Critical Policy Studies

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Critical Insights in Policy Analysis

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Critical Policy Studies 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
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.

Similar Journals

PUBLIUS-THE JOURNAL OF FEDERALISM

Exploring the Dynamics of Federal Governance
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0048-5950Frequency: 4 issues/year

PUBLIUS-THE JOURNAL OF FEDERALISM, published by Oxford University Press, is a distinguished journal that has been fostering academic discourse in the fields of public administration, sociology, and political science since 1971. With an impactful contribution to the study of federalism, it holds a prominent position in the academic community, reflected by its categorization in Q2 for Public Administration and Q1 for Sociology and Political Science as of 2023. The journal's mission is to provide a platform for cutting-edge research and insightful discussions on the complexities of federal structures and governance, making it an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, and students alike. Its global reach, reflected in its UK publication base and widespread citation, underscores its significance in shaping contemporary debates and understanding of federalism in an increasingly interconnected world. As the journal continues to evolve through to 2024 and beyond, it remains committed to promoting scholarly excellence and illuminating the dynamics of federal governance.

Political Theology

Investigating the Influence of Theology on Political Structures
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1462-317XFrequency: 6 issues/year

Political Theology, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to the exploration of the intricate relationships between politics, religion, and theology. With an ISSN of 1462-317X and an E-ISSN of 1743-1719, this journal has established a significant foothold in both Religious Studies and Sociology and Political Science, evidenced by its ranking in the top quartile (Q1) for the former and Q3 for the latter, according to 2023 metrics. It engages a dynamic community of researchers, professionals, and students passionate about examining how theological concepts influence political structures and civic engagement. The journal serves as a vital platform for critical discourse, innovative theory, and empirical research, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary political phenomena through a theological lens. Academic inquiry is further enriched by its varied access options, ensuring that cutting-edge research is available for all interested scholars across the globe. With its convergence years spanning from 2013 to 2024, Political Theology remains committed to advancing knowledge and promoting dialogue at the intersection of faith and politics.

Yale Journal on Regulation

Navigating the Complexities of Regulatory Discourse
Publisher: YALE JOURNAL ON REGULATIONISSN: 0741-9457Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Yale Journal on Regulation is a distinguished academic publication dedicated to the exploration of regulatory issues within the fields of law and public administration. Established in the United States and published by the prestigious YALE JOURNAL ON REGULATION, this journal serves as a critical resource for professionals, scholars, and students alike. With an ISSN of 0741-9457 and an E-ISSN of 2376-5925, it is recognized for its significant contributions to the discourse on regulatory practices, policy analysis, and legal frameworks that shape public administration. As of 2023, the journal has achieved impressive rankings, placing in the Q1 category for Law and Q2 category for Public Administration, reflecting its high impact and relevance in these fields. The journal's commitment to rigorous scholarship can be seen in its Scopus rankings, where it stands at #158 out of 1025 in Social Sciences Law, placing it in the 84th percentile, while also making its mark at #102 out of 232 in Public Administration. Although it does not currently offer an open access model, the journal remains a vital resource for those seeking to stay abreast of important developments and emerging trends in regulatory affairs. Join a community of thought leaders and contribute to the vital conversations that influence the regulatory landscape.

JOURNAL OF EDUCATION POLICY

Driving impactful change in global education systems.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0268-0939Frequency: 6 issues/year

The JOURNAL OF EDUCATION POLICY, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of education through rigorous research and critical analysis. Since its inception in 1986 and continuing through 2024, this esteemed journal has made significant contributions to educational policy discourse, with a notable Q1 ranking in the Education category, signifying its outstanding quality and influence. The journal's Scopus rank places it in the 94th percentile among over 1,500 education-focused publications, underlining its pivotal role in shaping educational practices and policies globally. Although it does not offer open access, JOURNAL OF EDUCATION POLICY is essential for researchers, educators, and policymakers seeking to deepen their understanding of education systems and contribute to reformative policies that impact society. By providing a platform for impactful scholarship, this journal remains at the forefront of educational research, making it a vital resource for the academic community.

STUDIES IN AMERICAN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT

Illuminating Historical Contexts of Contemporary Politics
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0898-588XFrequency: 2 issues/year

STUDIES IN AMERICAN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, published by Cambridge University Press, is a distinguished journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of the historical and contemporary dynamics of American political development. With an ISSN of 0898-588X and an E-ISSN of 1469-8692, this journal has established itself as a leading platform for scholarly discourse since its inception in 1986, charting significant developments across the fields of History, Sociology, and Political Science. Notably, it ranks in the Q1 category within these fields as of 2023, underlining its impact and prestige—demonstrated by its Scopus ranks of 190/1760 in History and 735/1466 in Sociology and Political Science. Although access is not open, the journal remains pivotal in fostering critical insights applicable to both historical and contemporary policy-making challenges in the United States, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to the rigorous study of American politics.

