GEOFORUM

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Global Understanding through Scholarly Discourse

Introduction

Welcome to the GEOFORUM 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 GEOFORUM, 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.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0016-7185
PublisherPERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1970 to 2024
AbbreviationGEOFORUM / Geoforum
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

GEOFORUM serves as a scholarly platform that emphasizes critical geographical research, focusing on the dynamic interactions between societies, environments, and economies. The journal aims to address complex social and political issues through innovative theoretical frameworks and empirical studies.
  1. Critical Political Ecology:
    The journal emphasizes political ecology as a lens to analyze the relationships between ecological issues and socio-political dynamics, particularly how power structures influence environmental governance and resource management.
  2. Urban Studies and Social Justice:
    GEOFORUM investigates urbanization processes, focusing on social justice issues, spatial inequalities, and the impacts of neoliberal policies on urban communities.
  3. Geopolitics and Globalization:
    The journal explores the geopolitical dimensions of global issues, including migration, environmental change, and economic transformations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of local and global contexts.
  4. Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice:
    A core area of focus includes the intersection of indigenous rights, environmental justice, and resistance against extractive industries, providing platforms for marginalized voices.
  5. Technological Impacts on Society:
    Research on how digital technologies and innovation shape social practices, governance, and economic systems, particularly in relation to environmental sustainability and community engagement.
  6. Feminist and Decolonial Perspectives:
    The journal aims to integrate feminist and decolonial perspectives into geographical research, examining how gender and colonial histories affect spatial practices and environmental policies.
GEOFORUM is at the forefront of addressing contemporary geographical issues, with several themes gaining prominence in recent publications. This section outlines the emerging scopes that reflect the evolving nature of geographical research.
  1. Climate Justice and Environmental Activism:
    There is a significant increase in research addressing climate justice, particularly how marginalized communities are impacted by climate change and how they organize for environmental activism and policy change.
  2. Digital Geographies and Platform Capitalism:
    Emerging themes related to digital geographies and the implications of platform capitalism are gaining traction, focusing on how technology reshapes social interactions, labor markets, and urban spaces.
  3. Intersectionality in Geography:
    A growing emphasis on intersectional analyses that consider how various social categories (such as race, gender, and class) intersect to influence individuals' experiences and access to resources.
  4. Ecological Restoration and Rights of Nature:
    Research themes focusing on ecological restoration initiatives and the legal recognition of the rights of nature are increasingly prevalent, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to environmental governance.
  5. Transnational Migration and Its Impacts:
    The study of transnational migration, particularly in the context of global crises, is emerging as a critical area of focus, examining how migration affects socio-economic dynamics and cultural identities.
  6. Agricultural Innovations and Food Sovereignty:
    There is a growing interest in research that explores agricultural innovations, food sovereignty, and the politics of food systems, particularly in relation to sustainable practices and local resilience.

Declining or Waning

While GEOFORUM continues to be a leading journal in geographical studies, certain themes appear to be losing prominence in recent publications. This section highlights those areas that have seen a decline in focus over the past few years.
  1. Traditional Economic Geography:
    There is a noticeable decrease in research centered on traditional economic geography, particularly studies focused solely on industrial location theories and classical economic models, as the journal shifts towards more interdisciplinary and critical approaches.
  2. Purely Descriptive Case Studies:
    Papers that offer purely descriptive case studies without critical analysis or theoretical engagement seem to be less frequent, as the journal prioritizes contributions that provide deeper insights and challenge existing paradigms.
  3. Conventional Environmental Management Approaches:
    Research emphasizing conventional environmental management strategies without integrating social justice or equity considerations appears to be waning, reflecting a broader shift towards more holistic and inclusive environmental governance frameworks.
  4. Static Geographical Models:
    The use of static models in geographical analysis is declining, with a growing preference for dynamic and complex systems approaches that reflect the fluid nature of socio-environmental interactions.
  5. Individualist Narratives:
    There is a reduction in papers focused on individualistic narratives of environmentalism, as the journal increasingly emphasizes collective action and community-driven approaches to sustainability.

