Journal of African Cultural Studies

Scope & Guideline

Charting New Territories in African Cultural Scholarship

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding Journal of African Cultural Studies, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1369-6815
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2009 to 2024
AbbreviationJ AFR CULT STUD / J. Afr. Cult. Stud.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of African Cultural Studies serves as a crucial platform for scholarly exploration of the intricate tapestry of African cultures, identities, and societal dynamics. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from diverse fields such as anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and cultural studies to analyze and interpret the multifaceted expressions of African life.
  1. Cultural Performance and Expression:
    The journal focuses on various forms of cultural performance, including music, dance, and oral traditions, exploring how these practices reflect and shape social realities in different African contexts.
  2. Language and Identity:
    A significant emphasis is placed on the intersection of language and identity, particularly in contemporary African hip-hop and other vernacular expressions, revealing how language serves as a site of cultural negotiation and resistance.
  3. Social Movements and Politics:
    The journal investigates the role of cultural practices in social movements, governance, and political expression, highlighting how art and performance contribute to civic engagement and activism.
  4. Gender and Sexuality:
    Research often delves into gender dynamics and sexual identities within African cultures, addressing the complexities of feminism, queer studies, and the representation of marginalized voices.
  5. Postcolonial and Transnational Perspectives:
    The journal encourages analysis through postcolonial and transnational lenses, examining how historical legacies shape contemporary cultural practices and identities across African societies.
Recent publications in the Journal of African Cultural Studies reveal several emerging themes that are gaining traction among scholars. These themes reflect current cultural dialogues and the evolving landscape of African societies.
  1. Urban Cultural Practices:
    There is a growing focus on urban cultural practices, particularly in relation to how cities shape identity and cultural expression. This trend highlights the interplay between urbanization and cultural production, particularly in areas like hip-hop and street food.
  2. Decolonial Perspectives:
    Emerging scholarship increasingly adopts decolonial frameworks, exploring how African societies can reclaim narratives and practices that were historically marginalized or misrepresented by colonial powers.
  3. Digital Cultures and Media:
    The rise of digital cultures, including social media and online performance, is a prominent theme, examining how these platforms influence cultural expression and identity formation among African youth.
  4. Intersectionality in Gender Studies:
    An emphasis on intersectionality has become apparent, with scholars exploring how race, class, and sexuality intersect in the context of gender, leading to more nuanced discussions of identity and representation.
  5. Environmental and Ecological Narratives:
    There is an emerging interest in ecological narratives and how cultural practices relate to environmental issues, reflecting a recognition of the importance of sustainability within African cultural discourses.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of African Cultural Studies has maintained a vibrant discourse on numerous topics, certain themes have shown a decline in frequency or prominence in recent publications. This may reflect shifting scholarly interests or evolving cultural contexts.
  1. Colonial Histories and Their Direct Narratives:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers directly addressing colonial histories through traditional narratives, possibly as scholars seek more nuanced or contemporary approaches to understanding historical impacts.
  2. Static Representations of African Cultures:
    Research focusing solely on static representations of African cultures, without considering their dynamic and evolving nature, appears to be waning, as scholars increasingly recognize the necessity of contextualizing culture within contemporary frameworks.
  3. Traditional Gender Roles:
    Discussions centered on traditional gender roles, without engaging with contemporary shifts and challenges, have diminished, reflecting a broader recognition of the complexities surrounding gender in modern African societies.

Similar Journals

Journal of Africana Religions

Illuminating Diverse Religious Practices Across the Diaspora
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 2165-5405Frequency: 2 issues/year

Journal of Africana Religions, published by Penn State University Press, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and Religious Studies. This peer-reviewed journal, operating since 2017, provides a rigorous examination of the diverse religious traditions and practices within the African diaspora. With an H-index that reflects the journal’s growing impact, it currently holds a Q3 ranking in Anthropology and Q2 rankings in both Cultural Studies and Religious Studies, indicating its esteemed position in contemporary academia. Its inclusion in the Scopus rankings further reinforces its relevance, notably with a 75th percentile placement in Religious Studies. While not an open-access journal, the Journal of Africana Religions remains committed to presenting high-quality research that enriches understanding of Africana religious practices, engages with pressing cultural issues, and fosters interdisciplinary dialogue. This makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to deepen their knowledge and contribute to ongoing discussions in these dynamic fields.

