American Journal of Cultural Sociology

Scope & Guideline

Elevating Scholarly Conversations in Cultural Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the American Journal of Cultural Sociology 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 American Journal of Cultural Sociology, 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.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2049-7113
PublisherPALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountrySwitzerland
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationAM J CULT SOCIOL / Am. J. Cult. Sociol.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressBRUNEL RD BLDG, HOUNDMILLS, BASINGSTOKE RG21 6XS, HANTS, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The American Journal of Cultural Sociology focuses on the interplay between culture and society, emphasizing the theoretical and empirical analysis of cultural phenomena through a sociological lens. Its core areas include the examination of cultural practices, narratives, and identities, with an inclination towards interdisciplinary approaches that integrate sociology with cultural studies, political science, and other fields.
  1. Cultural Narratives and Identity Formation:
    The journal explores how cultural narratives shape individual and collective identities, particularly in contexts of migration, trauma, and societal change.
  2. Interdisciplinary Methodologies:
    Utilizing a range of methodologies from qualitative case studies to quantitative analyses, the journal encourages innovative approaches to cultural sociology.
  3. Socioeconomic Inequalities:
    Research often addresses the intersections of culture with socioeconomic status, focusing on how these dynamics influence access to resources and opportunities.
  4. Cultural Critique and Social Movements:
    The journal publishes works that critically engage with contemporary social movements and cultural phenomena, analyzing their implications for social justice and change.
  5. Performative Aspects of Culture:
    There is a consistent focus on the performative nature of cultural expressions, including art, sport, and media, and how these performances construct social realities.
The American Journal of Cultural Sociology is currently witnessing several emerging themes that reflect contemporary issues and societal transformations. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to global challenges and cultural shifts.
  1. Cultural Responses to Crisis:
    There is a growing emphasis on understanding how culture responds to crises, including political upheaval, pandemics, and social justice movements, highlighting the role of culture in resilience and agency.
  2. Intersections of Race and Identity:
    Recent publications increasingly focus on the intersections of race, ethnicity, and identity, particularly in relation to contemporary social issues, reflecting heightened awareness of racial dynamics.
  3. Digital Culture and Sociability:
    The exploration of digital culture, including online communities and social media, is emerging as a significant theme, examining how digital spaces transform social interactions and cultural practices.
  4. Environmental Aesthetics and Activism:
    There is a notable rise in research addressing the cultural dimensions of environmental activism, particularly how cultural narratives shape perceptions of climate change and ecological crises.
  5. Global Perspectives on Cultural Sociology:
    The journal is expanding its scope to include more global perspectives, particularly from non-Western contexts, enriching the discourse with diverse cultural experiences and practices.

Declining or Waning

While the American Journal of Cultural Sociology continues to thrive in many areas, certain themes have shown a decline in emphasis over recent years. This waning reflects broader shifts in sociological focus and the evolving landscape of cultural discourse.
  1. Traditional Cultural Theories:
    Discussions centered around classical cultural theories, such as those strictly based on Durkheimian perspectives, have become less prominent as the journal embraces more contemporary and diverse theoretical frameworks.
  2. Static Cultural Representations:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications that focus solely on static representations of culture, as the journal increasingly prioritizes dynamic and performative analyses.
  3. Narrowly Defined Cultural Fields:
    Research that confines itself to narrowly defined cultural fields, such as specific art forms without broader sociocultural context, is appearing less frequently, indicating a shift towards more holistic approaches.

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