Body & Society

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Understanding of Bodily Experiences in Social Contexts

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Body & Society 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
ISSN1357-034x
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationBODY SOC / Body Soc.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

Body & Society focuses on the intricate relationships between the body, society, and various cultural practices and technologies. The journal aims to explore how bodies are experienced, represented, and constructed within social contexts, emphasizing the intersection of physicality with social, political, and technological dimensions.
  1. Embodiment and Subjectivity:
    The journal investigates how embodiment influences personal and collective subjectivities, particularly in the context of identity formation, gender, and class.
  2. Technologies and the Body:
    An essential focus is on the impact of technology on bodily experiences, including health technologies, biohacking, and self-tracking practices that mediate our understanding of the body.
  3. Cultural Representations of the Body:
    Body & Society examines the cultural narratives surrounding bodies, including representations in media, art, and literature, and how these shape societal norms and behaviors.
  4. Political and Ethical Dimensions of Bodily Practices:
    The journal addresses the political implications of bodily practices, such as healthcare, reproductive rights, and body politics, exploring how power dynamics manifest in corporeal experiences.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from sociology, cultural studies, philosophy, and anthropology to provide a comprehensive understanding of bodily experiences.
Recent publications in Body & Society reveal a clear trend towards emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal issues and the evolving relationship between bodies and technology. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to changing cultural landscapes and academic discourse.
  1. Digital Embodiment and Datafication:
    A significant increase in focus on how digital technologies, including social media and self-tracking devices, are reshaping bodily experiences and identities, indicating a growing interest in the intersection of the body and digital culture.
  2. Intersectionality in Bodily Experiences:
    Recent works emphasize the intersectional nature of bodily experiences, particularly regarding gender, race, and class, reflecting a broader commitment to understanding how these identities coalesce in corporeal practices.
  3. Art and the Body as Resistance:
    There is a rising trend of using art as a medium to explore and resist technobiopower, particularly in contexts of infertility and reproductive rights, highlighting the role of creative practices in challenging societal norms.
  4. Embodied Knowledge and Memory:
    Emerging themes focus on the concept of embodied knowledge, particularly how memories and experiences are stored and expressed through the body, which is becoming increasingly relevant in discussions of trauma and identity.
  5. Environmental and Ecological Considerations:
    The journal is beginning to incorporate discussions around the relationship between bodies and the environment, including how ecological factors influence bodily health and practices, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental issues.

Declining or Waning

While Body & Society has maintained a robust focus on various aspects of embodiment and social practices, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence within recent publications. These waning scopes suggest a shifting attention towards more contemporary issues and methodologies.
  1. Traditional Medical Discourses:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers focusing solely on traditional medical frameworks, as the journal shifts towards more nuanced, cultural critiques of health and illness.
  2. Static Understandings of Disability:
    The exploration of disability within fixed frameworks is less prevalent, with newer works favoring dynamic and intersectional approaches that consider the lived experiences of disabled individuals.
  3. Historical Perspectives on the Body:
    Research focused primarily on historical analyses of the body, while still relevant, has seen reduced frequency, suggesting a movement towards contemporary issues and current societal challenges.
  4. Solely Biophysical Investigations:
    The journal has gradually moved away from purely biophysical studies of the body, emphasizing instead the social and cultural implications of bodily practices and experiences.

Similar Journals

SOCIAL HISTORY OF MEDICINE

Exploring the Intersections of Society and Medicine
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0951-631XFrequency: 3 issues/year

SOCIAL HISTORY OF MEDICINE, published by Oxford University Press, is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of medical history through a social lens. With a rich history since its inception in 1988, the journal spans key developments and explorations up to the present, emphasizing the intricate relationships between social structures and medical practices. Holding a Q1 ranking in History and a Q3 ranking in Medicine (miscellaneous), it attests to its influential position within both disciplines, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of how societal factors shape health and medicine. Researchers, professionals, and students alike benefit from its rigorous peer-reviewed articles that encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and foster new insights. The journal is indexed in Scopus, currently ranked 132nd out of 1760 in Arts and Humanities—History, placing it in the 92nd percentile, and 232nd out of 398 in Medicine, with a 41st percentile ranking. Although not open access, the content is invaluable for anyone interested in the historical intersections of medicine, making it an essential resource for scholarly inquiry.

