Feminist Legal Studies

Scope & Guideline

Advancing feminist perspectives in legal scholarship.

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of Feminist Legal Studies through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore Feminist Legal Studies in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0966-3622
PublisherSPRINGER
Support Open AccessNo
CountrySwitzerland
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1993 to 2002, from 2005 to 2024
AbbreviationFEM LEGAL STUD / Fem. Leg. Stud.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressVAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

Feminist Legal Studies is dedicated to exploring the intersections of gender, law, and societal structures, with a focus on the implications of legal frameworks on marginalized groups. The journal aims to provide a platform for innovative feminist legal scholarship that critically examines the role of law in perpetuating or challenging gender inequality.
  1. Gender and the Legal System:
    The journal investigates how gender norms and roles are constructed, reinforced, or challenged within legal systems, including the analysis of laws related to violence against women, reproductive rights, and family law.
  2. Intersectionality in Legal Contexts:
    Feminist Legal Studies emphasizes intersectional approaches, examining how race, class, sexuality, and other social identities interact with gender in legal contexts, thereby influencing the experiences of individuals within the justice system.
  3. Legal Responses to Gender-Based Violence:
    A significant focus is on the legal frameworks surrounding gender-based violence, assessing their effectiveness, shortcomings, and the potential for reform to better serve victims and survivors.
  4. Feminist Methodologies:
    The journal promotes the use of feminist methodologies in legal research, encouraging scholars to draw on personal narratives, reflexivity, and qualitative approaches to deepen understanding of legal issues affecting women and gender minorities.
  5. Global Perspectives on Feminist Legal Issues:
    Feminist Legal Studies seeks to include diverse global perspectives, addressing how different cultural, political, and legal contexts shape feminist legal theories and practices.
Feminist Legal Studies is currently experiencing a surge in interest in several emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal issues and the evolving landscape of gender and law.
  1. Decarceral Feminism:
    Recent publications highlight a growing focus on decarceral approaches to justice, particularly in relation to gender-based violence, advocating for alternatives to punitive systems and exploring the intersections of feminism and prison abolition.
  2. #MeToo Movement and Legal Responses:
    The journal has increasingly centered discussions around the #MeToo movement, examining its impact on legal frameworks, cultural perceptions of consent, and the pursuit of justice for survivors of sexual violence.
  3. Global Feminist Activism:
    There is a noticeable trend towards exploring feminist activism on a global scale, particularly in contexts such as India and Ecuador, which address local legal challenges and the efforts of feminists to reshape laws and policies.
  4. Intersectional Approaches to Law Reform:
    Emerging themes reflect a strong emphasis on intersectionality in law reform discussions, highlighting how various identities and systemic oppressions shape legal experiences and outcomes.
  5. Technology and Gender Justice:
    The journal is increasingly addressing the implications of technology, particularly in relation to issues like online harassment and digital rights, and how these intersect with gender justice.

Declining or Waning

While Feminist Legal Studies has consistently addressed a wide range of themes, certain areas of focus appear to be diminishing in prominence, reflecting shifts in societal concerns and academic interest.
  1. Traditional Gender Roles in Legal Frameworks:
    There seems to be a decline in discussions centered solely on traditional gender roles, as the journal increasingly prioritizes more complex and nuanced analyses that incorporate intersectionality and contemporary feminist theories.
  2. Historical Legal Analysis:
    Although historical perspectives remain important, there is a noticeable shift away from purely historical legal analyses towards more current issues and the implications of contemporary legal practices on gender and sexuality.
  3. Focus on Binary Gender Constructs:
    The journal is moving away from discussions that strictly adhere to binary gender constructs, increasingly embracing themes that explore non-binary and transgender experiences in legal contexts.

Similar Journals

Hawwa

Navigating the Intersections of Gender and Culture.
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1569-2078Frequency: 3 issues/year

Hawwa is a distinguished academic journal published by BRILL, focusing on the intersections of culture, gender, and society. Established in the Netherlands, this journal has been a crucial platform for scholarly discourse since its inception in 2003. With an ISSN of 1569-2078 and an E-ISSN of 1569-2086, it serves as a vital resource for researchers and students alike, exploring the complexities of gender dynamics within various cultural contexts. In the rapidly evolving fields of Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, and Sociology and Political Science, Hawwa has achieved significant recognition, reflected in its 2023 Quartile Rankings (Q2 in Cultural Studies, Q3 in both Gender Studies and Sociology/Political Science) and commendable positions in the Scopus rankings. Although not an open-access journal, Hawwa maintains a commitment to fostering academic excellence and interdisciplinary dialogue, making it an essential read for those engaged in contemporary social theory and cultural analysis.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOMENS STUDIES

