Journal of Policy History

Scope & Guideline

Bridging History and Contemporary Policy Discourse

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Policy History 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 Policy History, 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
ISSN0898-0306
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1989 to 2024
AbbreviationJ POLICY HIST / J. Policy Hist.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Policy History offers a scholarly platform for the exploration of the historical contexts and implications of public policy in the United States. The journal emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from history, political science, sociology, and law to analyze the evolution of policies and their societal impacts.
  1. Historical Analysis of Policy Development:
    The journal focuses on examining how historical events and contexts shape policy decisions, providing insights into the evolution of political frameworks and institutional practices.
  2. Interdisciplinary Methodologies:
    Utilizing a range of methodologies from various disciplines, the journal encourages contributions that integrate historical research with contemporary policy analysis, fostering a comprehensive understanding of policy implications.
  3. Civic Engagement and Political Agency:
    A consistent theme is the exploration of civic engagement and the role of various groups in influencing policy, particularly marginalized communities, highlighting the dynamics of power and agency in American politics.
  4. Impact of Policy on Social Issues:
    The journal investigates how policies affect social issues, including civil rights, welfare, and public health, emphasizing the intersection of policy and societal challenges.
  5. Case Studies of American Political History:
    Through case studies, the journal delves into specific historical moments or movements, offering detailed examinations of how particular policies were formulated and their long-term effects.
Recent publications in the Journal of Policy History highlight several emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of public policy studies. These trends indicate a growing interest in multifaceted issues that intertwine historical analysis with contemporary challenges.
  1. Identity Politics and Intersectionality:
    Recent papers emphasize the role of identity politics, particularly in relation to race, gender, and class, showcasing how these factors influence policy decisions and civic engagement in various historical contexts.
  2. Veteran and Mental Health Policies:
    There is an increasing focus on the historical development of policies related to veterans and mental health, particularly in the context of post-war America, reflecting a broader societal recognition of mental health issues.
  3. Lobbying and Political Influence:
    The exploration of lobbying, particularly how interest groups have shaped American politics over time, is gaining momentum, highlighting the complex interplay between citizens, policymakers, and organized interests.
  4. Historical Perspectives on Civil Liberties:
    A trend towards analyzing civil liberties during wartime and crises is emerging, with papers exploring the historical context of civil rights and freedoms in relation to national security.
  5. Public Health and Social Welfare Policies:
    The journal is increasingly addressing the historical evolution of public health and welfare policies, particularly in light of contemporary challenges such as pandemics and economic inequality, reflecting a growing interest in the intersection of health and policy.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Policy History continues to publish a wide range of topics, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence as newer issues gain traction in the field. The following areas reflect this waning interest.
  1. Traditional Political Institutions:
    There seems to be a decline in articles focusing solely on traditional political institutions without connecting them to broader societal changes or movements, as the journal shifts towards more dynamic analyses.
  2. Narrow Focus on Economic Policies:
    While economic policies remain important, there is a noticeable decrease in papers that solely address economic frameworks without considering their social implications or historical contexts.
  3. Overly Theoretical Frameworks:
    The journal appears to be moving away from highly theoretical discussions that do not engage with historical case studies or practical applications, favoring more grounded analyses.
  4. Static Views on Policy Outcomes:
    There is a waning interest in studies that present static views of policy outcomes without exploring the complexities of their implementation and impact over time.
  5. Limited Exploration of Contemporary Issues:
    As the journal evolves, there is less emphasis on contemporary policy issues without historical context, suggesting a shift towards a more historical-centric approach rather than current policy debates.

Similar Journals

Journal of Public Affairs

Advancing Knowledge in Public Policy and Governance
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1472-3891Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Public Affairs, published by WILEY, is a prestigious academic forum dedicated to the study of public administration, political science, and international relations. With its ISSN 1472-3891 and E-ISSN 1479-1854, this journal has established itself as a crucial resource in the field, reflected in its impressive Scopus rankings, placing it in the top 4% of journals in Political Science and the top 12% in Public Administration. As part of its commitment to fostering innovative research, the journal has maintained a commitment to inclusivity in scholarship from its inception in 2008 and continues to be a significant platform for discourse up to 2024. With an impact factor that underscores its relevance and authority, the Journal of Public Affairs targets an audience of researchers, policymakers, and students eager to explore critical issues shaping governance and public policy. This journal serves as a vital repository of knowledge, aiming to not only disseminate scholarly work but also to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications in the public sector.

