AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES

Scope & Guideline

Engaging with Australia’s Societal Issues

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 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
ISSN0157-6321
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryAustralia
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1975 to 1976, from 1980 to 1982, 1984, 1986, from 1989 to 1993, from 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationAUST J SOC ISSUES / Aust. J. Soc. Iss.
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 Australian Journal of Social Issues aims to provide a platform for scholarly discussions on critical social issues affecting Australia, focusing on policies, practices, and community experiences. The journal addresses a broad spectrum of topics related to social welfare, public policy, and community dynamics, with a commitment to highlighting marginalized voices and promoting social justice.
  1. Social Policy and Welfare Reform:
    The journal extensively covers issues related to social policy developments, welfare reforms, and their implications for various demographic groups, particularly vulnerable populations.
  2. Cultural and Racial Dynamics:
    Research focuses on the intersections of culture, race, and social identity, exploring how these factors influence individuals' experiences within Australian society.
  3. Health and Well-being:
    There is a consistent emphasis on mental health, physical health disparities, and the social determinants of health among diverse communities, particularly in the context of systemic inequalities.
  4. Community Engagement and Participation:
    The journal promotes studies on community-driven initiatives, the role of social services, and participatory approaches in addressing social issues and enhancing well-being.
  5. Indigenous Studies:
    A significant focus is placed on Indigenous perspectives, rights, and social justice issues, with attention to policy impacts and community resilience.
  6. Impact of Technology and Digital Services:
    Exploration of how digital tools and services affect social welfare delivery, employment, and community engagement, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian Journal of Social Issues has recently seen a surge in specific themes that reflect contemporary societal challenges and emerging areas of interest among researchers. These themes offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of social issues in Australia.
  1. Digital Transformation in Social Services:
    There is a growing body of research on the impact of digital technologies on social service delivery, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.
  2. Mental Health and Well-being in Crisis Contexts:
    Studies examining mental health during crises, particularly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, are increasingly prevalent, emphasizing the need for responsive mental health strategies.
  3. Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination:
    A notable trend is the rise in research focused on Indigenous rights, self-determination, and community-led initiatives, reflecting a broader societal recognition of these issues.
  4. Social Justice Movements and Activism:
    Research on social justice movements, including anti-racism and advocacy for marginalized groups, has gained traction, indicating an increased scholarly interest in activism and societal change.
  5. Intersectionality in Social Issues:
    There is a growing emphasis on intersectional approaches to social issues, recognizing how various identities and experiences intersect to shape individuals' realities and challenges.

Declining or Waning

While the journal maintains a diverse range of topics, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence in recent years. These waning scopes may indicate shifts in research focus or changes in societal priorities.
  1. Traditional Employment Services:
    Research related to conventional employment services and job market dynamics has decreased, possibly due to the growing focus on digital and innovative approaches to employment.
  2. Corporal Punishment and Child Discipline:
    The frequency of studies addressing corporal punishment and traditional child-rearing practices appears to be waning, suggesting a potential shift towards more progressive child welfare perspectives.
  3. Poverty as a Standalone Topic:
    While poverty remains a critical issue, the journal has gradually shifted towards integrating poverty discussions within broader themes of inequality and social justice rather than treating it as a standalone topic.
  4. Rural and Regional Issues:
    There has been a noticeable decline in the exploration of social issues specifically affecting rural and regional communities, possibly overshadowed by urban-centric studies.
  5. Gender Inequality in Isolation:
    Research focused solely on gender inequality, without intersectional considerations, has diminished, reflecting a broader understanding of the complexities involved in social justice topics.

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