International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

Scope & Guideline

Empowering researchers to influence policy and practice.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 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
ISSN0144-333x
PublisherEMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1981 to 2024
AbbreviationINT J SOCIOL SOC POL / Int. J. Sociol. Soc. Policy
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressFloor 5, Northspring 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds, W YORKSHIRE LS1 4DL, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy focuses on the intersection of social policies and sociological research, providing a platform for interdisciplinary scholarship that examines social issues through various lenses.
  1. Social Policy Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes critical analysis of social policies, exploring their implications on different populations and evaluating their effectiveness in addressing societal issues.
  2. Sociological Perspectives on Social Issues:
    It integrates sociological theories and methodologies to examine contemporary social issues, such as inequality, migration, and health, providing a deeper understanding of the social dynamics at play.
  3. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary research that combines sociology with economics, public policy, and other fields, allowing for comprehensive studies that address complex social phenomena.
  4. Focus on Vulnerable Populations:
    A significant portion of the research addresses the experiences and challenges faced by marginalized groups, such as women, migrants, and the elderly, highlighting their voices and perspectives.
  5. Global and Local Contexts:
    The journal examines social policies within both global and local contexts, understanding how local practices and cultures affect policy implementation and social outcomes.
  6. Innovative Methodologies:
    It encourages the use of innovative research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, to explore social phenomena and evaluate social policies.
The journal has been at the forefront of emerging social issues and trends, reflecting current societal challenges and the evolving landscape of social policy.
  1. Impact of Technology on Society:
    Recent publications are increasingly focusing on the implications of technology, including digital labor and AI, on social structures, employment, and welfare systems, highlighting the need for adaptive social policies in a rapidly changing world.
  2. Health Inequality and Social Determinants:
    There is a growing emphasis on health disparities and the social determinants of health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the importance of addressing health equity in social policy.
  3. Migration and Social Inclusion:
    Research on migration, refugee experiences, and social inclusion has gained prominence, reflecting global movements and the need for effective integration policies that support diverse populations.
  4. Gender and Intersectionality:
    Studies focusing on gender issues and intersectionality are increasingly featured, exploring how various identities intersect to shape individual experiences and access to resources in society.
  5. Environmental Sustainability and Social Policy:
    Emerging themes include the intersection of environmental sustainability with social policy, addressing how social policies can promote sustainable practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
  6. Crisis Management and Resilience:
    There is a noticeable trend towards examining social responses to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on resilience, community engagement, and the role of social policies in mitigating crisis impacts.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to explore a wide range of social issues, certain themes have shown a decline in prevalence over recent years, indicating a shift in research focus.
  1. Traditional Welfare State Models:
    Research focusing on traditional welfare state models appears to be waning, as newer studies emphasize more dynamic and flexible approaches to social policy that account for changing socio-economic contexts.
  2. Static Analysis of Social Issues:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies that provide static analyses of social issues without considering the dynamic interactions and changes over time, suggesting a need for more longitudinal and adaptive research approaches.
  3. Homogeneous Case Studies:
    The journal has moved away from studies that focus on homogeneous populations or regions, favoring instead research that highlights diversity and the complexities of varying social experiences.
  4. Descriptive Studies:
    There is a decrease in purely descriptive studies that lack theoretical frameworks, as the journal increasingly values research that contributes to theoretical development and practical implications.
  5. Narrowly Focused Topics:
    Research on narrowly defined topics, particularly those that do not connect with broader social issues or policy implications, has seen reduced attention, reflecting a trend toward more comprehensive and integrative studies.

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