Similar Journals

STUDIES IN COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Cultivating Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0039-3606Frequency: 4 issues/year

STUDIES IN COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT is a prestigious academic journal published by SPRINGER, dedicated to advancing the field of international development through comparative analysis across political science and sociology. Established in 1965 and ongoing till 2024, this journal has successfully cultivated a robust platform for scholars to disseminate cutting-edge research that informs policy and practice globally. With an impressive impact factor and ranking within the top quartiles in Development, Political Science, and Sociology, STUDIES IN COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT is recognized for its intellectual rigor and strategic insights, offering valuable perspectives that resonate across diverse academic and professional communities. Researchers, practitioners, and students alike are encouraged to engage with its comprehensive articles that contribute to the critical discourse on global challenges. Although the journal is traditionally accessed through subscription, its significance in shaping the field ensures it remains an essential resource for those invested in understanding the dynamics of international development.

POLITICAL THEORY

Advancing Theories, Shaping Futures
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0090-5917Frequency: 6 issues/year

POLITICAL THEORY, published by SAGE Publications Inc., is a premier academic journal that stands at the intersection of history, sociology, and political science. With an impactful presence since its inception in 1973, it has been a vital platform for scholarly discourse, advancing theoretical frameworks and empirical studies that invite critical engagement with contemporary political issues. The journal boasts a distinguished Q1 ranking in both History and Sociology and Political Science, reflecting its significance and influence within the academic community. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the most innovative and insightful research is published, appealing to researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although not an open-access journal, its extensive contributions are accessible through a variety of academic databases, making it a crucial resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of political theory and its applications. With an evolving scope that addresses pressing global challenges, POLITICAL THEORY remains an essential read for anyone invested in the complexities of political thought and historical context.

European Journal of Social Theory

Connecting theory with practice in a rapidly changing world.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 1368-4310Frequency: 4 issues/year

The European Journal of Social Theory (ISSN: 1368-4310; E-ISSN: 1461-7137), published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a pivotal resource in the fields of sociology and political science. With a commendable impact factor, recognized within the top quartile (Q1) of its category as per the 2023 rankings, this journal plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary social theory discourse. Covering a broad spectrum of theoretical frameworks and empirical research, the journal aims to facilitate critical engagements with the complex social dynamics characterizing Europe and beyond. Its alignment with high standards of academic rigor is demonstrated through a strong Scopus ranking (Rank #210/1466, 85th percentile), making it an essential read for researchers, professionals, and students alike. As it converges on its mission from 1998 to 2024, the European Journal of Social Theory continues to inspire innovative thought and robust debate within the social sciences.

ANTIPODE

Advancing Critical Scholarship in Geography and Development
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0066-4812Frequency: 5 issues/year

ANTIPODE is a leading academic journal published by WILEY, renowned for its contributions to the fields of Earth-Surface Processes and Geography, Planning, and Development. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the Q1 category for both Earth and Planetary Sciences and Social Sciences, it is a pivotal resource for researchers and professionals who seek to explore the complex interplay between social and environmental dynamics. Since its inception in 1969, ANTIPODE has provided a platform for innovative and critical scholarship, fostering discussions that drive forward-thinking research in its domain. The journal's rich history continues into 2024, as it remains committed to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that challenge norms and inspire further research. Researchers, professionals, and students will find in ANTIPODE not only a journal but a community dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in geography and development studies.

ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING D-SOCIETY & SPACE

Uncovering the complexities of spatial dynamics in a changing world.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0263-7758Frequency: 6 issues/year

Environment and Planning D: Society & Space is a prestigious journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd, focusing on the interdisciplinary intersection of environmental studies, urban planning, and social sciences. Since its inception in 1983, this journal has become a leading platform for groundbreaking research, evident by its distinguished Q1 rankings in both Environmental Science and Geography, Planning and Development categories. With an impressive Scopus rank placing it in the top 10% of related fields, it provides an invaluable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike. The journal features high-quality articles that delve into contemporary issues like climate change, urban sustainability, and spatial dynamics, fostering a critical understanding of the socio-environmental challenges of our time. Although currently not offering open access, Environment and Planning D remains committed to advancing knowledge and inspiring innovative solutions for a sustainable future, drawing contributions from experts around the globe.

