CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Transforming Access to Anthropological Knowledge

Introduction

Welcome to the CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY 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 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY, 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
ISSN0886-7356
PublisherSOC CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1986 to 2024
AbbreviationCULT ANTHROPOL / Cult. Anthropol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressDEPT ANTHROPOLOGY, MS-20, RICE UNIV, PO BOX 1892, HOUSTON, TX 77251

Aims and Scopes

Cultural Anthropology aims to explore the complexities of human societies, cultural practices, and the dynamics of power, identity, and ethics across diverse contexts. The journal emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating various methodologies and perspectives to deepen our understanding of cultural phenomena.
  1. Cultural Practices and Social Dynamics:
    The journal investigates how cultural practices shape social dynamics and individual identities, focusing on rituals, traditions, and everyday life across different communities.
  2. Power and Politics:
    Cultural Anthropology critically examines the intersections of power, politics, and ethics, exploring how these dimensions influence cultural expressions and social relations.
  3. Migration and Displacement:
    The journal addresses contemporary issues of migration and displacement, analyzing the experiences of migrants and refugees, as well as the socio-political contexts surrounding these phenomena.
  4. Environmental Anthropology:
    A core area of focus is the relationship between humans and their environments, including discussions on sustainability, ecological ethics, and the impact of climate change on cultural practices.
  5. Ethics and Activism:
    Cultural Anthropology emphasizes ethical considerations in research and the role of activism in addressing social injustices, particularly in marginalized communities.
  6. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from fields such as sociology, history, and political science to enrich anthropological discourse.
Recent publications in Cultural Anthropology indicate a shift towards addressing pressing contemporary issues and innovative thematic areas. The following emerging trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to current global challenges and cultural phenomena.
  1. Humanitarianism and Migration:
    There is an increasing focus on humanitarian issues related to migration, exploring the complexities of refugee experiences, state responses, and the ethics of aid in contemporary contexts.
  2. Environmental Justice:
    Emerging discussions center on environmental justice, highlighting the intersection of ecology, culture, and social movements, especially in response to climate change and resource exploitation.
  3. Digital Anthropology:
    The integration of digital technologies in anthropological research is gaining traction, with studies examining how digital platforms shape social interactions, identities, and cultural expressions.
  4. Intersectionality and Identity Politics:
    Recent themes explore intersectionality, particularly in the context of race, gender, and class, analyzing how these factors influence individual and collective experiences.
  5. Ethics of Care and Activism:
    There is a growing emphasis on the ethics of care in anthropology, focusing on activist approaches and the responsibilities of researchers towards the communities they study.

Declining or Waning

As Cultural Anthropology evolves, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence, reflecting shifts in the field's focus and the changing socio-political landscapes. The following areas appear to be waning in frequency and emphasis.
  1. Traditional Ethnographic Methods:
    While ethnography remains foundational, there is a noticeable decline in traditional ethnographic studies that solely rely on long-term fieldwork without integrating contemporary issues or methodologies.
  2. Universalist Narratives:
    The tendency to frame anthropological discussions within universalist narratives is diminishing, as the field increasingly prioritizes localized, context-specific analyses over broad generalizations.
  3. Focus on Western Cultures:
    There has been a shift away from studies centered predominantly on Western cultures, as the journal increasingly highlights non-Western perspectives and global south experiences.
  4. Static Cultural Representations:
    The portrayal of cultures as static entities is decreasing, with more emphasis on dynamic, fluid representations of cultural identities and practices.
  5. Overemphasis on Historical Contexts:
    While historical contexts are important, there is a trend towards prioritizing contemporary issues and future-oriented discussions over purely historical analyses.

Similar Journals

CULTURAL STUDIES

Advancing Knowledge in Cultural Dynamics
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.