South African Journal of Cultural History

Navigating the Complexities of Cultural History in South Africa
Publisher: SOUTH AFRICAN SOC CULTURAL HISTORYISSN: 1011-3053Frequency: 4 issues/year

South African Journal of Cultural History is a leading forum dedicated to the exploration and analysis of cultural history within the diverse context of South Africa. Published by the SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETY FOR CULTURAL HISTORY, this journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in understanding the intricate past that shapes contemporary societies. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, it encourages contributions that delve into various aspects of cultural heritage, identity, and social dynamics. While currently not an open-access publication, the journal aims to provide insightful articles that foster academic discourse and promote the preservation and appreciation of South Africa's rich cultural history. By engaging with this journal, scholars can connect with a vibrant community committed to advancing knowledge in cultural history and enhancing the visibility of South African cultural narratives on a global scale.

Journal of African American Studies

Exploring the Depths of African American Heritage
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1559-1646Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of African American Studies, published by SPRINGER, is a prestigious academic platform dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of research related to African American culture, history, and social issues. With an ISSN of 1559-1646 and an E-ISSN of 1936-4741, this journal has established itself as a key resource within its field, evidenced by its categorization in the Q1 tier for Cultural Studies and notable rankings in Gender and Sociology disciplines. As of 2023, it occupies competitive positions on Scopus, highlighting its valuable contributions to social sciences. The journal aims to foster scholarly dialogue and offer insights into the complexities of African American experiences, making it essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students alike. For those interested in contributing to the ongoing discourse, access options are available through institutional subscriptions, ensuring a broad reach for groundbreaking articles aimed at enriching the academic landscape.

ENGLISH STUDIES IN AFRICA

Transforming Literary Understanding Across Continents
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0013-8398Frequency: 2 issues/year

ENGLISH STUDIES IN AFRICA is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of literature and literary theory, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, a leading name in academic publishing. With a focus on the intersection of English studies and African contexts, the journal has been a vital platform for over six decades, contributing to an enriched understanding of literary culture within the African diaspora from 1958 to 2024. While its impact factor is not explicitly listed, its Scopus rank of 146 out of 1106 journals in the category places it within the top 14% of its field, reflective of its significant scholarly contribution and rigorous peer-review process. As an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, ENGLISH STUDIES IN AFRICA fosters critical dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration, making it a cornerstone for ongoing literary exploration and research in the region.

African Journal of Rhetoric

Amplifying Voices, Shaping Dialogues
Publisher: AFRICAN ASSOC RHETORICISSN: 1998-2054Frequency: 1 issue/year

The African Journal of Rhetoric, ISSN 1998-2054, is a leading publication dedicated to the study and advancement of rhetorical theory and practice within the African context. Published by the African Association of Rhetoric, this journal seeks to amplify diverse voices and perspectives, fostering critical dialogue and innovative research in the fields of communication, linguistics, and social sciences. With a commitment to promoting open discourse, the journal provides valuable insights into rhetorical strategies, cultural narratives, and their implications on society, making it an indispensable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal is based in Cape Town, South Africa, an epicenter of cultural and intellectual exchange, and encourages submissions that explore the intersection of rhetoric and contemporary issues. As we embrace the evolving landscape of communication, the African Journal of Rhetoric aims to be a pivotal platform for scholarship that bridges local and global dialogues in the study of rhetoric.

