South African Review of Sociology

Scope & Guideline

Unraveling Social Dynamics in Contemporary Contexts

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding South African Review of Sociology, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2152-8586
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2006 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR REV SOCIOL / S. Afr. Rev. Sociol.
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 South African Review of Sociology serves as a critical platform for exploring contemporary social issues, with a strong emphasis on the complexities of social relationships and structures in South Africa and beyond. The journal's aims and scope highlight a commitment to addressing pressing sociological themes through diverse methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.
  1. Social Justice and Inequality:
    The journal focuses on issues of social justice, inequality, and the dynamics of power within various societal contexts, particularly in post-apartheid South Africa.
  2. Migration and Transnationalism:
    Research on migration patterns, experiences of migrant communities, and transnational family structures is a core area, examining how these dynamics shape social identities and community interactions.
  3. Gender Studies and Feminist Theory:
    A significant emphasis is placed on gender relations, feminist theory, and the experiences of women, particularly in the contexts of work, migration, and social struggles.
  4. Decolonization and Indigenous Knowledge:
    The journal explores themes of decolonization, indigenous knowledge systems, and the implications of these frameworks for understanding contemporary social issues.
  5. Health and Well-being:
    Research addressing health-related issues, particularly in the context of public health crises like COVID-19, mental health, and community health practices is a prominent focus.
  6. Cultural Studies and Social Movements:
    Investigating cultural expressions, social movements, and their impacts on society is essential, particularly in relation to resistance and activism in South African contexts.
The South African Review of Sociology has demonstrated a dynamic scope, with emerging themes reflecting current social challenges and scholarly interests. The following bullet points outline these trending and emerging scopes, indicating areas of increasing relevance and exploration.
  1. Post-Pandemic Social Dynamics:
    Research examining the social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding labor, health, and community resilience, has surged, highlighting the need for sociological insights in crisis contexts.
  2. Intersectionality in Social Analysis:
    There is a growing trend towards intersectional approaches that explore the interplay of race, gender, class, and sexuality, reflecting a broader understanding of social identities and power relations.
  3. Digital Sociology and Technology's Impact:
    Emerging themes in digital sociology, including the influence of social media and technology on social interactions and movements, are increasingly prominent in recent publications.
  4. Environmental Sociology and Climate Justice:
    Topics related to environmental issues, climate change activism, and social justice are gaining traction, emphasizing the sociological implications of ecological crises.
  5. Community and Participatory Research:
    There is an increased focus on community-engaged research and participatory methodologies that aim to empower marginalized voices and foster social change.

Declining or Waning

While the South African Review of Sociology has consistently addressed a wide range of sociological topics, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. The following bullet points highlight these waning scopes, reflecting shifts in focus or reduced frequency of exploration.
  1. Traditional Family Structures:
    Research on traditional family structures has decreased, with fewer studies focusing solely on conventional family dynamics, indicating a shift towards more complex family forms and relationships.
  2. Rural Sociology:
    While rural issues remain relevant, there has been a notable decline in articles specifically focused on rural sociology, suggesting a pivot towards urban-centric studies that address contemporary challenges.
  3. Historical Sociological Analyses:
    The frequency of historical analyses within sociology, particularly those that do not connect to current societal issues, appears to be waning, as the journal emphasizes more contemporary and applied sociological research.
  4. Economic Sociology Focused on Industrial Relations:
    The focus on traditional industrial relations and economic sociology has decreased, possibly due to a growing interest in the gig economy and informal labor markets rather than established industrial frameworks.
  5. Conventional Masculinity Studies:
    While masculinity remains a topic of interest, conventional studies that do not interrogate intersecting identities or contemporary societal changes are less frequently published.

