Journal of Social Work

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Innovation in Social Welfare

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Journal of Social Work 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
ISSN1468-0173
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2001 to 2024
AbbreviationJ SOC WORK / J. Soc. Work
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Social Work focuses on advancing knowledge and practice in the field of social work through empirical research, theoretical discussions, and critical reflections. It aims to address pressing social issues while promoting effective interventions and social policies.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research in Social Work:
    The journal publishes interdisciplinary studies that integrate perspectives from psychology, sociology, public health, and education, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach in understanding social phenomena.
  2. Community and Family Dynamics:
    A consistent focus on community and family dynamics is evident, with research exploring caregiving, family structures, and community resilience, particularly in the context of cultural and socio-economic factors.
  3. Mental Health and Well-being:
    The journal emphasizes the intersection of social work and mental health, highlighting studies on mental health trajectories, caregiver strain, and psychological empowerment among vulnerable populations.
  4. Social Justice and Policy Analysis:
    There is a core commitment to social justice, with research examining the effectiveness of social policies, interventions for marginalized groups, and the role of social work in advocating for social change.
  5. Digital and Technological Integration:
    The journal recognizes the growing importance of digital skills and technology in social work practice, exploring how digital platforms can enhance service delivery and community engagement.
  6. Crisis Response and Resilience:
    The journal addresses social work responses to crises, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on resilience strategies and community support systems.
Recent publications in the Journal of Social Work reflect emerging themes that are gaining traction and relevance in the field. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary social challenges and the evolving landscape of social work practice.
  1. Impact of Digital Technology:
    There is a growing body of research exploring the impact of digital technology on social work practice, including studies on digital literacy, virtual care, and online support systems, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Mental Health Interventions:
    A notable increase in studies focusing on mental health interventions, particularly those addressing the psychological well-being of vulnerable populations, including adolescents and elderly individuals.
  3. Community Resilience and Empowerment:
    Emerging themes around community resilience and empowerment are prevalent, with research examining how communities adapt and respond to crises, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  4. Cultural and Contextual Factors:
    Research increasingly emphasizes the influence of cultural and contextual factors on social work practice, highlighting the importance of culturally competent interventions tailored to diverse populations.
  5. Workplace Well-being and Professional Development:
    There is a rising trend in examining workplace well-being among social workers, including job satisfaction, burnout, and self-care strategies, underscoring the need for supportive work environments.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Social Work continues to evolve, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. These waning scopes reflect shifts in research priorities and societal needs.
  1. Traditional Welfare Models:
    Research focusing solely on traditional welfare models has decreased, as the journal increasingly emphasizes innovative and community-based approaches that reflect contemporary social issues.
  2. Single-Factor Analysis:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies that analyze single factors affecting social work outcomes, with a shift towards more complex, multi-faceted analyses that consider various interacting variables.
  3. Rural Social Work Issues:
    While rural social work remains relevant, the volume of research specifically targeting rural issues has diminished, possibly due to the growing urbanization and focus on urban social problems.
  4. Focus on Child Welfare Alone:
    The exclusive focus on child welfare issues is less prominent, as the journal expands to include broader themes related to family dynamics, adult mental health, and community resilience.
  5. Global South Perspectives:
    Although still present, research exclusively centered on the Global South has waned, as the journal increasingly incorporates comparative studies that include diverse global contexts.

Similar Journals

Acciones e Investigaciones Sociales

Connecting Research and Social Change
Publisher: UNIV ZARAGOZA, ESCUELA UNIV ESTUDIOS SOCIALESISSN: 1132-192XFrequency: 1 issue/year

Acciones e Investigaciones Sociales is a prominent journal dedicated to the field of social sciences, published by the UNIV ZARAGOZA, ESCUELA UNIV ESTUDIOS SOCIALES. Since its inception in 1991, this open access journal has fostered scholarly exchange by making research widely accessible, ensuring that insights into social issues reach a broad audience of researchers, professionals, and students. With the ISSN 1132-192X and E-ISSN 2340-4507, the journal aims to publish high-quality research articles, reviews, and case studies that contribute to the understanding and advancement of social sciences. The journal is housed in Zaragoza, Spain, and serves as a key resource for those interested in innovative research methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration within the social sciences. By emphasizing quality and accessibility, Acciones e Investigaciones Sociales stands as a vital platform for cutting-edge research and meaningful dialogue in the field.

Social Work in Mental Health

Exploring the Intersections of Social Work and Mental Wellness
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1533-2985Frequency: 6 issues/year

Social Work in Mental Health, an esteemed journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, plays a pivotal role in the interdisciplinary field of mental health and social work. With an ISSN of 1533-2985 and an E-ISSN of 1533-2993, this journal has been a beacon for scholarly exploration since its inception in 2002, contributing significantly to the understanding and advancement of mental health practices within social work. The journal holds Category Quartile rankings of Q3 in Public Health, Environmental, and Occupational Health, and Q2 in Social Sciences, underscoring its essential contributions to these vital fields. With a Scopus rank placing it in the 61st percentile for Social Sciences (miscellaneous), it attracts a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students interested in current research and best practices that address the complex interplay between social work and mental health issues. Although it currently does not offer open access, its rich repository of articles ensures vital knowledge dissemination, essential for those looking to support and innovate in the realm of mental health services.

