Journal of Policy History

Scope & Guideline

Unraveling the Threads of Policy Evolution

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Journal of Policy History with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
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.

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