Championing Innovative Research in Gender Studies
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 1350-5068Frequency: 4 issues/year

The European Journal of Women's Studies, published by SAGE Publications Ltd in the United Kingdom, stands as a leading platform dedicated to advancing the scholarship and discourse in Women's Studies. With an impressive Q1 ranking in both Arts and Humanities and Gender Studies for 2023, the journal features rigorously peer-reviewed articles that explore the multifaceted experiences of women across diverse contexts. Its Scopus rankings further highlight its prominence in the academic community, being in the top 20% for Gender Studies and Arts and Humanities. Established in 1994 and ongoing until 2024, the journal fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, who are committed to exploring gender-related issues and promoting equality. While not an open-access journal, it provides critical insights and valuable contributions to the field, ensuring that the voices of women are heard and studied with depth and rigor.

SOCIAL & LEGAL STUDIES

Bridging Law and Society for a Better Tomorrow
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0964-6639Frequency: 4 issues/year

SOCIAL & LEGAL STUDIES, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary research within the spheres of law, sociology, and political science. With an ISSN of 0964-6639 and an E-ISSN of 1461-7390, the journal has established a significant presence in academia since its inception in 1992. This esteemed journal, recognized as a Q1 publication in Law and holding Q2 status in both miscellaneous Social Sciences and Sociology & Political Science categories, garners attention from leading scholars and practitioners alike, evidenced by its impressive Scopus rankings, including a top 88th percentile in Law. Although it does not offer open access, researchers and students can rely on this journal for high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that synthesize theoretical and empirical insights, addressing contemporary legal and social issues. As it converges into 2024, SOCIAL & LEGAL STUDIES continues to be a vital platform for advancing discussions that shape the interplay between societal norms and legal frameworks.

Affilia-Feminist Inquiry in Social Work

Empowering Voices, Transforming Social Work.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0886-1099Frequency: 4 issues/year

Affilia - Feminist Inquiry in Social Work, published by SAGE Publications Inc, stands as a critical scholarly platform dedicated to advancing feminist perspectives and social justice within the realm of social work. Since its inception in 1986, this prestigious journal has contributed significantly to the fields of Gender Studies, Social Sciences, and Social Work, consistently earning a Q1 ranking in these categories as of 2023. With a commendable Scopus ranking placing it among the top tiers of its field—ranked 28th in Gender Studies and 81st in the broader Social Sciences—the journal aims to foster an engaging discourse around the intersection of gender, social inequalities, and community practices. Although it does not operate under an Open Access model, its insights are invaluable to researchers, professionals, and students eager to explore and contribute to feminist scholarship and evidence-based practices in social work. As we approach its convergence period concluding in 2024, Affilia continues to challenge existing paradigms and empower voices within social work, making it an essential resource for those committed to progressive change.

Agenda-Empowering Women for Gender Equity

Advancing Gender Equity Through Research.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1013-0950Frequency: 4 issues/year

Agenda-Empowering Women for Gender Equity, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, serves as a pivotal platform in the field of Gender Studies, offering critical insights and research aimed at promoting gender equity and empowering women. With an ISSN of 1013-0950 and an E-ISSN of 2158-978X, this esteemed journal has been committed to publishing rigorous research since its inception in 1987, showcasing works that address both historical and contemporary gender issues until 2020 and resuming again in 2022. As a Q3 journal within its category, it holds an essential position in the academic landscape, ranked #119/213 in the Scopus database, reflecting its resilience and relevance in addressing the complexities of gender dynamics. While it does not currently offer open access options, the journal remains a crucial resource for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to understanding and addressing the nuances of gender equity in various contexts.

Rivista di Filosofia del Diritto-Journal of Legal Philosophy

Challenging Norms, Expanding Horizons
Publisher: SOC ED IL MULINOISSN: 2280-482XFrequency: 2 issues/year

The Rivista di Filosofia del Diritto - Journal of Legal Philosophy is a prestigious scholarly publication dedicated to the interdisciplinary exploration of legal philosophy, offering a platform for rigorous academic discourse in both law and philosophy. Published by SOC ED IL MULINO in Italy, this journal plays a vital role in advancing theoretical insights and critical analyses that bridge the gap between legal practices and philosophical thought. With an ISSN of 2280-482X, the journal currently holds a commendable status in the 2023 category quartiles, ranked Q3 in Law and Q2 in Philosophy, reflecting its growing influence in both fields. The Rivista di Filosofia del Diritto ranks 322nd out of 806 in Arts and Humanities for Philosophy and 648th out of 1025 in Social Sciences for Law, highlighting its commitment to quality research in an increasingly competitive academic landscape. Although not open access, the journal made significant strides since its inception in 2016, converging towards its 2024 goals aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of legal concepts through a philosophical lens. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find this journal an invaluable resource for scholarly materials that challenge the norms and expand the horizons of legal philosophy.

