JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN STUDIES
Scope & Guideline
Illuminating the Complexities of Southern African Studies
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Historical Analysis:
The journal publishes works that explore the historical contexts of Southern Africa, including colonial and post-colonial histories, and their impact on contemporary society. - Social and Political Dynamics:
Research that examines the socio-political landscape of Southern Africa, including governance, democracy, civil society, and human rights, is a core focus. - Economic Development and Resource Management:
The journal addresses themes related to economic policies, resource nationalism, and the implications of global economic changes on local communities. - Cultural Studies and Identity:
Contributions that analyze cultural identities, practices, and the role of literature and arts in shaping societal narratives are significant to the journal's scope. - Environmental Issues and Sustainability:
The journal highlights research that investigates environmental challenges, climate change impacts, and sustainable practices within Southern Africa. - Migration and Mobility:
The journal explores the complexities of migration, displacement, and the experiences of migrants in Southern Africa, focusing on socio-economic implications.
Trending and Emerging
- Resource Nationalism and Governance:
Recent publications have increasingly focused on resource nationalism, examining how countries in Southern Africa are navigating the complexities of resource management and national sovereignty. - Climate Change and Environmental Justice:
There is a growing emphasis on climate change impacts and environmental justice, highlighting the intersection of environmental issues with social justice and community resilience. - Gender Studies and Feminist Perspectives:
Research exploring gender dynamics, women's rights, and feminist perspectives in Southern African contexts is gaining prominence, reflecting global movements for gender equality. - Human Rights and Social Movements:
The journal has seen an increase in studies analyzing human rights issues and the role of social movements in advocating for change, particularly in the post-apartheid context. - Urbanization and Informal Economies:
Emerging themes around urbanization and the informal economy are becoming increasingly relevant, as scholars examine the socio-economic transformations in urban settings across Southern Africa.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Ethnography:
There has been a noticeable reduction in the publication of traditional ethnographic studies that solely focus on indigenous practices without integrating broader socio-political contexts. - Colonial Nostalgia:
Research centered on romanticized views of colonial history is less prevalent, as contemporary scholarship increasingly challenges these narratives and emphasizes critical perspectives. - Simplistic Historical Narratives:
The journal has moved away from overly simplistic historical narratives that do not engage with complex socio-economic factors, favoring more nuanced analyses. - Non-Interdisciplinary Approaches:
There is a decline in purely disciplinary-focused studies without interdisciplinary integration, reflecting a trend towards more holistic approaches in addressing Southern African issues. - Regionalism without Global Context:
Publications focusing solely on regional issues without consideration of global influences and interconnectedness are becoming less common in favor of more globally contextualized research.
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