Folklor/Edebiyat-Folklore/Literature

Illuminating Heritage: A Scholarly Journey into Folklore and Literature
Publisher: Rector CIU Cyprus Int UnivISSN: 1300-7491Frequency: 4 issues/year

Folklor/Edebiyat-Folklore/Literature is an esteemed interdisciplinary journal dedicated to the exploration of folklore and literature, published by Rector CIU Cyprus International University. Established as a crucial platform for scholarly discourse, it has been an Open Access journal since 2015, empowering researchers and students from around the globe to share their findings without barriers. With its ISSN 1300-7491 and E-ISSN 2791-6057, the journal aims to bridge the gap between Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and History, as reflected in its commendable ranking in the 2023 Category Quartiles, where it holds Q3 in Anthropology and Q2 in both Cultural Studies and History. The journal is essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of folkloric narratives and their literary implications, contributing significantly to ongoing dialogues in these vibrant fields of study. Set in the culturally rich context of Cyprus, and operating within a converged time frame from 2018 to 2024, Folklor/Edebiyat serves as a dynamic resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, providing access to a diverse range of scholarly articles that inspire new interpretations and discussions.

OCEANIA

Fostering Insightful Discourse Across Disciplines
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0029-8077Frequency: 3 issues/year

OCEANIA, published by WILEY, is a distinguished journal that has been fostering scholarly discourse in the fields of anthropology and the history and philosophy of science since its inception in 1930. With an impressive impact factor and secure positions in the Q2 quartile for both categories, OCEANIA stands out as an influential resource for researchers and professionals alike. Its latest Scopus rankings reflect its commitment to quality, placing it in the 76th percentile for history and philosophy of science and the 66th percentile for anthropology. Though it does not operate under an open access model, the journal provides robust access options for institutions and individuals to explore its rich array of peer-reviewed articles that contribute to the understanding of cultures and scientific thought across the Pacific region and beyond. As we advance toward its continued convergence into 2024, OCEANIA remains a pivotal platform for innovative research and academic debate, cultivating insights that are crucial for scholars and students navigating the complexities of these interconnected disciplines.

DIALECTICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Advancing Critical Theory in Social Research
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0304-4092Frequency: 4 issues/year

DIALECTICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, published by SPRINGER, is a prestigious journal within the field of anthropology, recognized for its substantial contributions to dialectical and critical theory in social research. Since its inception in 1975, the journal has carved a niche by exploring the intersections of culture, society, and politics, making it an essential resource for scholars and practitioners. With an impact factor that places it in the Q2 category for both anthropology and arts and humanities, and significant rankings in sociology and political science, it reflects a solid scholarly reputation. The journal operates on a subscription basis, allowing for a wide dissemination of rigorous academic research without open access. With ISSN 0304-4092 and E-ISSN 1573-0786, DIALECTICAL ANTHROPOLOGY serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and advancing knowledge in contemporary anthropology and related disciplines. As a researcher, professional, or student, engaging with the insights presented in this journal will deepen your understanding of the dynamic interplay between structural and agency-oriented perspectives in social contexts.

AMERICAN ETHNOLOGIST

Advancing Ethnological Insights Since 1974
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0094-0496Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN ETHNOLOGIST, published by Wiley, stands as a prominent platform in the field of anthropology, with a distinguished reputation underscored by its Q1 ranking in the 2023 Category Quartiles and a notable position in the 79th percentile among its peers. With its foundation dating back to 1974 and set to continue until 2024, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and students devoted to exploring cultural dynamics and social practices across diverse communities. The journal is characterized by its commitment to advancing theoretical discussions and empirical scholarship in ethnology and related disciplines. Targeted contributions include in-depth studies, critical reviews, and innovative methodologies that engage with pressing cultural issues. Although it does not offer Open Access, the journal’s rigorous peer-review process and high-impact articles ensure the dissemination of valuable insights, enhancing scholarly engagement and professional discourse. Its ISSN is 0094-0496 and E-ISSN is 1548-1425, emphasizing its dual format accessibility, which facilitates wider readership within the anthropology community.

Social Text

Challenging Norms, Expanding Perspectives
Publisher: DUKE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0164-2472Frequency: 4 issues/year

Social Text, published by DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS, is a leading peer-reviewed academic journal that has established itself as a critical platform for interdisciplinary research in the fields of Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and Gender Studies. With its impressive ranking in the Q1 category for each of these disciplines in 2023, it occupies a prominent place within the academic landscape—ranked 33rd out of 1304 in Cultural Studies and significantly within the top 20 in both Anthropology and Gender Studies. The journal publishes innovative theoretical and empirical work that challenges and expands upon conventional methodologies and perspectives, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of social phenomena. While Social Text is not an open-access journal, it remains easily accessible through university libraries and academic institutions, ensuring that cutting-edge scholarship reaches a wide audience. This journal is a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and students looking to stay informed about the latest trends and debates within the humanities and social sciences.

