JOURNAL OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Scope & Guideline

Leading the way in consumer research excellence.

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 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 CONSUMER AFFAIRS, 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
ISSN0022-0078
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1967 to 2024
AbbreviationJ CONSUM AFF / J. Consum. Aff.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Consumer Affairs focuses on the intersection of consumer behavior, financial literacy, and social well-being, exploring how various factors influence consumer choices and welfare. This journal aims to provide insights that contribute to the understanding of consumer issues in contemporary society.
  1. Consumer Behavior and Decision Making:
    The journal emphasizes research on how consumers make decisions, including factors influencing their purchasing behaviors, financial choices, and engagement with products and services.
  2. Financial Literacy and Capability:
    A core area of focus is the financial literacy of consumers, exploring how knowledge, resources, and educational interventions impact financial behaviors and well-being.
  3. Social Responsibility and Consumer Welfare:
    Research often addresses the role of social responsibility in marketing and consumer practices, examining how ethical considerations impact consumer choices and societal outcomes.
  4. Vulnerability and Empowerment:
    The journal investigates issues related to consumer vulnerability, including marginalized groups, and interventions aimed at empowering consumers through education and policy.
  5. Health and Well-being:
    A significant area of interest is the relationship between consumption patterns and health outcomes, particularly in the context of public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
  6. Cultural and Intersectional Perspectives:
    The journal includes studies that consider cultural influences on consumer behavior, highlighting intersectional aspects such as gender, race, and socio-economic status.
The Journal of Consumer Affairs has identified several emerging themes in consumer research that reflect current societal trends and consumer concerns. These trending topics are increasingly relevant and indicative of the journal's evolving focus.
  1. Digital Consumer Behavior and Technology:
    Research on how digital platforms, apps, and online interactions shape consumer behavior has surged, particularly in light of the acceleration of digitalization during the pandemic.
  2. Mental Health and Consumer Well-being:
    There is a growing focus on the interplay between consumer behavior and mental health, exploring how financial stress, consumption patterns, and marketing practices affect psychological well-being.
  3. Sustainability and Ethical Consumption:
    Emerging themes around sustainability, ethical consumption, and environmental responsibility are becoming more prominent, reflecting a societal shift towards conscious consumerism.
  4. Diversity and Inclusion in Consumer Research:
    The journal is increasingly addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly how these factors influence consumer experiences and market dynamics.
  5. Impact of Public Health Crises on Consumer Behavior:
    The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a heightened focus on how health crises impact consumer decision-making, financial behaviors, and overall well-being.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Consumer Affairs continues to expand its scope, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence in recent years. These waning areas may reflect shifts in consumer priorities or broader societal changes.
  1. Traditional Economic Models of Consumer Behavior:
    There has been a noticeable decline in research focused solely on traditional economic models that do not incorporate psychological or social factors, as the journal increasingly emphasizes holistic approaches to understanding consumer behavior.
  2. Static Studies on Consumer Preferences:
    Research that solely analyzes static consumer preferences without considering the dynamic nature of consumer behavior in response to changing contexts has become less prevalent, indicating a shift towards more adaptive and longitudinal studies.
  3. Overly Simplistic Financial Education Approaches:
    Previous trends emphasizing basic financial education without considering the complexities of consumer behavior and socio-economic contexts are diminishing, as the journal now favors comprehensive, context-sensitive financial literacy interventions.

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