JOURNAL OF SOCIAL POLICY

Scope & Guideline

Shaping Tomorrow's Social Policies Today

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of JOURNAL OF SOCIAL POLICY with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0047-2794
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Converge1976, from 1978 to 1984, from 1986 to 2024
AbbreviationJ SOC POLICY / J. Soc. Policy
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 Social Policy is dedicated to exploring the complexities of social policy and welfare systems, focusing on their development, implementation, and impact on society. It aims to provide a platform for critical analysis and empirical research that addresses contemporary social issues and policy challenges.
  1. Social Policy Analysis:
    The journal primarily focuses on analyzing social policies across different contexts, examining their effectiveness, equity, and implications for various populations.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    It embraces interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from sociology, economics, political science, and public health to inform social policy discussions.
  3. Impact of Global and Local Contexts:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of understanding how global trends and local contexts shape social policies and their outcomes for individuals and communities.
  4. Focus on Vulnerable Populations:
    There is a consistent focus on marginalized and vulnerable populations, exploring how policies affect their access to resources, opportunities, and well-being.
  5. Evidence-Based Policy Making:
    The journal advocates for evidence-based approaches to policymaking, encouraging research that informs and improves policy decisions.
  6. Critical Perspectives on Welfare:
    It promotes critical perspectives on welfare systems, questioning traditional notions of deservingness and exploring alternative models of social support.
The Journal of Social Policy is currently witnessing an evolution in its thematic focus, with several emerging topics gaining traction. This section outlines these trends, highlighting contemporary issues that are increasingly relevant to social policy discussions.
  1. Digital Transformation and Social Policy:
    There is a growing emphasis on the intersection of digital technologies and social policy, exploring how digital tools can enhance service delivery and access to social support.
  2. Intersectionality in Policy Analysis:
    Emerging themes include the application of intersectional frameworks to social policy, recognizing the interplay of various identities and experiences in shaping policy outcomes.
  3. Responses to Crisis Situations:
    Recent publications focus on social policy responses to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting adaptive strategies and the role of policy in promoting resilience.
  4. Social Protection for Gig Economy Workers:
    As the gig economy expands, there is an increasing focus on social protection measures for gig workers, addressing their unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
  5. Environmental Sustainability and Social Policy:
    The journal is also exploring the connections between social policy and environmental sustainability, considering how social policies can contribute to eco-social outcomes.
  6. Public Trust and Welfare Systems:
    Research is increasingly focused on the relationship between public trust and the effectiveness of welfare systems, examining how trust impacts policy acceptance and implementation.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Social Policy continues to engage with a wide array of themes, certain topics have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This section highlights these waning themes, providing insight into shifting priorities within the journal's focus.
  1. Traditional Welfare State Models:
    There appears to be a diminishing focus on traditional welfare state models, with fewer studies examining these frameworks in isolation, as newer paradigms and critiques gain traction.
  2. Universal Basic Income:
    Despite previous interest, the discussions surrounding Universal Basic Income have become less frequent, indicating a potential shift towards exploring more integrated social support systems.
  3. Child Welfare Policies:
    While still relevant, the explicit focus on child welfare policies has lessened, possibly due to the broader adoption of intersectional approaches that encompass various demographic factors.
  4. Income Inequality as a Standalone Topic:
    Research that solely addresses income inequality without connecting it to broader social determinants appears to be declining, as the journal shifts towards more holistic analyses.
  5. Labor Market Participation Policies:
    The exploration of labor market participation policies, particularly in isolation from other social policies, has decreased, reflecting a move towards integrated approaches that consider multiple factors affecting employment.

Similar Journals

Journal of Asian Public Policy

Unveiling Insights for Contemporary Policy Challenges
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1751-6234Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Journal of Asian Public Policy is a leading scholarly publication that serves as a critical platform for research in the fields of public administration, sociology, and political science. Published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, and located in the United Kingdom, this journal has steadily gained recognition, achieving a commendable Q2 category ranking in the 2023 quotas for both Public Administration and Sociology and Political Science. With its impact reflected in impressive Scopus rankings—holding position 54 out of 232 in Public Administration and 176 out of 1466 in Sociology and Political Science—the journal is esteemed for disseminating high-quality research that informs policy-making and engages with contemporary issues across Asia. The Journal of Asian Public Policy not only provides a forum for cutting-edge scholarship but also fosters dialogue among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications. With its robust academic rigor and commitment to accessibility, this journal is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to understanding and shaping public policies in Asian contexts.