Geographical Research

Exploring the Terrain of Knowledge
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1745-5863Frequency: 4 issues/year

Geographical Research, published by WILEY, is a premier academic journal based in the United Kingdom, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of Geography, Planning, and Earth-Surface Processes. With an impact factor that reflects its high academic caliber, this journal ranks in the Q2 category for Earth-Surface Processes and Q1 in Geography, Planning and Development, highlighting its influential role in shaping contemporary research within these disciplines. The journal's Scopus rankings further underscore its significance, standing at #175 out of 821 in Geography, and #41 out of 179 in Earth-Surface Processes, placing it within the top 78th and 77th percentiles, respectively. Since its inception in 2005, Geographical Research has continuously provided a vital platform for scholars to disseminate innovative research, fostering dialogue and collaboration across disciplines. Although currently not open access, its content remains indispensable for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to deepen their understanding of geographical phenomena and develop strategic insights for planning and development.

Canadian Journal of Law and Society

Advancing Multidisciplinary Insights into Legal Systems
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0829-3201Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Canadian Journal of Law and Society, published by Cambridge University Press, is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the multidisciplinary exploration of legal systems, social dynamics, and the intricate relationships that shape law and society. With an ISSN of 0829-3201 and an E-ISSN of 1911-0227, this journal has made significant contributions to the fields of Law, Sociology, and Political Science since its inception in 1986. Recognized in the 2023 category quartiles as Q3 in both Law and Sociology and Political Science, it stands as a credible platform for critical research, theoretical discussions, and empirical studies. Although not an open-access journal, it provides valuable insights that foster academic discourse and enhance understanding within the legal and social sciences domains. Addressed from the Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, England, the journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students seeking to navigate the complexities of law and its societal impacts.

JOURNAL OF MODERN AFRICAN STUDIES

Exploring the Contemporary Tapestry of Africa
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0022-278XFrequency: 4 issues/year

JOURNAL OF MODERN AFRICAN STUDIES, published by CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS, is a premier academic journal that has been a cornerstone for interdisciplinary research on contemporary issues facing Africa since its inception in 1963. With an ISSN of 0022-278X and an E-ISSN of 1469-7777, this journal plays a critical role in shaping the discourse around African studies, encompassing vital topics in Geography, Planning and Development and Sociology and Political Science. The journal holds a commendable Q2 quartile ranking in both fields, indicating its solid reputation and influence, with Scopus ranks reflecting its academic impact within the top echelons of social sciences. The journal’s commitment to quality scholarship aims to foster a deeper understanding of socio-political dynamics, cultural transformations, and economic developments across the continent. While it does not offer open access, its rigorous peer-review process ensures that contributions are impactful and relevant to researchers, professionals, and students alike. The JOURNAL OF MODERN AFRICAN STUDIES continues to be essential reading for anyone engaged in the ever-evolving narratives of modern Africa.

Geopolitics

Navigating the Intricacies of Global Affairs
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1465-0045Frequency: 5 issues/year

Geopolitics, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a leading international journal at the forefront of the fields of Geography, Planning and Development, as well as Political Science and International Relations. Since its inception in 1986, the journal has been dedicated to exploring the intricate connections between geography and global political dynamics, providing a vital platform for scholars and practitioners to disseminate innovative research and critical analyses. Achieving a prestigious Q1 ranking in both of its categories as of 2023, Geopolitics maintains a robust citation impact and is committed to advancing understanding of complex geopolitical issues. Although the journal does not currently offer Open Access options, its rigorous peer-review process ensures high-quality academic contributions that are crucial for informed decision-making and policy discussions worldwide. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find Geopolitics to be an invaluable resource for navigating the rapidly changing landscape of global affairs.

New Political Science

Navigating the intersections of politics and society.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0739-3148Frequency: 4 issues/year

New Political Science is a premier academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, dedicated to the exploration of contemporary issues in political science and sociology. With its ISSN 0739-3148 and E-ISSN 1469-9931, this journal has been a significant voice in the field since its inception in 1979, providing a platform for rigorous scholarly discussion and innovative research. Its scope encompasses critical analyses of political phenomena, offering insights that are particularly relevant in today's socio-political climate. As part of the Q3 category in Sociology and Political Science, its impact is underscored by a Scopus rank of #837 out of 1466, placing it within the 42nd percentile among peer journals. Though not open access, the journal remains committed to disseminating high-quality research to its audience, thereby enhancing understanding and fostering dialogue on key political issues globally. With a convergence of years extending from 1979 to 1986 and from 1989 to 2024, New Political Science continues to serve as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, ensuring that critical political discourse thrives.