CANADIAN JOURNAL OF AFRICAN STUDIES

Scope & Guideline

Championing Academic Excellence in African Studies

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding CANADIAN JOURNAL OF AFRICAN STUDIES, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0008-3968
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Converge1976, 1980, from 1982 to 1986, from 1988 to 1996, 1999, 2001, from 2014 to 2024
AbbreviationCAN J AFR STUDIES / Can. J. Afr. Stud.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Canadian Journal of African Studies serves as a pivotal platform for scholarly discourse on African societies, politics, and cultures. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from history, sociology, political science, and anthropology, among others, to provide a nuanced understanding of contemporary and historical issues in Africa.
  1. Decentralization and Governance:
    The journal frequently explores themes related to decentralization, local governance, and political agency, examining how these processes impact communities across the continent.
  2. Cultural Studies and Identity:
    A significant focus is placed on cultural representations, identity formation, and the complexities of belonging in various African contexts, often analyzing literature, music, and the arts.
  3. Social Movements and Resistance:
    Research on social movements, youth activism, and resistance strategies to political and economic challenges highlights the dynamic nature of African societies in response to both historical and contemporary pressures.
  4. Economic Development and Globalization:
    The journal investigates economic transformations, the effects of globalization, and the interactions between local economies and global forces, particularly in the context of resource management and labor.
  5. Intersectionality of Gender, Race, and Class:
    The journal addresses the intersections of gender, race, and class, focusing on how these factors shape experiences and social dynamics within African societies.
  6. Historical Perspectives:
    Historical analysis provides a foundation for understanding contemporary issues, with studies that trace the legacies of colonialism, conflict, and state formation across different regions of Africa.
The Canadian Journal of African Studies has seen a rise in publications addressing contemporary issues that reflect the pressing challenges and transformations occurring across the continent. These emerging themes underscore the journal's commitment to relevance and responsiveness to current events.
  1. Digital Activism and Technology:
    There is an increasing focus on how digital technologies and social media are reshaping political engagement, activism, and social movements in Africa, highlighting the role of youth in these dynamics.
  2. Environmental Issues and Governance:
    Emerging studies on environmental governance, climate change, and resource management reflect a growing awareness of ecological challenges and their socio-political implications in African contexts.
  3. Post-Colonial and Decolonial Studies:
    The journal is increasingly featuring discussions around post-colonial theory and decolonial practices, examining how these concepts influence contemporary African identities and politics.
  4. Health and Society:
    Research addressing health issues, including the interplay between traditional and modern healthcare systems, maternal health, and public health crises, has gained prominence, reflecting the urgent health challenges faced by African societies.
  5. Migration and Mobility:
    The themes of migration, displacement, and the experiences of refugees have become more prominent, exploring the complexities of identity, belonging, and the socio-economic impacts of migration across and beyond Africa.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently addressed a wide range of topics, some areas of focus appear to be declining in prominence, reflecting shifts in research interests and the evolving landscape of African studies.
  1. Traditional Political Structures:
    There seems to be a waning interest in traditional political structures and systems of governance, as contemporary studies increasingly focus on modern state dynamics and local governance models.
  2. Historical Narratives of Colonialism:
    Although historical narratives remain vital, the specific focus on colonialism as a standalone topic appears to be decreasing, with more integrative approaches that link past and present taking precedence.
  3. Static Representations of African Societies:
    Research that presents static or monolithic views of African societies is declining, as there is a growing emphasis on the dynamism and complexities within these societies.

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