CLA JOURNAL-COLLEGE LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION

Fostering Dialogue Across Language and Education Disciplines.
Publisher: COLL LANGUAGE ASSOCISSN: 0007-8549Frequency: 2 issues/year

CLA Journal - College Language Association is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the exploration of language, literature, and education. Published by the College Language Association in the United States, this journal serves as an essential platform for researchers, educators, and students interested in the evolving landscape of language studies. With its coverage spanning from 2002 to 2020, CLA Journal has made significant contributions to the fields of Education, Linguistics, and Literature and Literary Theory, although its indexing in Scopus has been discontinued. The journal is categorized in the Q4 quartile for education and linguistics, indicating a niche but vital role in the academic community, while also achieving a Q3 ranking in literature. The journal occupies an essential space for those engaged in scholarly discourse, offering insightful perspectives and fostering dialogue across these interconnected areas of study.

AFRICAN STUDIES

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of African Scholarship
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0002-0184Frequency: 4 issues/year

AFRICAN STUDIES, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal that has been at the forefront of African research since its inception in 1942. With an impressive convergence of interdisciplinary insights covering Anthropology, Cultural Studies, History, and Political Science, this journal serves as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners alike. It boasts a notable impact within its field, ranking in the Q1 quartile for Cultural Studies and History and achieving a commendable Q2 for Anthropology, and Political Science and International Relations according to the 2023 category quartiles. Researchers can benefit from the journal's rigorous peer-review process, which ensures high-quality and impactful research dissemination. While it is not an open-access journal, it offers various subscription options for accessing its wealth of scholarly articles. With a commitment to advancing understanding of African contexts and perspectives, AFRICAN STUDIES plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary debates and fostering intellectual engagement within the academic community.

Critical African Studies

Engaging with Africa's Past, Present, and Future
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2168-1392Frequency: 3 issues/year

Critical African Studies, published by TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the discourse on critical issues affecting Africa and its diaspora. With an ISSN of 2168-1392 and an E-ISSN of 2040-7211, this journal has established itself as a leading publication in the field of Arts and Humanities, ranked Q1 in Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Q2 in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) as of 2023, showcasing its commitment to high-quality research. Over its converged years from 2015 to 2024, it has become a critical platform for scholars and practitioners to explore diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and multidisciplinary approaches to issues such as social justice, governance, and cultural narratives within the African context. The journal's Scopus rankings reflect its significant impact, with impressive placements in both the Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences categories. Critical African Studies aims to foster a robust dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the complexities of Africa's socio-political landscape and cultural heritage.

AFRICAN ARTS

Advancing Scholarship in African Arts and Culture
Publisher: MIT PRESSISSN: 0001-9933Frequency: 4 issues/year

AFRICAN ARTS is a distinguished journal published by MIT PRESS, focusing on the vibrant intersections of literature, visual arts, and performing arts within the African context. Boasting an ISSN of 0001-9933 and an E-ISSN of 1937-2108, this journal serves as a critical platform for scholars and practitioners worldwide to explore and disseminate their research on African artistic expressions. With a solid impact represented by its Q3 rankings in both Literature and Literary Theory and Visual Arts and Performing Arts as of 2023, it ranks in the top 20% within the literature category and in the top 30% for visual arts. AFRICAN ARTS aims to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts that shape these disciplines, embracing a wide array of methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Though not an open-access journal, it provides valuable insights and analysis that contribute significantly to the global discourse surrounding African arts, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike.

African Diaspora

Advancing Scholarship on the Complexities of the African Diaspora
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1872-5457Frequency: 1 issue/year

African Diaspora is a prominent academic journal published by BRILL that serves as a critical platform for interdisciplinary research in the fields of Cultural Studies, History, Linguistics, and Sociology. With its ISSN 1872-5457 and E-ISSN 1872-5465, the journal has established itself as a vital resource for scholars seeking to explore the complexities of African diaspora experiences and their manifold expressions across global contexts. Situated in the Netherlands, (Address: Plantijnstraat 2, P.O. Box 9000, 2300 PA Leiden), the journal operates within notable quartiles such as Q2 in Cultural Studies and History, which highlights its impact in academic circles. The journal is indexed in Scopus with impressive rankings, including an 88th percentile position in History, emphasizing its broad reach and rigorous scholarly standards. Researchers and graduate students alike are encouraged to contribute to this esteemed journal, which not only enriches academic discourse but also promotes a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary implications of the African diaspora narrative.