INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Dialogue for a Just World

Introduction

Welcome to the INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK 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 INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK, 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
ISSN0020-8728
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1959 to 2024
AbbreviationINT SOC WORK / Int. Soc. Work
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The *International Social Work* journal serves as a pivotal platform for the dissemination of research and practice insights in social work across global contexts. With a firm commitment to enhancing social welfare and addressing diverse societal challenges, the journal's core aims and scopes include:
  1. Global Social Work Practices:
    This journal emphasizes the importance of social work practices that are applicable on a global scale, addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in various cultural and socio-economic contexts.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating knowledge and methodologies from related fields to enrich social work practice and education.
  3. Human Rights and Social Justice:
    A consistent focus on human rights and social justice is evident, highlighting the role of social work in advocating for marginalized populations and addressing systemic inequalities.
  4. Crisis Response and Resilience Building:
    The journal frequently publishes research on social work's role in crisis response, including disaster management and resilience building in communities affected by conflict or disaster.
  5. Cultural Competence and Indigenous Knowledge:
    A significant emphasis is placed on cultural competence and the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and practices in social work, ensuring that interventions are relevant and respectful to local contexts.
  6. Technology Integration in Social Work:
    The journal explores the integration of technology in social work practice and education, addressing the implications of digitalization for service delivery and professional training.
The *International Social Work* journal has identified several emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of social work research and practice. These trending topics highlight areas of increasing interest and relevance in the field, showcasing the journal's responsiveness to contemporary challenges:
  1. Mental Health and Well-Being:
    An increasing number of publications focus on mental health and well-being, particularly in the context of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for effective interventions and support systems.
  2. Social Work in Crisis Contexts:
    Research on the role of social work in crisis contexts—such as conflict zones, disaster recovery, and refugee support—has gained momentum, reflecting the urgent need for effective social work responses in these settings.
  3. Intersectionality in Social Work:
    There is a growing trend towards exploring intersectionality within social work practice, examining how different identities and social positions affect individuals' experiences and access to services.
  4. Environmental and Ecological Social Work:
    The journal increasingly addresses themes related to environmental justice and ecological social work, highlighting the interplay between social work and environmental issues, particularly in the context of climate change.
  5. Digital Innovations in Social Work:
    Emerging discussions around the use of digital tools and technologies in social work practice and education are trending, reflecting the ongoing digital transformation within the field.
  6. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
    Recent articles emphasize community engagement and empowerment strategies, showcasing successful models of participatory social work that prioritize local voices and solutions.

Declining or Waning

While the *International Social Work* journal continues to evolve, certain themes appear to be waning in prominence. These declining scopes reflect shifts in research focus and emerging priorities within the field. The following areas have seen a reduction in publication frequency or a shift in thematic emphasis:
  1. Traditional Welfare Models:
    There is a noticeable decline in articles focused on traditional welfare models, as the field increasingly embraces innovative and holistic approaches to social work practice.
  2. Purely Academic Perspectives:
    The journal has gradually moved away from purely academic discussions that lack practical application, favoring research that directly informs practice and policy.
  3. Local vs. Global Dichotomy:
    The previous emphasis on distinguishing between local and global social work practices is less prevalent, as the journal now promotes a more integrated view of social work that transcends these boundaries.
  4. Historical Analysis of Social Work:
    Articles focusing solely on historical analyses of social work practices and theories have decreased, as contemporary issues and forward-looking perspectives gain priority.
  5. Single-Dimensional Research Topics:
    There is a decline in interest for single-dimensional research topics that do not incorporate intersectionality or multi-faceted approaches to understanding social issues.

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