Ljetopis Socijalnog Rada

Innovating practices through peer-reviewed insights.
Publisher: UNIV ZAGREB FAC LAW DEPT SOCIAL WORKISSN: 1846-5412Frequency: 3 issues/year

Ljetopis Socijalnog Rada is a distinguished open-access journal published by the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Law, Department of Social Work. Since its inception in 1994, the journal has been committed to advancing knowledge in the fields of social work, developmental and educational psychology, and sociology. With its ISSN 1846-5412, Ljetopis Socijalnog Rada contributes vital insights through peer-reviewed articles that encourage scholarly dialogue and practical application. Although currently positioned in the fourth quartile, it plays a critical role in disseminating research that informs policy and practice in social services within Croatia and beyond. This journal encourages submissions from researchers, practitioners, and students interested in exploring contemporary challenges and innovations within social work and related disciplines. Access to articles is free, ensuring broad dissemination of research findings and fostering an inclusive academic community.

Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research

Empowering research to transform communities.
Publisher: UNIV CHICAGO PRESSISSN: 2334-2315Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, published by University of Chicago Press, serves as a vital platform for scholarly examination in the fields of social sciences, sociology, and political science. With an ISSN of 2334-2315 and E-ISSN of 1948-822X, this journal has established itself as a reputable source of innovative research, currently holding a notable Q2 ranking in both categories for 2023. The journal focuses on producing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that advance knowledge and practice in social work and related fields, addressing pressing societal issues through a scientific lens. Operating from its home at 1427 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637-2954, the journal is an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students dedicated to fostering social change and contributing to the welfare of individuals and communities. With a strong commitment to advancing empirical and theoretical frameworks, the journal is poised to continue its significant impact on the social work research landscape through 2024 and beyond.

Child & Family Social Work

Connecting research to real-world solutions for families.
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.

Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community

Driving impact through community-focused research.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1085-2352Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, is an influential platform devoted to advancing knowledge in the fields of community health and social psychology. With a respectable impact factor and ranking in the Q3 quartile for both Medicine (miscellaneous) and Social Psychology, this journal occupies a crucial space for researchers, practitioners, and students seeking to explore the intersections of health prevention strategies and community interventions. Since its inception in 1996, it has provided a forum for innovative research, practical applications, and critical discussions, contributing to the evidence base necessary for effective community initiatives. While currently not available in an open access format, the journal remains committed to high-quality scholarly work and nurtures the dissemination of impactful findings across disciplines. Situated in the United States and catering to a global audience, the Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community continues to be an essential resource for those dedicated to enhancing community well-being.

Community Work & Family

Investigating the Synergy Between Community and Family Engagement
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1366-8803Frequency: 5 issues/year

Community Work & Family is a premier interdisciplinary journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, located in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 2003, this journal has focused on the interplay between community engagement, familial dynamics, and societal development. With an impressive impact factor and consistently ranking in the Q1 category in Development, Social Sciences, and Sociology and Political Science, Community Work & Family stands out in its commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical fields. The journal is indexed in Scopus, reflecting its high visibility and contribution to the academic discourse, particularly within the social sciences. Although it does not currently offer open access, the journal provides valuable insights for researchers, professionals, and students eager to explore the challenges and innovations of community and family work. As it looks toward its convergence into 2024, the journal continues to attract high-quality research that informs policy and practice worldwide.

Global Social Welfare

Connecting scholars to shape global social welfare.
Publisher: SPRINGER INT PUBL AGISSN: 2196-8799Frequency: 4 issues/year

Global Social Welfare is a distinguished academic journal published by SPRINGER INT PUBL AG, focused on advancing scholarly discourse in the fields of sociology and political science. With an impact factor that places it in the prestigious Q2 category for 2023, this journal offers a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to disseminate critical analyses and foster discussions around global social welfare issues. Operating from its Swiss headquarters at Gewerbestrasse 11, Cham CH-6330, Switzerland, the journal provides valuable insights into the socio-political dynamics influencing social welfare systems worldwide, aiming to bridge gaps in knowledge and practice. Although it is not an open access journal, it maintains rigorous peer-review standards, ensuring the publication of high-quality, impactful research. Global Social Welfare is particularly essential for those committed to promoting social justice and improving welfare policies on a global scale, making it a crucial resource for anyone invested in these vital disciplines.

SOCIAL WORK

Elevating Social Work Through Rigorous Scholarship
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 0037-8046Frequency: 4 issues/year

SOCIAL WORK, published by Oxford University Press Inc, stands as a leading journal in the fields of social work, sociology, and political science, underscoring its vital role in advancing research and practice methodologies since its inception in 1956. The journal, with its ISSN 0037-8046 and E-ISSN 1545-6846, consistently showcases high-impact research, holding a Q2 ranking in both Medicine (miscellaneous) and Social Work categories, along with an impressive Q1 designation in Sociology and Political Science. This underscores its importance in the academic landscape, ranking #299 out of 1466 in Scopus for Social Sciences, marking it in the 79th percentile for its scholarly contribution. Although not an open-access journal, it provides a wealth of resources for researchers, practitioners, and students aiming to stay at the forefront of social work innovations, policies, and community practices. By publishing rigorous studies and critical analyses, SOCIAL WORK promotes dialogue and collaboration across disciplines, making it an essential resource for those dedicated to enhancing societal wellbeing.

Sante Mentale au Quebec

Advancing Mental Health Research in Quebec
Publisher: REVUE SANTE MENTALE QUEBECISSN: 0383-6320Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sante Mentale au Quebec is a prominent journal dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of research in the fields of Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, and Mental Health. Published by the Revue Sante Mentale Quebec, this journal has been serving the academic community since its inception, with converged publication years from 1990 to 1998 and from 2004 to 2024. Despite its current Q4 rankings in both Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry and Mental Health categories, Sante Mentale au Quebec remains a crucial platform for sharing innovative research and advancements in mental health care and psychology practices within Canada and beyond. Researchers, professionals, and students can engage with a variety of articles that encompass empirical studies, literature reviews, and theoretical discussions, contributing to the betterment of mental health outcomes. This journal plays an essential role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among mental health professionals, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of mental health services.