AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Empowering scholars with critical analyses and empirical evidence.

Introduction

Welcome to the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF 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 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
ISSN0002-9602
PublisherUNIV CHICAGO PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1946 to 1950, from 1964 to 2024
AbbreviationAM J SOCIOL / Am. J. Sociol.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1427 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637-2954

Aims and Scopes

The American Journal of Sociology (AJS) aims to advance the field of sociology through rigorous research that addresses the complexities of social structures, relationships, and issues of inequality. The journal encompasses a wide range of sociological themes and methodologies, fostering a dialogue among scholars and practitioners in the field.
  1. Social Inequality and Justice:
    AJS frequently publishes research focused on various dimensions of social inequality, including race, class, gender, and sexuality. This includes studies on systemic discrimination, activism, and the lived experiences of marginalized groups.
  2. Cultural Dynamics and Identity:
    The journal explores the intersection of culture and identity, examining how cultural practices, beliefs, and narratives shape social interactions and structures. Topics include immigration, ethnicity, and the impact of cultural movements on society.
  3. Political Sociology:
    AJS addresses the relationship between society and political structures, including the analysis of social movements, governance, policy-making, and the effects of political ideologies on social behavior.
  4. Urban Sociology and Space:
    Research on urban environments, including the dynamics of gentrification, community resilience, and the social implications of urban planning, is a prominent theme. This includes studies on the impact of urbanization on social relations.
  5. Health and Medicine:
    The journal publishes articles on the sociology of health, illness, and medicine, exploring how social factors influence health outcomes, access to healthcare, and the experiences of patients and providers.
  6. Methodological Innovations:
    AJS is committed to advancing sociological methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. The journal supports the development of new research designs and analytical techniques.
The American Journal of Sociology has recently embraced several emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and the evolving interests of sociologists. These trends indicate a shift towards interdisciplinary approaches and the exploration of pressing social issues.
  1. Intersectionality:
    AJS is increasingly publishing research that employs intersectional frameworks to examine how overlapping identities affect experiences of inequality and privilege. This approach is essential for understanding the complexity of social issues in contemporary society.
  2. Digital Sociology:
    There is a growing focus on the implications of digital technology on social life, including studies on social media, online communities, and the impact of digital platforms on identity and activism.
  3. Environmental Sociology:
    Research exploring the social dimensions of environmental issues, such as climate change and sustainability, is gaining traction. This includes studies on community responses to environmental degradation and the social justice implications of environmental policies.
  4. Globalization and Transnationalism:
    AJS is increasingly addressing the effects of globalization on local cultures and identities, exploring how transnational movements and global interconnections shape social dynamics.
  5. Mental Health and Society:
    The sociology of mental health, particularly how social factors influence mental health outcomes and access to care, is an emerging area of interest, reflecting a broader societal focus on mental health awareness and advocacy.

Declining or Waning

In recent years, the American Journal of Sociology has seen a noticeable decline in certain thematic areas that were previously prominent in the sociological discourse. These waning scopes reflect shifts in academic focus and the evolving landscape of social issues.
  1. Traditional Gender Norms:
    While gender studies remain vital, there has been a reduced emphasis on traditional narratives surrounding gender roles and norms. The discourse has shifted towards more intersectional approaches that incorporate race, class, and sexuality.
  2. Classic Sociological Theories:
    There appears to be a waning interest in publishing works that strictly adhere to classical sociological theories without integrating contemporary issues. Scholars are increasingly looking to apply and adapt these theories to modern contexts rather than revisiting them in isolation.
  3. Rural Sociology:
    Research focusing specifically on rural issues and populations has diminished in favor of urban-centric studies. This shift reflects broader trends in sociological inquiry that prioritize urbanization and its associated challenges.
  4. Economic Sociology of Traditional Labor Markets:
    The focus on traditional labor market dynamics has decreased, as scholars explore more contemporary issues such as gig economies and precarious work, indicating a shift in how economic sociology is conceptualized.
  5. Single-Factor Analyses:
    There is a declining trend in studies that analyze social phenomena through a single-factor lens. Instead, there is a growing preference for multi-dimensional approaches that consider the interplay of various social factors.

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