological Anthropology:
    Papers centered solely on biological anthropology topics, such as human evolution or genetics, seem to be less represented in recent issues, indicating a broader focus on cultural and social dimensions.
  4. Western-centric Perspectives:
    There is a waning interest in anthropological analyses that are predominantly Western-centric, with a growing emphasis on non-Western voices and experiences.
  5. Methodological Essentialism:
    A decline in works that rely on rigid methodological frameworks without considering the fluid and dynamic nature of cultural practices is evident, as the field moves towards more integrative approaches.

Similar Journals

Virajes-Revista de Antropologia y Sociologia

Bridging Disciplines, Shaping Perspectives
Publisher: UNIV CALDASISSN: 0123-4471Frequency: 2 issues/year

Virajes-Revista de Antropologia y Sociologia, published by UNIV CALDAS, is a premier open-access journal that has been at the forefront of anthropological and sociological research since its inception in 2008. With the ISSN 0123-4471 and the E-ISSN 2462-9782, this journal offers a unique platform for scholars and practitioners to disseminate high-quality research that contributes to the understanding of social dynamics and cultural phenomena, particularly in the Latin American context. The journal seeks to foster an interdisciplinary approach, bridging theoretical and empirical research, and encouraging critical dialogues on contemporary issues in anthropology and sociology. By providing open access, Virajes ensures that its valuable content is available to a global audience, thus enhancing knowledge dissemination and engagement within the academic community. With its commitment to excellence and accessibility, Virajes stands as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to exploring the complexities of human societies.

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Advancing Insights in Cultural Discourse
Publisher: SOC CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGYISSN: 0886-7356Frequency: 4 issues/year

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY is a premier journal in the field of anthropology, published by the esteemed SOC CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY. With an impressive impact factor and ranking in the Q1 category for both anthropology and arts and humanities, it stands as a leading platform for scholarly discourse and innovative research. Since transitioning to Open Access in 2014, the journal has made substantial contributions to the accessibility of anthropology literature, allowing a broader audience to engage with cutting-edge anthropological insights and findings. The journal's scope encompasses a wide range of cultural studies and anthropological perspectives, catering to a diverse readership that includes researchers, professionals, and students. Published from the Department of Anthropology, Rice University in Houston, Texas, CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY continues to shape the conversation in its field, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and enriching the academic landscape.

JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

Illuminating the Rich Tapestry of Humanity
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1359-0987Frequency: 4 issues/year

JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, published by Wiley, stands as a prestigious platform for scholarly discourse in the field of anthropology. With an ISSN of 1359-0987 and an E-ISSN of 1467-9655, this journal has been a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students since its inception, featuring contributions that push the boundaries of understanding in both cultural and social anthropology. The journal’s rigorous peer-review process affirms its high academic standards, reflected in its top-tier Q1 rankings in both the Anthropology and Arts and Humanities categories for 2023. With a current ranking of #78 out of 502 in Social Sciences Anthropology and #138 out of 552 in Miscellaneous Arts and Humanities, it inhabits a critical space within academia, addressing seminal issues and innovative research. While the journal is not open access, it remains accessible to those affiliated with institutions that provide subscriptions, ensuring that groundbreaking anthropological insights are disseminated widely within the academic community. As it converges from 1995 to the present, the JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE continues to shape the landscape of anthropological research, engaging a diverse readership eager to explore the intricate tapestry of human cultures.

Kiva-Journal of Southwestern Anthropology and History

Charting New Territories in Archaeological Research
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0023-1940Frequency: 4 issues/year

Kiva - Journal of Southwestern Anthropology and History is a distinguished academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, that serves as a vital resource for scholars in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, and history. With an ISSN of 0023-1940 and an E-ISSN of 2051-6177, this journal has established itself as a significant avenue for scholarly communication since its inception in 1964. It consistently ranks in the top quartiles, including Q1 in Archaeology and Q2 in Anthropology, reflecting its high impact and rigorous peer-review process. Covering a wide array of topics pertinent to the Southwestern United States, Kiva invites original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers that advance understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage and historical narratives. While currently not open access, its commitment to disseminating quality research makes it an essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to explore the multifaceted dimensions of southwestern studies.

OCEANIA

Illuminating the Intersections of Culture and Thought
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0029-8077Frequency: 3 issues/year

OCEANIA, published by WILEY, is a distinguished journal that has been fostering scholarly discourse in the fields of anthropology and the history and philosophy of science since its inception in 1930. With an impressive impact factor and secure positions in the Q2 quartile for both categories, OCEANIA stands out as an influential resource for researchers and professionals alike. Its latest Scopus rankings reflect its commitment to quality, placing it in the 76th percentile for history and philosophy of science and the 66th percentile for anthropology. Though it does not operate under an open access model, the journal provides robust access options for institutions and individuals to explore its rich array of peer-reviewed articles that contribute to the understanding of cultures and scientific thought across the Pacific region and beyond. As we advance toward its continued convergence into 2024, OCEANIA remains a pivotal platform for innovative research and academic debate, cultivating insights that are crucial for scholars and students navigating the complexities of these interconnected disciplines.