Subjectivity

Advancing Insights in Applied and Social Psychology
Publisher: PALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTDISSN: 1755-6341Frequency: 4 issues/year

Subjectivity is a prominent journal under the esteemed Palgrave Macmillan Ltd, focusing on the intricate realms of Applied Psychology and Social Psychology. With an ISSN of 1755-6341 and an E-ISSN of 1755-635X, this journal provides a platform for rigorous research and insights into the subjective experiences that shape human behavior and cognition. As a recognized publication since 2015, it has consistently made significant contributions to the field, with a current Scopus ranking in the Q4 quartile for both Applied and Social Psychology. Despite facing competitive circumstances, as indicated by its rankings in the 15th and 16th percentiles within its respective categories, Subjectivity serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to explore and expand the understanding of subjective factors in psychological contexts. While it is not an Open Access journal, its rigorous peer-review process ensures that each publication maintains a high standard of scholarly integrity. For those seeking to delve into the nuanced aspects of human subjectivity, Subjectivity is an essential addition to any academic library.

CULTURAL STUDIES

Engaging with the Latest Theoretical Frameworks
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0950-2386Frequency: 6 issues/year

CULTURAL STUDIES, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a prestigious academic journal dedicated to the exploration and analysis of cultural phenomena across diverse contexts. With an ISSN of 0950-2386 and an E-ISSN of 1466-4348, this journal has established itself as a leading platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in the intersections of culture, identity, and society. Since its inception, CULTURAL STUDIES has transitioned through several converged years of publication, currently producing cutting-edge research that reflects its strong positions in Q1 quartiles across multiple disciplines, including Anthropology, Social Sciences, and Arts and Humanities. With an impressive Scopus rank of 75/1304 in Cultural Studies, the journal is an essential resource for those seeking to engage with the latest theoretical frameworks and methodologies in understanding cultural dynamics. Although it is not currently open access, CULTURAL STUDIES remains a critical vessel for disseminating knowledge that impacts both academic and practical applications in cultural analysis. For scholars and students eager to contribute to this vibrant field, the journal serves not only as a repository of knowledge but also as an inspiration for further inquiry into the complexities of culture.

AFRICAN STUDIES

Fostering Intellectual Engagement in African Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0002-0184Frequency: 4 issues/year

AFRICAN STUDIES, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal that has been at the forefront of African research since its inception in 1942. With an impressive convergence of interdisciplinary insights covering Anthropology, Cultural Studies, History, and Political Science, this journal serves as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners alike. It boasts a notable impact within its field, ranking in the Q1 quartile for Cultural Studies and History and achieving a commendable Q2 for Anthropology, and Political Science and International Relations according to the 2023 category quartiles. Researchers can benefit from the journal's rigorous peer-review process, which ensures high-quality and impactful research dissemination. While it is not an open-access journal, it offers various subscription options for accessing its wealth of scholarly articles. With a commitment to advancing understanding of African contexts and perspectives, AFRICAN STUDIES plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary debates and fostering intellectual engagement within the academic community.

Storia delle Donne

Unveiling the Untold Stories of Women in History
Publisher: FIRENZE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1826-7513Frequency: 1 issue/year

Storia delle Donne is an esteemed open access journal published by FIRENZE UNIV PRESS that has been contributing to the fields of Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, and History since its inception in 2005. Based in Italy, the journal aims to explore the multifaceted roles and representations of women throughout history, providing a crucial platform for research that addresses gender dynamics and cultural contexts. Although its coverage has discontinued in Scopus since 2021, its Category Quartiles indicate a competitive standing within its realms, featuring in Q4 across all relevant categories for 2023. Aimed at researchers, professionals, and students, the journal fosters scholarly dialogue and innovation, encouraging a deeper understanding of women's historical experiences and their implications in contemporary society. With an ISSN of 1826-7513 and an E-ISSN of 1826-7505, Storia delle Donne strives to enhance visibility and accessibility of gender-focused scholarship on a global scale.