Similar Journals

Osterreichische Zeitschrift fuer Soziologie

Advancing the Frontiers of Sociological Inquiry
Publisher: SPRINGER VIEWEG-SPRINGER FACHMEDIEN WIESBADEN GMBHISSN: 1011-0070Frequency: 5 issues/year

Osterreichische Zeitschrift fuer Soziologie is a prominent academic journal published by Springer Vieweg-Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, based in Switzerland. With an ISSN of 1011-0070 and E-ISSN 1862-2585, this journal serves as a vital platform for advancing scholarship in the field of sociology. It is categorized in the Q3 quartile for Social Sciences (miscellaneous) in 2023, demonstrating its role in contributing to the broader academic discourse. With convergence years spanning from 2001 to 2024, the journal provides a wealth of research articles that address contemporary sociological issues, trends, and theoretical developments. While primarily subscription-based, the journal maintains rigorous academic standards, making it a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of social dynamics. Its position in the Scopus rank reflects its commitment to fostering quality scholarship, ranked #167 out of 275 in the General Social Sciences category. Engage with this esteemed publication to stay informed about the latest developments in sociology.

Frontiers in Sociology

Advancing Knowledge in Social Dynamics
Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SAISSN: Frequency: 1 issue/year

Frontiers in Sociology, an esteemed journal published by FRONTIERS MEDIA SA, stands at the forefront of sociological research, offering a dynamic platform for scholars and practitioners alike to disseminate their studies. Since its transition to Open Access in 2016, this journal has not only broadened the accessibility of knowledge but has also achieved significant recognition, evidenced by its impressive Q1 ranking in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) for 2023 and a commendable Scopus rank of 65 out of 275, placing it in the 76th percentile. The journal encompasses a diverse range of topics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of sociology and its impact on contemporary society. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the journal aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, professionals, and students worldwide. Researchers are encouraged to contribute original articles, comprehensive reviews, and insightful case studies that push the boundaries of sociological inquiry, promoting an understanding of social dynamics in an increasingly interconnected world.

Asian Journal of Social Science

Exploring the Depths of Asian Social Inquiry
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 1568-4849Frequency: 4 issues/year

Asian Journal of Social Science, published by Elsevier, serves as a vital platform for researchers and scholars interested in the diverse realms of social sciences. With a history dating back to 1973 and recurrently publishing from 2000 to 2024, this journal reflects the evolving landscape of social inquiry in Asia and beyond. The journal currently holds a respectable Q3 ranking in the category of Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and ranks #141 out of 275 in the Scopus rankings for General Social Sciences, indicating its growing influence and relevance in the academic community. Although not an open-access journal, its commitment to high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship ensures that contributions from a wide array of disciplines are readily accessible to a global audience. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and disseminating innovative research, the Asian Journal of Social Science plays a crucial role in advancing understanding of social phenomena, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike.

EUROPEAN SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW

Illuminating contemporary challenges through rigorous research.
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0266-7215Frequency: 6 issues/year

European Sociological Review, published by Oxford University Press, stands as a leading journal in the fields of sociology and political science. With an impressive h-index and a 2023 ranking in the top 10th percentile (Q1) of Scopus, it represents a key platform for scholars and practitioners seeking to advance sociological discourse. Since its inception in 1985 and continuing through to 2024, this journal has provided a wide array of high-quality articles that explore various dimensions of sociological theory, research, and application, fostering a deeper understanding of social dynamics. Although not open access, the journal's rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the most impactful research is disseminated, making it an essential resource for academia, policy-making, and social research. By focusing on contemporary sociological challenges and contributing to significant debates, the European Sociological Review is invaluable for researchers, professionals, and students committed to the empirical understanding of societal trends.

SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW

Fostering intellectual debate in the heart of social sciences.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0038-0261Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sociological Review is a premier journal in the field of sociology and political science, published by SAGE Publications Ltd and holding a prestigious Q1 ranking as of 2023. With its rich legacy dating back to 1908, this journal serves as a vital platform for disseminating cutting-edge research and critical discourse that shapes contemporary sociological and political inquiry. Based in the United Kingdom, it offers insights into diverse social theories, empirical studies, and pressing societal issues, appealing to researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although not an open-access journal, it maintains a strong impact within the academic community, reflected in its Scopus ranking of #266 out of 1466 in the Social Sciences category, positioning it in the 81st percentile. Through its commitment to high-quality scholarship and intellectual debate, the Sociological Review continues to influence both academia and policy, making it an essential resource for those seeking to engage with the complexities of society.

