Critical Policy Studies

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Intersection of Politics and Policy

Introduction

Welcome to the Critical Policy Studies 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 Critical Policy Studies, 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
ISSN1946-0171
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2010 to 2024
AbbreviationCRIT POLICY STUD / Crit. Policy Stud.
Frequency4 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

Critical Policy Studies aims to explore the intersections of policy analysis, governance, and social justice through critical frameworks. The journal emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding policy processes, encouraging innovative methodologies and diverse perspectives.
  1. Critical Policy Analysis:
    The journal focuses on critical approaches to policy analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying power dynamics and ideologies that shape policy decisions.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research:
    It encourages contributions from various disciplines, including political science, sociology, economics, and environmental studies, promoting a holistic understanding of public policy.
  3. Social Justice and Equity:
    There is a strong emphasis on social justice, equity, and inclusion, exploring how policies impact marginalized communities and advocating for transformative policy practices.
  4. Discourse and Narrative Analysis:
    The journal employs discourse and narrative analysis to investigate how language shapes policy frameworks and public perceptions, highlighting the role of narratives in policy formation.
  5. Comparative Policy Studies:
    It includes comparative studies that analyze policy practices across different contexts, promoting a global perspective on policy challenges and solutions.
Recent publications in Critical Policy Studies reveal emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and shifts in academic discourse. These trends indicate a growing interest in innovative policy approaches and the complexities of governance.
  1. Climate Change and Environmental Governance:
    There is a marked increase in research addressing climate change and environmental policies, highlighting the urgency of sustainable practices and the role of governance in tackling ecological crises.
  2. Digital Governance and Technology:
    Emerging themes around digital governance, including the implications of artificial intelligence and technology in public policy, reflect a growing recognition of the challenges posed by digital advancements.
  3. Participatory and Deliberative Democracy:
    An increasing focus on participatory governance and deliberative democracy signifies a shift towards valuing public engagement and citizen involvement in policy-making processes.
  4. Racial and Social Justice:
    The exploration of racial equity and social justice issues in policy contexts is gaining traction, indicating a broader commitment to addressing systemic inequalities through policy.
  5. Indigenous Rights and Decolonization:
    There is a growing emphasis on Indigenous rights and decolonization in policy research, reflecting a critical engagement with historical injustices and contemporary policy implications.

Declining or Waning

While Critical Policy Studies has consistently engaged with a range of themes, certain topics appear to be declining in prominence based on recent publications. This shift may reflect changing societal issues or evolving academic interests.
  1. Neoliberalism Critique:
    Although previously a central theme, the explicit critique of neoliberalism seems to be less frequent in recent publications, possibly overshadowed by more pressing contemporary issues like climate change and digital governance.
  2. Traditional Governance Structures:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers focusing on traditional governance structures, as the journal increasingly emphasizes innovative governance models and participatory approaches.
  3. Economic Policy Analysis:
    The focus on traditional economic policy analysis appears to be waning, with more attention being paid to the social implications of policies rather than purely economic outcomes.
  4. Health Policy in Isolation:
    Health policy studies that do not connect to broader social issues or frameworks are becoming less common, reflecting a shift towards more integrated approaches that consider health as part of a wider socio-political context.
  5. Globalization Critique:
    While globalization was a significant theme in earlier publications, recent articles show a reduced focus on critiquing globalization itself, instead addressing localized impacts and responses.

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