Shima-The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures

Scope & Guideline

Celebrating Diversity: Researching Island Cultures

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding Shima-The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures, 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
ISSN1834-6049
PublisherMACQUARIE UNIV, DIV HUMANITIES
Support Open AccessYes
CountryAustralia
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2017 to 2024
AbbreviationSHIMA / Shima
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressMACQUARIE UNIV, SYDNEY NSW 2109, AUSTRALIA

Aims and Scopes

Shima-The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures focuses on the diverse cultural, ecological, and political dimensions of islands and their communities. The journal aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary research that explores the unique characteristics and challenges faced by island cultures around the world.
  1. Cultural Studies of Islands:
    The journal emphasizes the exploration of cultural narratives, folklore, and identity formation within island communities. It examines how local cultures interact with global influences, including migration, tourism, and environmental changes.
  2. Environmental and Ecological Perspectives:
    Research on the environmental challenges facing islands, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, is a core focus. The journal publishes studies that investigate the relationship between island cultures and their natural environments.
  3. Political and Economic Dimensions:
    Shima addresses the political structures, governance, and economic practices of island societies, including discussions on autonomy, sovereignty, and the impacts of globalization on local economies.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from anthropology, geography, history, and the arts to provide a comprehensive understanding of island cultures.
  5. Art and Aesthetics:
    Shima showcases the role of artistic expressions and cultural performances in shaping island identities and community resilience, including visual arts, music, and oral traditions.
Recent issues of Shima have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect contemporary concerns and interests within the research community. These trends indicate a dynamic evolution in the journal's focus, aligning with global discussions on sustainability, identity, and cultural resilience.
  1. Climate Change and Resilience:
    There is a growing emphasis on research exploring the impacts of climate change on island communities, including studies on vulnerability, adaptation strategies, and resilience-building practices among local populations.
  2. Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies:
    Recent publications demonstrate an increase in interdisciplinary approaches that combine environmental science with cultural studies, showcasing how island communities navigate ecological challenges while retaining their cultural identities.
  3. Digital and Media Representations:
    Emerging themes include the exploration of digital media and its role in shaping perceptions of island cultures, as well as how these communities utilize technology for cultural expression and activism.
  4. Cultural Narratives and Identity Politics:
    The journal is increasingly focusing on the narratives that shape island identities, particularly in the context of globalization and transnational movements, illustrating the complexities of belonging and cultural representation.
  5. Sustainable Development Practices:
    There is a notable trend towards examining sustainable practices in island economies, including ecotourism, community-based resource management, and the intersection of culture and sustainability in policy-making.

Declining or Waning

Over recent years, Shima has observed a decrease in publications addressing certain themes that were once prominent in its discourse. This decline may reflect shifting interests in the academic community or changes in the socio-political landscape affecting island cultures.
  1. Mythological Studies:
    While earlier issues featured extensive discussions on mythological narratives and their cultural significance, recent publications have shifted focus towards contemporary issues, leading to a noticeable decline in mythological studies.
  2. Historical Perspectives:
    Research centered on historical accounts and archaeological findings related to islands has waned, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary cultural and environmental issues over historical analyses.
  3. Tourism Critique:
    Although tourism's impact on island cultures was a significant focus in earlier publications, recent trends indicate a move towards broader discussions on sustainability and ecology, causing a reduction in tourism-centric critiques.
  4. Traditional Ecological Knowledge:
    The exploration of indigenous knowledge systems and their application to modern environmental challenges appears to be less frequent, indicating a potential waning interest in traditional ecological practices as a standalone theme.
  5. Gender Studies in Island Contexts:
    Themes related to gender and feminist perspectives specific to island cultures have become less prevalent, suggesting a shift in focus towards more general cultural studies rather than gender-specific analyses.

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