Politikon

Unveiling the Forces Shaping Our Political Landscape
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0258-9346Frequency: 3 issues/year

Politikon is a prestigious journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the dynamic fields of Political Science and International Relations as well as Sociology. With an impressive history dating back to 1974, the journal has established itself as a significant contributor to scholarly discourse, reflected in its 2023 categorization within Q2 quartiles in both the Political Science and International Relations category and the Sociology and Political Science category. Although Open Access options are not currently available, Politikon provides valuable insights and rigorous research that are instrumental for academics, practitioners, and students alike. The journal has also achieved notable Scopus rankings, showcasing its relevance in the social sciences arena. By exploring contemporary political issues and sociopolitical phenomena, Politikon continues to be a vital resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of governance, policy-making, and societal dynamics on a global scale.

SOCIOLOGISK FORSKNING

Fostering Interdisciplinary Insights for a Better Tomorrow
Publisher: SOCIOLOGISK FORSKNINGISSN: 0038-0342Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sociologisk Forskning is a prestigious open-access journal based in Sweden, focusing on the fields of sociology and political science. Established in 1996, this journal has evolved to be an important platform for disseminating innovative research and critical discourse in the social sciences. Published by the Socilogisk Forskning institution, it aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and promote insights that address contemporary social issues. With an impact factor that positions it in the Q3 quartile of its category as per the 2023 rankings, the journal ranks #1045 out of 1466 in the Scopus database, reflecting its relevance and contribution to the academic community. Since adopting an open-access model in 2015, it has enhanced the accessibility of its research outputs, allowing a wider audience of scholars, practitioners, and students to engage with and apply its findings. Subscribers and contributors to Sociologisk Forskning benefit from its robust commitment to critical empirical analysis and theoretical development in the evolving landscape of social science research.

THEORY AND SOCIETY

Connecting History, Sociology, and Political Science.
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0304-2421Frequency: 6 issues/year

THEORY AND SOCIETY is a prestigious academic journal published by Springer that has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary dialogue in the fields of History, Sociology, and Political Science since its inception in 1974. With an impressive impact factor and categorized in the top quartile (Q1) of both History and Sociology & Political Science for 2023, it occupies a distinguished position within the academic community, evidenced by its high rankings in Scopus—ranked 5 out of 1,760 in History (99th percentile) and 110 out of 1,466 in Sociology and Political Science (92nd percentile). The journal serves as a vital platform for scholars to explore rigorous theoretical frameworks and their implications for contemporary societal issues, ensuring comprehensive access to quality research without the constraints of open access. Located in Dordrecht, Netherlands, THEORY AND SOCIETY continues to provide critical insights and foster discussions that shape and redefine our understanding of theoretical approaches to social phenomena.

SOCIOLOGY-THE JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Pioneering research at the forefront of sociology.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0038-0385Frequency: 6 issues/year

Sociology: The Journal of the British Sociological Association, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a premier platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge sociological research since its inception in 1967. With an impressive impact factor and recognized as a Q1 journal in the fields of Sociology and Political Science as of 2023, this journal is a respected leader in its discipline, ranked #159 out of 1466 journals in its category on Scopus, placing it in the 89th percentile. The journal aims to foster understanding of social phenomena while promoting rigorous methodological and theoretical advancements. Although the journal does not currently provide open access options, it remains an essential resource for academicians, researchers, and students aiming to engage deeply with contemporary sociological issues. Addressed from the heart of London, the journal's commitment to the British Sociological Association’s mission makes it a vital contact point for fostering dialogue within the sociological community and beyond.

SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY

Fostering Scholarly Excellence Since 1961
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0038-0245Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sociological Inquiry is a premier journal in the field of sociology, published by Wiley, which has established its reputation through rigorous peer review and scholarly excellence since its inception in 1961. The journal carries the ISSN 0038-0245 and E-ISSN 1475-682X, and is located in the vibrant academic landscape of the United Kingdom. With a notable impact factor and ranked in the Q1 category in Sociology and Political Science, it stands among the top 17% of journals in its field, as indicated by its Scopus rank of 250 out of 1466, reflecting an impressive 82nd percentile. The objective of Sociological Inquiry is to advance the understanding of social phenomena through empirical and theoretical contributions, aiming to foster dialogue among sociologists, political scientists, and interdisciplinary scholars. Despite not offering open access options, this journal remains vital for anyone looking to engage with cutting-edge research that shapes contemporary sociological thought and practice.