Iconos

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Social Sciences
Publisher: FAC LATINOAMERICANA CIENCIAS SOCIALES-FLACSO, ECUADORISSN: 1390-1249Frequency: 3 issues/year

Iconos is a distinguished academic journal published by FAC LATINOAMERICANA CIENCIAS SOCIALES-FLACSO in Ecuador, with an ISSN of 1390-1249 and an E-ISSN of 1390-8065. Since its inception in 1997, Iconos has proudly maintained an open-access policy, promoting accessibility and dissemination of critical research across various disciplines. With a strong focus on Anthropology, Gender Studies, and Social Sciences, this journal has achieved a commendable standing, being categorized in the Q2 quartile in 2023 across multiple categories in these fields. Notably, it ranks #199 in Anthropology and #91 in Gender Studies, placing it in the upper percentiles of academic publishing. The journal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and to illuminate socio-cultural dynamics through rigorous scholarship. With its commitment to quality, research diversity, and social relevance, Iconos serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, seeking to engage with contemporary social issues from a Latin American perspective.

Derecho y Ciencias Sociales

Cultivating Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Issues
Publisher: UNIV NAC LA PLATA, FAC HUMANIDADES & CIENCIAS EDUCISSN: 1853-0982Frequency: 2 issues/year

Derecho y Ciencias Sociales is a leading academic journal published by the National University of La Plata under the auspices of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. With ISSN 1853-0982 and E-ISSN 1852-2971, this journal specializes in the interdisciplinary exploration of legal frameworks, social structures, and cultural studies, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of law and social sciences. Though currently not an open access journal, it provides a critical platform for rigorous scholarly dialogue, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice within its disciplines. The journal aims to engage with contemporary issues and methodologies, fostering an environment that promotes intellectual exchange and the development of innovative solutions to societal challenges. Published in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Derecho y Ciencias Sociales stands out for its commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the discourse in the interconnected realms of law and social sciences.

BUFFALO LAW REVIEW

Fostering Innovative Legal Research
Publisher: UNIV BUFFALO STATE UNIV NEW YORKISSN: 0023-9356Frequency: 5 issues/year

BUFFALO LAW REVIEW, published by University at Buffalo State University of New York, stands as a pivotal resource in the field of law, offering a comprehensive platform for scholarly discourse and analysis. With an ISSN of 0023-9356, this journal has been disseminating critical legal research since its inception and is currently recognized in the Q2 category of Law for 2023. Although it operates under traditional access options, its significant contributions to legal scholarship are underscored by its positioning alongside notable peers, as evidenced by its rank of #552 out of 1025 in the Scopus rankings for Social Sciences _ Law, reflecting a 46th percentile placement. The journal spans an extensive timeline of converged years, notably including a continuous publication record from 1973 to 2024. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find BUFFALO LAW REVIEW an essential repository of legal scholarship, discussing key issues and evolving trends within the domain.

Legal Studies

Elevating Legal Scholarship Since 1981
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0261-3875Frequency: 4 issues/year

Legal Studies, published by Cambridge University Press, is a leading journal in the field of law, recognized for its commitment to advancing scholarly dialogue and critical analysis of legal issues. With an ISSN of 0261-3875 and an E-ISSN of 1748-121X, this prestigious journal has been a key resource for researchers, practitioners, and students since its inception in 1981, and it continues to serve the academic community through rigorous peer-reviewed research up to 2024. Positioned in the Q2 category of law journals and ranked within the 60th percentile among social sciences law publications in Scopus, Legal Studies offers a unique platform for innovative legal scholarship, exploring contemporary legal phenomena and their societal implications. Although not an open-access journal, it provides subscribers and institutional partners with exclusive access to high-quality articles that inform legal thought and practice. The journal’s aim is to foster interdisciplinary perspectives and to challenge traditional viewpoints, making it an indispensable tool for anyone engaged in the legal field.