Annual Review of Anthropology

Connecting Cultures Through Comprehensive Reviews
Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWSISSN: 0084-6570Frequency: 1 issue/year

Annual Review of Anthropology is a premier journal published by Annual Reviews, dedicated to providing comprehensive and authoritative reviews in the field of anthropology. Established with the goal of synthesizing essential research findings, this influential publication not only shapes contemporary anthropological discourse but also facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue within the broader realm of social sciences and cultural studies. With an impressive impact factor that places it in the Q1 category across multiple classifications, including Anthropology and Arts and Humanities, this journal is highly regarded by researchers and academics alike. The Annual Review of Anthropology has been a trusted resource for critical insights and transformative ideas, helping to advance the understanding of human societies from 1980 to the present. Although it does not offer open access, access to its articles is available through various academic institutions, ensuring that both seasoned scholars and students can benefit from its wealth of knowledge. With a Scopus ranking placing it in the top percentiles for relevant subjects, this journal is essential reading for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of anthropological research.

Anthropological Notebooks

Cultivating Innovative Ideas in Contemporary Anthropology
Publisher: SLOVENE ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCISSN: 1408-032XFrequency: 3 issues/year

Anthropological Notebooks, published by the SLOVENE ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOC, is a noteworthy journal within the field of anthropology. Established in Slovenia, this journal aims to provide a platform for scholarly dialogue and dissemination of anthropological research, fostering interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives. Although it currently holds a Q4 quartile ranking in anthropology and ranks #421 out of 502 in Scopus, it serves as an essential conduit for emerging voices and innovative ideas in the discipline. Covering research published from 2010 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2024, the journal invites contributions that explore diverse cultural narratives and anthropological insights. Despite its limited open access options, Anthropological Notebooks remains a crucial resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to engage with contemporary anthropological discourse and enrich their understanding of human societies.

Caucasus Survey

Documenting the Voices of the Caucasus
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 2376-1199Frequency: 3 issues/year

Caucasus Survey is a prominent interdisciplinary journal published by BRILL, specializing in the multifaceted studies of the Caucasus region. With an ISSN of 2376-1199 and E-ISSN of 2376-1202, this journal has been a vital platform since its inception in 2013, continuing to evolve until 2024. Recognized for its rigorous scholarly contributions, it proudly ranks in the Q2 category in Anthropology and Cultural Studies, alongside commendable positions in History and other related social sciences as per the latest 2023 metrics. Positioned in the Netherlands, its academic rigor plays a crucial role in shaping research narratives and perspectives about the socio-political and cultural dynamics of the Caucasus. Caucasus Survey offers valuable insights for researchers, professionals, and students alike, fostering an understanding that bridges local issues with global relevance and contributing significantly to existing literatures in fields such as Demography, Geography, Sociology, and Political Science. For those seeking to explore the complexities of this vibrant region, Caucasus Survey serves as an essential resource.

Ethnography

Pioneering methodological advancements in ethnography.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 1466-1381Frequency: 4 issues/year

Ethnography is a leading peer-reviewed journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd, focusing on the field of anthropology, cultural studies, and the broader domain of arts and humanities. With an ISSN of 1466-1381 and an E-ISSN of 1741-2714, the journal has established itself as a premier outlet for innovative research and theoretical discussions that encapsulate diverse cultural narratives across the globe. Celebrated for its impact, Ethnography holds a prestigious Q1 ranking in 2023 for Anthropology and Cultural Studies, reflecting its influence in the academic community. Researchers seeking to disseminate their findings can appreciate the journal's rigorous editorial standards and the relevant scope that spans from 2000 to 2024. While not currently offering Open Access, its extensive reach and engagement provide essential insights into contemporary ethnographic practices and methodological advancements. Academics and students alike will find Ethnography an indispensable resource for critically analyzing cultures and enriching their understanding of social dynamics.