JOURNAL OF FOLKLORE RESEARCH

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Intersection of Tradition and Modernity

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF FOLKLORE RESEARCH 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 FOLKLORE RESEARCH, 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
ISSN0737-7037
PublisherINDIANA UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2024
AbbreviationJ FOLKLORE RES / J. Folk. Res.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address601 N MORTON STREET, BLOOMINGTON, IN 47404-3797

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Folklore Research primarily seeks to explore the diverse and dynamic aspects of folklore, emphasizing both traditional practices and contemporary expressions. It aims to bridge the gap between academic research and community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural narratives across various contexts.
  1. Folklore and Cultural Practices:
    The journal focuses on the study of folklore, including traditional narratives, rituals, and communal practices, highlighting their significance in cultural identity and heritage.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    It employs interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating perspectives from anthropology, gender studies, queer theory, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of folklore.
  3. Community Engagement:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of reciprocal relationships between scholars and communities, advocating for public folklore that involves local voices in the research process.
  4. Contemporary Issues in Folklore:
    It addresses contemporary themes such as social justice, precarity, and identity politics, exploring how folklore intersects with current societal challenges.
  5. Queer and Marginalized Narratives:
    There is a notable focus on queer folklore and narratives from marginalized communities, investigating how these stories challenge dominant cultural discourses.
The Journal of Folklore Research has witnessed a shift towards emerging themes that reflect current societal trends and scholarly interests. Recent publications indicate a growing focus on the intersections of folklore with contemporary issues and diverse identities.
  1. Queer Folklore and Intersectionality:
    An increasing number of articles explore queer folklore, intersectional identities, and the role of folklore in resistance against heteronormative narratives, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in folklore studies.
  2. Folklore and Social Justice:
    Themes surrounding social justice, including precarity and community resilience, are gaining traction, reflecting a broader societal concern with equity and representation.
  3. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic:
    The journal has published several papers addressing the folklore surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing how folklore can serve as a tool for coping and understanding during crises.
  4. Digital Folklore and Online Communities:
    There is a growing interest in digital folklore and the transformation of folklore practices in online spaces, emphasizing the relevance of folklore in the digital age.
  5. Reciprocal Ethnography and Community Engagement:
    Emerging discussions on reciprocal ethnography showcase a trend towards collaborative research that values community input and perspectives, reinforcing the journal's commitment to public folklore.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Folklore Research continues to evolve, some themes appear to be receiving less attention in recent publications. These waning scopes reflect shifting priorities in the field and the journal's focus on emerging topics.
  1. Traditional Folklore without Contextual Analysis:
    There has been a decline in purely descriptive studies of traditional folklore that lack contextual or analytical depth, as the journal increasingly values research that engages with broader social issues.
  2. Exclusively Historical Analysis:
    Papers focusing solely on historical analysis of folklore without connecting to contemporary relevance or current sociocultural dynamics are appearing less frequently.
  3. Folklore as Static and Unchanging:
    The portrayal of folklore as a fixed entity rather than a dynamic and evolving process is diminishing, as the journal promotes the understanding of folklore as a living practice.
  4. Disconnection from Community Practices:
    Research that does not engage with community practices or lacks a participatory approach is becoming less prominent, reflecting a trend towards more collaborative scholarship.
  5. Overemphasis on Canonical Texts:
    There is a noticeable shift away from an overemphasis on canonical folklore texts, as the journal seeks to amplify diverse voices and contemporary narratives.

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