Alternativas. Cuadernos de Trabajo Social

Driving Change through Open Access Research
Publisher: UNIV ALICANTEISSN: Frequency: 2 issues/year

Alternativas. Cuadernos de Trabajo Social, published by Universidad de Alicante, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Social Sciences, Sociology, and Health, with a focus on emerging social welfare issues. This Open Access journal has been committed to disseminating vital research since 2010, allowing researchers, professionals, and students from around the globe to access invaluable insights into contemporary social challenges. Based in Spain, it has carved out its niche within the academic landscape, achieving Q4 rankings in Health (Social Science) and Q3 in both Social Sciences (Miscellaneous) and Sociology and Political Science for the year 2023. Although the journal's H-index remains undisclosed, its Scopus rankings indicate a growing presence within the academic community, particularly notable is its rank within the 31st percentile for Sociology and Political Science. As the journal continues to converge its efforts towards innovative social solutions from 2019 to 2024, it remains an essential resource for advancing knowledge and fostering informed debate within the critical sectors it addresses.

Asian Social Work and Policy Review

Transforming research into action for societal progress.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1753-1403Frequency: 3 issues/year

Asian Social Work and Policy Review is a leading academic journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of social work, sociology, and public policy. Published by WILEY, this reputable journal has established a significant presence in the scholarly community since its inception in 2008. With a focus on Asian contexts, it thoughtfully addresses contemporary issues and diverse perspectives, making it an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. The journal boasts an impressive ranking, being placed in the Q2 category for Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and Sociology and Political Science, and Q3 for Social Work, as per the 2023 categorization. With a commitment to impactful research, the Asian Social Work and Policy Review is influential in shaping policy discussions and enhancing social work practices across the region. Although not currently open access, it offers readers valuable insights and rigorous academic contributions that are pivotal for understanding and addressing social challenges in Asia. For those striving for excellence in the field, this journal serves as a vital platform for disseminating meaningful research and driving social change.

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

Navigating the complexities of social dynamics.
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTDISSN: 0144-333XFrequency: 12 issues/year

The International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, published by Emerald Group Publishing Ltd, stands as a leading academic platform since its inception in 1981, offering critical insights and scholarly research at the intersection of Sociology and Social Policy. With an impressive impact factor reflected in its Q1 rankings in both Economics and Sociology and Political Science, this journal is a vital resource for researchers and practitioners within the social sciences, featuring rigorous analyses that inform policy development and response strategies. The journal's commitment to advancing knowledge in these fields is evident in its esteemed Scopus rankings, making it a desirable outlet for sharing findings that influence both academic discourse and practical applications. While access to articles remains subscription-based, the Journal's broad scope covers contemporary issues, encouraging engagement from diverse perspectives. As it continues to evolve through to 2024, the International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy remains an essential resource for those dedicated to exploring and addressing the complexities of societal dynamics.

Revija za Socijalnu Politiku

Bridging Theory and Practice in Social Policy.
Publisher: SVEUCLISTE ZAGREBU, PRAVNI FAKULTED-UNIV ZAGREB, FAC LAWISSN: 1330-2965Frequency: 3 issues/year

Revija za Socijalnu Politiku is a prominent open-access journal dedicated to the fields of social policy, political science, and sociology, published by SVEUCLISTE ZAGREBU, PRAVNI FAKULTET-UNIV ZAGREB, FAC LAW in Croatia. Since its inception in 1994, the journal has fostered a rich academic discourse, providing a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to disseminate and engage with impactful findings in social policy and related disciplines. With an ISSN of 1330-2965 and an E-ISSN of 1845-6014, it continues to enrich the academic landscape, reflected in its performance with a Q3 ranking within both Political Science and International Relations, and Sociology and Political Science categories for 2023. This ranking, alongside its Scopus position—462 out of 706 in the former and 969 out of 1466 in the latter field—demonstrates the journal's commitment to publishing influential research. By maintaining an open-access model, Revija za Socijalnu Politiku facilitates widespread dissemination of knowledge, empowering scholars to access vital research without barriers. Its convergence years from 2005 to 2023 mark a trajectory of continual growth and relevance in the academic community, making it an essential resource for those interested in social policy and its societal implications.

