Journal of Civil Society

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Role of Civil Society in Social Change

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Civil Society 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 Journal of Civil Society, 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
ISSN1744-8689
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2010 to 2024
AbbreviationJ CIV SOC / J. Civ. Soc.
Frequency4 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 Civil Society aims to foster a deeper understanding of the role and impact of civil society across diverse contexts. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies that highlight the interplay between civil society, governance, and civic engagement.
  1. Civic Engagement and Mobilization:
    The journal focuses on how individuals and groups engage in civic activities, exploring the motivations, challenges, and outcomes of civic mobilization in various contexts.
  2. Civil Society and Governance:
    It examines the interplay between civil society organizations and governance structures, assessing how collaboration and conflict shape policy outcomes and public participation.
  3. Social Movements and Political Change:
    The journal investigates the role of civil society in social movements and their influence on political transformation, particularly in post-conflict and authoritarian settings.
  4. Human Rights and Advocacy:
    A significant focus is on civil society's role in advocating for human rights, particularly marginalized groups, and how these efforts intersect with broader governance frameworks.
  5. Environmental Justice and Sustainability:
    The journal addresses the involvement of civil society in environmental activism and governance, emphasizing local and global initiatives that promote sustainability.
  6. Intersectionality and Inclusivity:
    It highlights the importance of intersectionality in civil society work, analyzing how various identities and social factors influence participation and representation.
The Journal of Civil Society has identified several emerging themes that reflect the current dynamics within civil society and its interactions with global challenges.
  1. Digital Activism and Online Coalitions:
    Recent papers increasingly explore the role of digital platforms in facilitating activism and coalition-building, reflecting the growing importance of online spaces in civil engagement.
  2. Post-Conflict and Transitional Justice:
    There is a rising interest in how civil society contributes to democracy-building and transitional justice in post-conflict settings, particularly in areas like Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
  3. Environmental Activism:
    The journal is seeing a surge in studies related to environmental activism, highlighting the critical role civil society plays in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices.
  4. Youth Engagement and Political Participation:
    Emerging themes focus on youth activism and its impact on civic participation, capturing the unique perspectives and roles of younger generations in civil society.
  5. Intersectionality in Civil Society:
    Increasing attention is being paid to intersectionality, examining how overlapping identities affect participation and representation in civil society initiatives.
  6. Global Governance and Local Responses:
    Papers are increasingly exploring the relationship between global governance frameworks and local civil society responses, particularly in the context of humanitarian crises and migration.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Civil Society continues to explore a variety of themes, certain areas of focus have shown signs of declining prominence in recent publications.
  1. Traditional Volunteerism:
    There has been a noticeable reduction in papers focusing on traditional volunteerism, possibly due to a shift towards examining more complex forms of civic engagement and activism.
  2. Top-Down Approaches to Civil Society:
    Studies emphasizing top-down approaches to civil society governance are less frequent, as the journal increasingly favors grassroots and participatory frameworks.
  3. Historical Analyses of Civil Society:
    Research focusing on historical perspectives of civil society, particularly in older regimes, appears to be waning in favor of contemporary analyses and case studies.
  4. Sector-Specific Studies:
    There is a decline in sector-specific studies (e.g., civil society in education or health) as the journal expands its scope to encompass broader themes and interdisciplinary approaches.
  5. Philosophical Foundations of Civil Society:
    Discussions centered on theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of civil society have become less prominent, with a shift towards empirical research and practical implications.

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