Review of Policy Research

Unpacking the complexities of policy dynamics.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1541-132XFrequency: 6 issues/year

Review of Policy Research, published by WILEY, is an esteemed journal dedicated to advancing scholarship in the fields of public administration, political science, sociology, and environmental management. With an ISSN of 1541-132X, the journal encompasses a diverse range of policy-related issues and provides a platform for critical analysis and innovative research aimed at understanding the dynamics of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. As of 2023, it holds prestigious Q1 and Q2 rankings across several relevant disciplines, underscoring its importance in the academic landscape, with Scopus rankings placing it in the top 15% of political science journals and in the top 20% for public administration and sociology. The journal does not offer open access, thereby allowing for a curated collection of high-quality articles that are rigorously peer-reviewed. With a history spanning from 1981 to the present, the Review of Policy Research continues to be an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students who seek to deepen their understanding of policy development and its broader implications.

FORUM FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Exploring Contemporary Challenges in Geography and Development
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0803-9410Frequency: 3 issues/year

FORUM FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of development studies and geography. With an ISSN of 0803-9410 and an E-ISSN of 1891-1765, this journal has been a pivotal platform for scholarship since its inception in 1992 and continues to evolve, welcoming contributions that reflect contemporary challenges and innovations until 2024. Recognized within Q3 in Development and Q2 in Geography, Planning and Development categories as of 2023, it showcases rigorous research and critical analysis essential for professionals, scholars, and students alike. The journal's rankings in Scopus underscore its significance, placing it among the leading sources in its field (Rank #435/821 in Geography and #172/306 in Development). While not classified as Open Access, FORUM FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES remains committed to fostering academic dialogue that shapes policy and practice in development and geography, making it indispensable for those seeking to understand and engage with global developmental issues.

POLITICAL QUARTERLY

Illuminating the Dynamics of Political and Social Change
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0032-3179Frequency: 4 issues/year

POLITICAL QUARTERLY, published by Wiley, is a premier scholarly journal that has been at the forefront of political science and sociology since its inception in 1930. With an ISSN of 0032-3179 and an E-ISSN of 1467-923X, this esteemed journal boasts an impressive Q1 ranking in both the Sociology and Political Science categories as per the latest metrics. Positioned within the top 81st percentile of social sciences, it ranks #271 out of 1466 journals listed in this field according to Scopus. The journal publishes a diverse range of articles that explore critical political theories, empirical research, and contemporary societal issues, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. While not currently offering open access, POLITICAL QUARTERLY remains committed to advancing knowledge and fostering scholarly dialogue within its disciplines. Located in the United Kingdom at 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, it continues to shape discourse on political and social dynamics into its upcoming 2024 volume.

European Policy Analysis

Advancing Critical Discourse in European Policy
Publisher: WILEYISSN: Frequency: 4 issues/year

European Policy Analysis, published by WILEY, stands as a premier journal dedicated to the exploration and scrutiny of policies impacting Europe and its governance structures. With an ISSN of N/A and an E-ISSN of 2380-6567, this journal, founded in 2015 and converging through 2024, has rapidly gravitated towards the forefront of academic discourse, achieving a remarkable status as a Q1 ranked journal in diverse categories such as Health Policy, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, and Sociology and Political Science. The journal’s impressive Scopus ranks, including a 98th percentile in Political Science and International Relations, underscore its critical role in shaping policy analysis and contributing valuable insights to the academic community. Scholars and practitioners alike will find a rich resource in European Policy Analysis, as it delivers rigorously peer-reviewed articles that delve into contemporary challenges and innovations in European policy-making.

Politics & Policy

Driving Innovation in Political and Social Research
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1555-5623Frequency: 6 issues/year

Politics & Policy, published by WILEY, is an esteemed journal in the fields of Political Science and International Relations, as well as Sociology, which upholds a Q2 ranking across two critical categories as of 2023. Established in 2001, this journal serves as a pivotal platform for scholarly articles that delve into contemporary political issues, policy-making processes, and their societal implications, fostering a deeper understanding of the interplay between politics and governance. With an ISSN of 1555-5623 and an E-ISSN of 1747-1346, the journal is indexed in leading databases, ensuring wide accessibility and dissemination of research findings. Research within these pages is characterized by rigorous scholarship, aiming not just to present findings but to inform policy and stimulate critical discourse among researchers, practitioners, and students alike. Its contributions are vital in helping shape political dialogue and policy formulation, making it an essential resource for those engaged in the social sciences.