Religion State & Society

Scope & Guideline

Unraveling the Complex Ties Between Faith and Power

Introduction

Welcome to the Religion State & Society 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 Religion State & Society, 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
ISSN0963-7494
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1992 to 2024
AbbreviationRELIG STATE SOC / Relig. State Soc.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Religion State & Society' aims to explore the complex interactions between religion, state, and society across diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts. It provides a platform for scholarly discourse that addresses the multifaceted roles of religion in public life, politics, and social dynamics.
  1. Interplay between Religion and Politics:
    The journal focuses on how religious beliefs and institutions influence political structures, governance, and public policy across different regions.
  2. Social Dynamics of Religious Communities:
    It examines the impact of religious groups on social cohesion, identity, and community building, particularly in diverse and pluralistic societies.
  3. Theoretical and Methodological Innovations:
    The journal encourages the use of interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies to study religion's role in contemporary issues, including migration, nationalism, and secularism.
  4. Global Perspectives on Religion:
    It emphasizes the need for comparative studies that analyze religion's influence in various global contexts, including post-colonial and decolonial frameworks.
  5. Responses to Contemporary Challenges:
    The journal addresses contemporary challenges faced by religious communities, such as conflict, secularization, and the rise of populism, providing insights into adaptive strategies.
The journal 'Religion State & Society' has seen a rise in interest in several emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and the evolving landscape of religion in public life. These trends indicate a dynamic engagement with pressing issues.
  1. Religion and Nationalism:
    Recent publications increasingly explore the relationship between religion and nationalism, particularly in the context of rising populism and identity politics across various regions.
  2. War, Conflict, and Religion:
    There is a growing focus on the role of religion in contexts of war and conflict, especially in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, highlighting the intersection of faith and geopolitical tensions.
  3. Gender and Religion:
    Emerging themes in gender studies within religious contexts are gaining traction, with a focus on feminist movements, gender equality, and the challenges faced by women in religious spaces.
  4. Digital Religion and Cyber Practices:
    The impact of digital technologies on religious practices and communities is increasingly explored, reflecting contemporary shifts in how faith is expressed and experienced.
  5. Religious Infrastructure and Community Building:
    Research on the concept of religious infrastructure—how religious communities organize and support themselves—is becoming more prominent, emphasizing the role of religion in social cohesion and community resilience.

Declining or Waning

While 'Religion State & Society' remains committed to exploring a wide array of topics, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence within its recent publications. These waning scopes suggest a shift in focus among researchers and the journal's editorial direction.
  1. Traditional Religious Studies:
    There appears to be a decrease in articles focused solely on traditional religious studies that do not engage with contemporary socio-political issues, reflecting a broader trend towards applied research.
  2. Static Historical Analyses:
    Historical analyses that do not connect to current events or contemporary implications seem to be less prevalent, indicating a preference for research that addresses present-day challenges.
  3. Narrowly Defined Religious Groups:
    Research centered on narrowly defined religious groups without considering their broader social or political implications is becoming less common, as scholars increasingly seek to contextualize religious phenomena.
  4. Theoretical Discussions Lacking Empirical Data:
    There is a noticeable decline in theoretical discussions that lack empirical support, as the journal prioritizes data-driven insights that can inform real-world applications.
  5. Regional Focus on Western Religions:
    There is a waning interest in studies that exclusively focus on Western religions, with a growing emphasis on non-Western perspectives and global religious dynamics.

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