Signs and Society

Fostering Dialogue on Cultural Expression and Communication
Publisher: UNIV CHICAGO PRESSISSN: 2326-4489Frequency: 3 issues/year

Signs and Society is an acclaimed academic journal published by University of Chicago Press, specializing in the interdisciplinary exploration of semiotics, cultural representations, and communication practices. With an impressive ISSN of 2326-4489 and E-ISSN 2326-4497, this journal has established itself as a credible source of research and insight within its fields. It operates under a robust framework with a convergence of topics from 2015 to 2024, and has achieved notable rankings, including Q1 placements in Cultural Studies, Linguistics and Language, and Visual Arts and Performing Arts in 2023, elevating it to a leading status among its peers. The journal’s impact is reflected in its Scopus rankings, positioning it in high percentiles across diverse categories, making it a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and students interested in the intricate relationships between signs, society, and culture. Although not an open access publication, Signs and Society remains essential for those seeking to deepen their understanding of communication dynamics and the multifaceted dimensions of cultural expression.

Emotions and Society

Unraveling the complexities of emotions in social contexts.
Publisher: BRISTOL UNIV PRESS & POLICY PRESSISSN: 2631-6897Frequency: 2 issues/year

Emotions and Society is an esteemed journal published by Bristol University Press & Policy Press, dedicated to advancing the understanding of emotional dynamics within social contexts. With an ISSN of 2631-6897 and E-ISSN 2631-6900, this journal, headquartered in the United Kingdom, serves as a vital platform for researchers and scholars interested in the intersections of cultural studies, sociology, and psychology. Since its inception in 2019, Emotions and Society has achieved remarkable recognition, achieving a prestigious Q1 ranking in Cultural Studies and consistently engaging a diverse audience with a focus on emotional expressions and their societal implications. The journal is committed to open dialogue and innovative research that illuminate how emotions shape individuals and societies both within and across cultural boundaries. With an expanding readership and a dedication to high-quality academic discourse, it is positioned as a key resource for professionals and students alike. For those passionate about exploring the profound nuances of emotions in various social settings, Emotions and Society offers a rich repository of insights and scholarship.

Gender Technology & Development

Empowering Voices, Transforming Technologies.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0971-8524Frequency: 3 issues/year

Gender Technology & Development is a pivotal journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the intersection of gender studies and developmental technologies. With an ISSN of 0971-8524 and E-ISSN 0973-0656, this journal has established itself as a significant resource in both development and gender discourse, holding a commendable Q2 ranking in both categories according to the latest 2023 metrics. Spanning from its inception in 1997 to the current year of 2024, the journal actively contributes to scholarship that challenges normative paradigms and empowers underrepresented voices in the tech and development sectors. While it is not an open-access journal, its rigorous peer-reviewed articles serve to engage researchers, professionals, and students alike, fostering a rich dialogue on the implications of gender in technological advancement. As it continues to explore the complex roles that gender plays in shaping technological landscapes, Gender Technology & Development remains an essential platform for innovative research and critical thought.

Social Media + Society

Bridging Research and Society Through Open Access Insights
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 2056-3051Frequency: 4 issues/year

Social Media + Society is a premier, open access journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd, dedicated to the interdisciplinary exploration of social media's impact on society. Since its inception in 2015, this journal has rapidly established itself as a leading platform for scholarly discourse, evidenced by its impressive Q1 rankings across multiple categories, including Communication, Computer Science Applications, and Cultural Studies, as of 2023. With a Scopus ranking placing it in the top percentiles of its field, Social Media + Society provides profound insights into the evolving dynamics of social media technologies, their applications, and societal repercussions. The journal aims to foster a critical dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students, ensuring accessibility through its open access model, which allows readers to engage with cutting-edge research without barriers. Published in the United Kingdom, it serves as a vital resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex intersections of digital communication, culture, and technology.

ETHOS

Unveiling Insights into Human Behavior and Culture
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0091-2131Frequency: 4 issues/year

ETHOS is a premier academic journal published by Wiley, specializing in the anthropological and social sciences landscape. With an ISSN of 0091-2131 and an E-ISSN of 1548-1352, it has steadily maintained its presence in the academic community since its inception in 1973, with a commitment to advancing the field through rigorous peer-reviewed research. The journal holds a distinguished position in the second quartile (Q2) for both Anthropology and Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), and ranks in Q3 for Sociology and Political Science, reflecting its significant impact and relevance in contemporary scholarship. Researchers and professionals alike benefit from its insights, as it covers a wide array of subjects within its categories and boasts an impressive Scopus ranking across related fields. Although not an open-access journal, ETHOS remains an essential resource for academics seeking to understand the complex interplay between culture, society, and individual behavior, making it a vital publication for anyone engaged in anthropological and sociological research.