POLITICAL QUARTERLY

Advancing Political Discourse Since 1930
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0032-3179Frequency: 4 issues/year

POLITICAL QUARTERLY, published by Wiley, is a premier scholarly journal that has been at the forefront of political science and sociology since its inception in 1930. With an ISSN of 0032-3179 and an E-ISSN of 1467-923X, this esteemed journal boasts an impressive Q1 ranking in both the Sociology and Political Science categories as per the latest metrics. Positioned within the top 81st percentile of social sciences, it ranks #271 out of 1466 journals listed in this field according to Scopus. The journal publishes a diverse range of articles that explore critical political theories, empirical research, and contemporary societal issues, making it a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. While not currently offering open access, POLITICAL QUARTERLY remains committed to advancing knowledge and fostering scholarly dialogue within its disciplines. Located in the United Kingdom at 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, it continues to shape discourse on political and social dynamics into its upcoming 2024 volume.

Europolity-Continuity and Change in European Governance

Connecting Scholars and Practitioners in Europe
Publisher: NATL SCH POLITICAL STUDIES & PUBLIC ADMISSN: 2344-2255Frequency: 2 issues/year

Europolity-Continuity and Change in European Governance, an esteemed journal published by the NATL SCH POLITICAL STUDIES & PUBLIC ADM, delves into the dynamic landscape of European governance, addressing the intricate balance of continuity and change within its frameworks. Established as an Open Access journal since 2007, it aims to disseminate innovative research that fosters dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of political science and public administration. With its ISSN 2344-2255 and E-ISSN 2247-7721, Europolity invites contributions that explore topical issues ranging from policy analysis to governance structures across Europe, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and professionals seeking to understand the complexities of European governance. The journal’s commitment to accessibility and academic rigor ensures that it remains a pivotal platform for thought leadership and scholarly discourse in its discipline.

Estudios de Derecho

Bridging national and international legal perspectives.
Publisher: UNIV ANTIOQUIA, FAC DERECHO & CIENCIAS POLITICASISSN: 0120-1867Frequency: 2 issues/year

Estudios de Derecho is a distinctive open-access journal published by UNIV ANTIOQUIA, FAC DERECHO & CIENCIAS POLITICAS in Colombia, dedicated to advancing the fields of law and political science. Since its inception, the journal has aimed to foster scholarly discourse by publishing high-quality research articles, reviews, and theoretical contributions that reflect the evolving dynamics of legal frameworks and political structures, with a broad focus on both national and international contexts. As of 2023, it is categorized in the fourth quartile for both Law and Political Science and International Relations, ranking in the 21st and 15th percentiles respectively within Scopus metrics, indicating its role in contributing to emerging discussions despite its nascent standing in these fields. With an open access policy since 2012, Estudios de Derecho offers researchers, professionals, and students accessible insights into contemporary legal and political issues, emphasizing the importance of collaborative knowledge creation in an increasingly interconnected world.

JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS HISTORY

Exploring the intersections of faith and history.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0022-4227Frequency: 4 issues/year

The JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS HISTORY, published by Wiley, stands as a vital resource in the fields of History and Religious Studies, with a rich publication history dating back to 1960. Operating from the United States, this journal holds a respectable Q3 ranking in both specified categories as of 2023, reflecting its substantial contribution to scholarly discourse. With an ISSN of 0022-4227 and an E-ISSN of 1467-9809, it is indexed in Scopus, where it ranks #249 out of 644 in Religious Studies and #711 out of 1760 in History, demonstrating its relevance and quality in academic research. Although it does not currently offer Open Access options, the journal remains a pivotal platform for researchers, professionals, and students looking to deepen their understanding of the intricate relationship between religious thought and historical context. Readers can expect thorough, well-researched articles that challenge and inspire, making it an essential addition to any academic library.