Social Analysis

Connecting Ideas, Cultures, and Disciplines
Publisher: BERGHAHN JOURNALSISSN: 0155-977XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Social Analysis, an esteemed academic journal published by BERGHAHN JOURNALS, is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, focusing on the dynamic intersections of anthropology, cultural studies, sociology, and the arts and humanities. Since its inception in 2002 and having transitioned to an Open Access model in 2020, the journal ensures that critical social research is widely accessible to scholars and the public alike. With an impressive Q1 ranking in Anthropology and cultural studies and holding a notable Q2 in Sociology and Political Science, it garners attention from a large academic audience, as evidenced by its high Scopus rankings: 10th in general arts and humanities and 153rd in cultural studies. This signifies its influential role in shaping contemporary discourse and providing a platform for innovative ideas and methodologies in understanding social phenomena. Based in Brooklyn, NY, the journal is dedicated to fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing the field, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to engage with and contribute to the field of social analysis.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL QUARTERLY

Illuminating Contemporary Issues Through Scholarly Rigor
Publisher: GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIV INST ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCHISSN: 0003-5491Frequency: 4 issues/year

ANTHROPOLOGICAL QUARTERLY, published by the George Washington University Institute of Ethnographic Research, stands as a vital resource in the field of anthropology and broader arts and humanities studies. With an ISSN of 0003-5491 and an E-ISSN of 1534-1518, this esteemed journal has been contributing to academic discourse since its establishment in 1981. The journal holds a respected position in both the Q2 category for Anthropology and the Q2 category for Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), demonstrating its impact and relevance, as evidenced by its rank of #152 out of 502 in the Social Sciences sector for anthropology and rank of #179 out of 552 in the Arts and Humanities field. Researchers, professionals, and students can rely on ANTHROPOLOGICAL QUARTERLY for rigorous peer-reviewed articles that push the boundaries of ethnographic research and anthropological theory, addressing contemporary issues with scholarly precision. The journal’s commitment to fostering critical analysis and interdisciplinary perspectives establishes it as an essential platform for advancing knowledge within its diverse and dynamic field.

Boletin Antropologico

Unveiling Diverse Cultural Narratives Through Research
Publisher: UNIV LOS ANDESISSN: 0257-750XFrequency: 2 issues/year

Boletin Antropologico, published by UNIV LOS ANDES, is a vital academic journal dedicated to the field of anthropology, focusing on the diverse cultural practices, social structures, and historical contexts of societies, particularly within Latin America. With its ISSN of 0257-750X, this journal aims to provide a platform for researchers and scholars to disseminate their findings and engage in meaningful discussions that advance the understanding of anthropological issues. Although Boletin Antropologico currently does not follow an open-access model, it remains a significant resource for professionals seeking peer-reviewed content that reflects rigorous academic standards. With a commitment to fostering intellectual growth and collaboration among anthropologists, the journal serves as an essential reference for students and practitioners keen on exploring the rich tapestry of human cultures and societies.

Journal de la Societe des Americanistes

Unlocking Knowledge on the Americas: Open Access for All
Publisher: UNIV PARIS X PARIS-NANTERRE, ARCHEOLOGIE & ETHNOLOGIEISSN: 0037-9174Frequency: 2 issues/year

Journal de la Societe des Americanistes, published by UNIV PARIS X PARIS-NANTERRE, ARCHEOLOGIE & ETHNOLOGIE, is a distinguished platform for the dissemination of scholarly research in the fields of anthropology and cultural studies. With an ISSN of 0037-9174 and an E-ISSN of 1957-7842, this Open Access journal has been making academic content freely accessible since 2016, fostering a global dialogue among researchers and practitioners. Based in France, this journal prioritizes interdisciplinary discourse, enhancing the understanding of cultural dynamics and ethnic diversity across the Americas. Although currently ranked in the Q4 quartile for anthropology and cultural studies, its commitment to rigorous peer-reviewed research places it in a unique position to contribute to the academic landscape. Researchers, professionals, and students seeking to explore intricate cultural themes and anthropological perspectives will find the Journal de la Societe des Americanistes an invaluable resource for their scholarly endeavors.

Antropologia Portuguesa

Bridging Cultures Through Scholarly Exploration
Publisher: COIMBRA UNIV PRESSISSN: 0870-0990Frequency: 1 issue/year

Antropologia Portuguesa, published by COIMBRA UNIV PRESS, is a distinguished open access journal in the field of anthropology, with an ISSN of 0870-0990 and an E-ISSN of 2182-7982. Based out of Coimbra, Portugal, this journal has been a vital resource for researchers and enthusiasts in the anthropological community since transitioning to an open access model in 2012, allowing for broader dissemination and accessibility of knowledge. With its diversified publications spanning from 2011 to 2023, it is well-established within the academic landscape, achieving a Q3 category rank in anthropology as of 2023, and holding a Scopus ranking of #376 out of 502 in the Social Sciences category, placing it within the 25th percentile. The journal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and promote innovative research, offering a platform for the exploration of various anthropological themes and practices. As it continues to contribute to the scholarship in anthropology, Antropologia Portuguesa is an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to understanding cultural dynamics and human behavior on a global scale.