CHINA JOURNAL

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Complexities of Chinese Development

Introduction

Welcome to the CHINA JOURNAL 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 CHINA JOURNAL, 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
ISSN1324-9347
PublisherUNIV CHICAGO PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryAustralia
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationCHINA J / China J.
Frequency2 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 China Journal focuses on a wide array of interdisciplinary research pertaining to China's political, social, economic, and cultural landscapes. The journal aims to provide critical insights into the complexities of contemporary China, engaging with both historical and current issues while employing various methodologies to analyze the evolving nature of Chinese society.
  1. Political Dynamics and Governance:
    The journal extensively explores the governance structures within China, including the role of the Communist Party, state-society relations, and the dynamics of authoritarianism. It examines how these factors shape policy-making, legal frameworks, and civic engagement.
  2. Social Issues and Cultural Identity:
    Research often addresses social constructs, cultural identity, and the impact of modernization on traditional values. Topics range from gender studies to ethnicity, reflecting on how these aspects influence individual and collective identities in a rapidly changing society.
  3. Economic Development and Globalization:
    The journal analyzes China's economic policies, globalization strategies, and their implications both domestically and internationally. This includes discussions on the Belt and Road Initiative, corporate governance, and the intersection of economics with social issues.
  4. Historical Contextualization:
    A significant aspect of the journal's contributions lies in historical analyses that contextualize contemporary issues within China's long history. This includes reevaluations of events like the Cultural Revolution and their lasting impacts on current societal norms.
  5. Environmental Politics and Policy:
    The journal also addresses environmental challenges in China, exploring the intersection of development, health, and ecological sustainability. It critically evaluates policies and public responses to issues such as pollution and resource management.
The China Journal is increasingly focusing on contemporary themes that reflect the current socio-political climate in China. This section outlines emerging topics that are gaining traction among researchers, highlighting their relevance in understanding modern China.
  1. Digital Governance and Surveillance:
    There is a growing trend in research that examines the implications of digital governance, including surveillance, data privacy, and the role of technology in state control and citizen engagement.
  2. Nationalism and Identity Politics:
    Recent publications increasingly address themes of nationalism, particularly in the context of China's foreign relations and internal cohesion. This reflects a broader shift towards understanding how identity politics shape both domestic and international narratives.
  3. Social Movements and Civil Society:
    The study of social movements, grassroots activism, and civil society's role in shaping policy and social change in China is on the rise. This reflects an interest in how citizens mobilize in response to state policies.
  4. Environmental Justice and Activism:
    Research focusing on environmental issues has expanded to include discussions of environmental justice, activism, and the role of civil society in advocating for sustainable practices, indicating a heightened awareness of ecological crises.
  5. Health Politics and Public Health Campaigns:
    The journal has seen an increase in studies addressing public health, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes analyses of health governance, state responses, and the societal implications of health policies.

Declining or Waning

While the China Journal maintains a broad focus, certain themes appear to be losing prominence over recent years. This section highlights these waning areas, indicating shifts in research interest and perhaps broader societal changes.
  1. Western Perspectives on China:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers focusing on Western interpretations and critiques of China. As domestic scholarship and narratives gain prominence, the emphasis on external viewpoints seems to be diminishing.
  2. Cultural Revolution Studies:
    Research specifically centered on the Cultural Revolution has seen a reduction, suggesting a potential shift towards more contemporary analyses rather than historical events that have previously dominated the discourse.
  3. Comparative Studies with Other Nations:
    The trend of comparing China's developments with those of other nations, particularly in the context of governance and social issues, appears to be waning. The focus seems to be shifting more towards internal dynamics and less on external comparisons.
  4. Traditional Cultural Practices:
    While cultural studies remain significant, there is a diminishing focus on traditional practices and their relevance in contemporary China. Instead, the journal is leaning more towards modern cultural expressions and their implications.
  5. Folk and Local Studies:
    The exploration of local folk practices and histories is less frequently addressed in recent publications. This may indicate a broader trend towards global and national narratives rather than localized studies.

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