Child & Family Social Work

Exploring the complexities of social work in action.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1356-7500Frequency: 4 issues/year

Child & Family Social Work is a prominent journal published by WILEY that focuses on the intersection of social work and child welfare. With a commitment to advancing the field through rigorous research and evidence-based practice, it serves as a critical platform for disseminating findings and fostering discussions among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The journal holds a respectable impact factor and has achieved significant recognition, ranked in the Q2 category for both Health (social science) and Social Work, as well as Q1 in Sociology and Political Science in 2023. Its broad scope encompasses the complexities of social work with children and families across various contexts, ensuring it remains an essential resource for those dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Although the journal offers traditional access options, it retains its high standards of quality and relevance, making it a vital asset for anyone invested in the fields of social science and child welfare.

Social Policy and Society

Connecting scholars and practitioners for effective social change.
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1474-7464Frequency: 4 issues/year

Social Policy and Society, published by Cambridge University Press, serves as a leading platform for scholars and practitioners in the realms of political science, sociology, and social policy. With an impressive impact within its field, the journal is categorized as Q1 in Political Science and International Relations and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science, underscoring its significance in advancing scholarly discourse. Covering a wide array of topics that address contemporary social issues, the journal aims to foster critical conversations around social welfare, policy effectiveness, and societal change, making it an essential resource for researchers and students alike. The journal is accessible to a global audience, although specific open access options may vary. With a robust ranking (Rank #108/706) in Political Science and International Relations and a significant percentile ranking, Social Policy and Society continues to be a vital contributor to evidence-based research and policy formulation in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Nordic Social Work Research

Exploring Innovative Solutions for Social Welfare
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2156-857XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Nordic Social Work Research, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a pivotal academic journal dedicated to the field of social work, particularly within the Nordic context. With an ISSN of 2156-857X and an E-ISSN of 2156-8588, the journal aims to disseminate high-quality research that contributes to the understanding and development of social work practice, policy, and education in the region. As of 2023, it holds a commendable Q2 rank in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) according to category quartiles, positioning it among the top-tier journals in this domain. Its Scopus ranking places it at #182 out of 604 in the social sciences category, reflecting its growing impact within the academic community with a notable percentile of 69th. Nordic Social Work Research seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogues among researchers, practitioners, and students, encouraging innovative approaches to contemporary social challenges. The journal operates under a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring the dissemination of influential studies that inform both theoretical and practical advancements in social work. With a convergence period from 2011 to 2024, this journal remains at the forefront of social work research, inviting contributions that explore diverse aspects of social welfare in Nordic countries.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK

Inspiring Progress in Social Work and Social Sciences
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0020-8728Frequency: 6 issues/year

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK, a leading journal published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, offers an essential platform for disseminating high-quality research and practices in the field of social work and social sciences. With a strong impact factor and a distinguished presence in the Q1 quartile ranking for Social Sciences, Social Work, and Sociology and Political Science, this journal has established itself as a key resource for academics, practitioners, and students alike. The journal welcomes diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to social issues, promoting critical discussions and evidence-based solutions. Since its inception in 1959, INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK has committed to enhancing professional practice and advancing theoretical developments, making it indispensable for anyone dedicated to research and practice in international social work. Readers can access current and past issues, which together reflect the journal's ongoing contribution to the field and its commitment to fostering global dialogue on social justice and welfare.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REVIEW

Bridging Disciplines to Understand Complex Social Dynamics
Publisher: ECONOMIC & SOCIAL STUDIESISSN: 0012-9984Frequency: 4 issues/year

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REVIEW is a prestigious academic journal focusing on interdisciplinary research in the fields of economics, sociology, and political science. Published by ECONOMIC & SOCIAL STUDIES in Ireland, this journal has been a vital source of scholarly articles since its inception in 1979, catering to a diverse readership interested in socio-economic issues and policy analysis. With its ISSN 0012-9984 and E-ISSN 0012-9984, the journal maintains a commendable standing as evidenced by its Category Quartiles ranking of Q3 in both Economics and Econometrics, and Sociology and Political Science. Although currently not an open-access journal, the ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REVIEW strives to enhance the discourse in social sciences with rigorous articles and insightful analysis. As indicated by its Scopus rankings, it plays a significant role within its academic circles, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students striving to stay informed and contribute to the evolving landscape of economic and social studies.