Journal of Rural Studies

Scope & Guideline

Shaping the Future of Rural Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Rural Studies 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 Rural Studies, 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
ISSN0743-0167
PublisherPERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1985 to 2024
AbbreviationJ RURAL STUD / J. Rural Stud.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Rural Studies aims to provide a comprehensive platform for interdisciplinary research on rural issues, focusing on the dynamic interactions between agricultural practices, rural communities, and the environment. Its scope encompasses a wide range of topics related to rural development, social change, and the intersection of local and global processes.
  1. Rural Development and Policy:
    Exploration of frameworks and policies impacting rural communities, including agricultural policy, land use planning, and rural economic development.
  2. Sociocultural Dynamics:
    Analysis of the social, cultural, and political factors influencing rural life, including migration, identity, and community resilience.
  3. Sustainability and Environmental Issues:
    Research on sustainable agriculture, environmental governance, and the socio-ecological challenges faced by rural areas, including climate change adaptation.
  4. Innovations in Agriculture and Technology:
    Investigation of the role of technology and innovation in agricultural practices, including precision agriculture, digital farming, and agroecological methods.
  5. Health and Wellbeing in Rural Contexts:
    Studies focusing on health disparities, mental health, and wellbeing among rural populations, particularly in relation to agricultural practices and rural livelihoods.
  6. Gender and Social Equity:
    Examination of gender dynamics and social inequalities in rural settings, including women's empowerment and the impact of social capital on rural development.
  7. Food Systems and Security:
    Research on local food systems, food sovereignty, and the implications of agricultural practices for food security and nutrition in rural areas.
  8. Community Engagement and Social Innovation:
    Exploration of grassroots initiatives, participatory approaches, and community-led development strategies in rural contexts.
The Journal of Rural Studies has seen significant growth in certain research themes over recent years, reflecting the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities in a rapidly changing world. These emerging scopes highlight the journal's adaptability and responsiveness to contemporary issues.
  1. Climate Change and Adaptation:
    Increasing research on how rural communities are adapting to climate change impacts, focusing on resilience-building strategies and sustainable agricultural practices.
  2. Digital Transformation in Agriculture:
    A surge in studies exploring the implications of digital technologies in agriculture, including precision farming, data sharing, and e-commerce for rural development.
  3. Social Innovations and Community Development:
    Growing interest in social innovation as a means to address rural challenges, highlighting community-led initiatives and participatory governance models.
  4. Mental Health and Wellbeing in Rural Areas:
    Emerging focus on the mental health and wellbeing of rural populations, particularly in relation to the stresses of agricultural life and community dynamics.
  5. Food Sovereignty and Local Food Systems:
    An increasing trend towards examining local food systems, food sovereignty, and the role of community-supported agriculture in enhancing food security.
  6. Gender and Rural Development:
    Heightened attention to gender issues in rural contexts, emphasizing women's roles in agriculture, decision-making, and community resilience.
  7. Rural Resilience and Crisis Recovery:
    Research on resilience and recovery strategies in the wake of crises, including economic downturns and pandemics, has gained significant traction.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Rural Studies has consistently explored a wide array of rural issues, certain themes have shown signs of waning prominence in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifts in research focus or changing priorities within the rural studies community.
  1. Traditional Agricultural Practices:
    There is a noticeable decrease in research centered on conventional farming methods, as the focus shifts towards sustainable, innovative, and technology-driven approaches in agriculture.
  2. Rural Tourism:
    Interest in rural tourism has declined, possibly due to the increasing emphasis on sustainability and local food systems over traditional tourism models.
  3. Rural-Urban Migration:
    Research on rural-urban migration appears to be less prevalent, as the journal pivots toward examining the dynamics of rural revitalization and community resilience.
  4. Economic Development Models:
    There is a diminishing focus on traditional economic development models that prioritize growth at the expense of social and environmental considerations, as newer frameworks emphasizing sustainability gain traction.
  5. Crisis Management in Agriculture:
    While still relevant, the frequency of studies addressing crisis management specifically within agricultural contexts has decreased, likely overshadowed by broader themes of resilience and adaptation.

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