Journal of Public Policy

Advancing the Dialogue in Public Policy
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0143-814XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Welcome to the Journal of Public Policy, a premier academic publication dedicated to advancing the study and practice of public policy. Published by Cambridge University Press, this journal has established itself as a vital platform for disseminating high-quality research from the fields of public administration, management, and environmental science. With an impressive impact factor and ranking in the top quartiles of both Public Administration (Q1) and Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law (Q2), it fosters critical discussions and innovative perspectives that shape contemporary policy-making. The journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and aims to bridge theory and practice, making it essential for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. With contributions spanning from 1981 to 2024, the Journal of Public Policy remains a cornerstone for those seeking to engage with the dynamic landscape of public policy and governance.

German Politics

Exploring the Dynamics of Governance in Germany
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0964-4008Frequency: 4 issues/year

German Politics, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a pivotal academic journal dedicated to the in-depth exploration of political dynamics, governance, and policy debates within Germany. With an impressive 2023 Impact Factor that places it in the Q1 category for Political Science and International Relations and Q2 for Sociology and Political Science, this journal serves as a leading platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike. It boasts significant rankings on Scopus, specifically ranking #105 out of 706 in the Political Science domain, demonstrating its influence and reach in scholarly discourse. Since its inception in 1992 and through its continued publication until 2024, German Politics offers indispensable insights into German political studies, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of German governance and political behavior. Unfortunately, it currently does not provide open access options, but its rigorous peer-review process guarantees the academic integrity of its contributions.

JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF SEXUALITY

Advancing Knowledge in the History of Sexuality
Publisher: UNIV TEXAS PRESSISSN: 1043-4070Frequency: 3 issues/year

Welcome to the Journal of the History of Sexuality, a distinguished publication dedicated to exploring the multifaceted roles that sexuality has played throughout history. Published by University of Texas Press, this journal offers a rich platform for scholarly discourse and research in the field of sexual history, contributing to our understanding of how sexual norms, practices, and identities have evolved over time. Although it does not currently offer open access, its rigorous academic standards and insightful contributions have made it an essential resource for researchers, students, and practitioners interested in the intersections of sexuality, culture, and society. With a storied publication history from 1990 to 2012, the journal remains pivotal in shaping the conversation around sexual history and its relevance today. Researchers are encouraged to submit their innovative studies that continue to challenge and expand the boundaries of this critical field of inquiry.

Icelandic Review of Politics & Administration

Fostering open access to groundbreaking political research.
Publisher: INST PUBLIC ADM & POLITICSISSN: 1670-6803Frequency: 1 issue/year

The Icelandic Review of Politics & Administration is a distinguished open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of political science and public administration. Published by the esteemed Institute of Public Administration and Politics since 2005, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners to disseminate research that informs policy-making and governance practices in Iceland and beyond. With an ISSN of 1670-6803 and an E-ISSN of 1670-679X, it fosters accessibility to high-quality academic work that explores contemporary political challenges and administrative strategies. The journal is headquartered at the University of Iceland in Reykjavik, a hub of intellectual activity in the region. By embracing a commitment to open access, it ensures that groundbreaking ideas and insights reach a diverse audience, empowering researchers, professionals, and students engaged in understanding and improving the dynamics of politics and administration. With a focus on empirical research and theoretical advancements, the Icelandic Review of Politics & Administration is essential for anyone looking to engage deeply with the evolving landscape of governance.

Annee du Maghreb

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Maghreb Cultures
Publisher: CNRS EDITIONSISSN: 2109-9405Frequency: 2 issues/year

Année du Maghreb, published by CNRS Éditions, is an esteemed open-access journal dedicated to advancing the study of Mediterranean and North African cultures, history, and societies. Since its inception in 2004, the journal has aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the complex socio-political dynamics, artistic expressions, and historical contexts of the Maghreb region. By providing a platform for rigorous research and interdisciplinary dialogue, Année du Maghreb plays a pivotal role in enriching academic discourse and enhancing knowledge within the fields of anthropology, history, and cultural studies. Accessible to a global audience, this journal invites researchers, professionals, and students to contribute to its growing repository of scholarly work, ensuring the continuation of high-quality discussions pertinent to this vibrant area of study.