Journal of Critical Realism

Scope & Guideline

Innovating Perspectives on Social Sciences and Humanities

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Critical Realism 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 Critical Realism, 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
ISSN1476-7430
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationJ CRIT REALISM / J. Crit. Realism
Frequency5 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 Critical Realism aims to foster a deeper understanding of social phenomena through the application of critical realism as a philosophical framework. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches that integrate theoretical insights with empirical research, focusing on the complexity of social realities and the interplay of structure and agency.
  1. Critical Realism as a Philosophical Foundation:
    The journal explores critical realism as a foundational philosophy for understanding social science, emphasizing its role in addressing ontological and epistemological questions.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research Applications:
    A significant aim of the journal is to apply critical realism across various disciplines, including sociology, education, health, and political science, thereby promoting interdisciplinary dialogues.
  3. Focus on Complexity and Emergence:
    The journal consistently engages with concepts of complexity, emergence, and morphogenesis, examining how these ideas can inform social research and policy.
  4. Reflexivity and Methodological Rigor:
    Reflexivity in research design and implementation is a core focus, encouraging researchers to critically assess their methodologies and the implications of their findings.
  5. Social Justice and Ethical Considerations:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of social justice and ethical considerations in research, advocating for studies that address inequalities and promote societal well-being.
Recent publications in the Journal of Critical Realism reveal several emerging trends that indicate a shift in research focus. These themes reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary social issues and the evolving landscape of critical realism.
  1. Intersectionality in Social Research:
    There is a growing emphasis on intersectionality, particularly in studies examining the interplay of gender, age, and social factors, highlighting the need for nuanced analyses of social issues.
  2. Reflexivity in Research Practices:
    Reflexivity is increasingly recognized as essential in research methodologies, with scholars emphasizing the importance of researchers' positionality and the impact of their perspectives on findings.
  3. Critical Realism and Climate Change:
    Research linking critical realism to climate change and environmental issues is on the rise, reflecting a heightened awareness of the philosophical implications of ecological crises.
  4. Digitalization and Urban Management:
    The application of critical realism to digital technologies and urban management is emerging as a key area, showcasing the relevance of critical realist perspectives in contemporary societal challenges.
  5. Health Inequalities and Social Justice:
    There is an increasing focus on health inequalities and the role of critical realism in informing social justice initiatives, particularly in understanding the impacts of neoliberal policies on health outcomes.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Critical Realism continues to thrive in many areas, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifts in research priorities and emerging areas of focus within the field.
  1. Traditional Quantitative Methods:
    There appears to be a decreasing emphasis on traditional quantitative methodologies, as newer studies increasingly favor qualitative and mixed-method approaches that align more closely with critical realist principles.
  2. Narrowly Defined Educational Practices:
    The focus on narrowly defined educational practices has diminished, possibly due to a broader interest in interdisciplinary approaches that encompass a wider range of social phenomena.
  3. Static Ontologies:
    Discussions surrounding static ontological frameworks are becoming less prevalent, as researchers seek more dynamic and complex understandings of social reality that reflect contemporary challenges.

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