SIGNS

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Critical Discourse in Gender Studies.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of SIGNS with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0097-9740
PublisherUNIV CHICAGO PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1979, from 1985 to 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, from 1998 to 2024
AbbreviationSIGNS / Signs
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1427 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637-2954

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'SIGNS' is dedicated to exploring the intersections of gender, race, and sexuality, with a strong emphasis on feminist theory and activism. It aims to provide a platform for critical scholarship that examines the complexities of identity, power, and social justice. The journal's focus is on interdisciplinary approaches that engage with historical and contemporary issues affecting women and marginalized communities.
  1. Feminist Theory and Critique:
    The journal emphasizes the development and critique of feminist theories, exploring their implications across various social, political, and cultural contexts.
  2. Intersectionality:
    Research published in 'SIGNS' consistently addresses the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality, highlighting how these identities shape experiences and social dynamics.
  3. Activism and Social Justice:
    A core aim is to examine feminist activism and its role in social justice movements, particularly in relation to marginalized communities and global contexts.
  4. Historical and Contemporary Analysis:
    The journal publishes works that analyze both historical and contemporary issues facing women and gender minorities, providing a comprehensive view of the evolution of feminist thought.
  5. Global Perspectives:
    'SIGNS' seeks to include diverse global perspectives, focusing on feminist movements and experiences from various cultural and geographical contexts.
The journal 'SIGNS' has seen a rise in certain themes that reflect current societal issues and evolving feminist discourse. These emerging areas highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary challenges faced by women and marginalized groups.
  1. Transnational Feminism:
    There is a growing emphasis on transnational feminist perspectives that explore global interconnectedness and solidarity among women across borders.
  2. Racial Justice and Feminism:
    Recent publications increasingly address the intersection of racial justice and feminist activism, reflecting a commitment to tackling systemic racism alongside gender inequality.
  3. Digital Feminism:
    The rise of digital activism and its implications for feminist movements is a trending theme, exploring how technology shapes feminist discourse and mobilization.
  4. Care Politics and Labor:
    Emerging discussions around the politics of care, including caregiving labor and its implications for gender and race, signify a significant trend in current feminist scholarship.
  5. Mental Health and Feminism:
    There is an increasing focus on the intersections of mental health and feminist theory, examining how societal pressures impact women's mental health and well-being.

Declining or Waning

While 'SIGNS' continues to engage with a wide range of topics, certain themes appear to be losing prominence over recent years. This decline may reflect broader shifts in feminist discourse or changing societal contexts.
  1. Traditional Gender Roles:
    Papers focusing on traditional gender roles and domesticity have decreased, indicating a shift towards more complex discussions of identity and resistance against normative structures.
  2. Essentialist Feminism:
    There seems to be a waning interest in essentialist views of feminism, as the journal increasingly embraces intersectional and non-binary perspectives.
  3. Western-Centric Feminism:
    Research that primarily emphasizes Western feminist perspectives is becoming less common, as the journal seeks to amplify voices and experiences from non-Western contexts.
  4. Historical Feminist Movements:
    While historical analyses remain important, there is a noticeable decline in papers focused solely on early feminist movements, as contemporary issues and intersectional approaches gain more attention.
  5. Individualistic Approaches to Feminism:
    There is a decline in papers that promote individualistic narratives of feminism, with a growing focus on collective action and community-based resistance.

Similar Journals

JOURNAL OF FEMINIST STUDIES IN RELIGION

Unpacking Gender Dynamics in Sacred Spaces
Publisher: INDIANA UNIV PRESSISSN: 8755-4178Frequency: 2 issues/year

JOURNAL OF FEMINIST STUDIES IN RELIGION, published by Indiana University Press, stands out as a crucial academic forum devoted to the interdisciplinary exploration of the interplay between feminism and religious practices. With an ISSN of 8755-4178 and an E-ISSN of 1553-3913, this journal invites scholars and practitioners alike to contribute to its rich dialogue. Despite being categorized in the Q3 quartile for Gender Studies and Q1 for Religious Studies, the journal is recognized for its insightful contributions, holding an impressive rank of #269 in Religious Studies and #153 in Gender Studies as per the Scopus index. Spanning studies from 2002 to 2008 and 2011 to 2024, it features a collection of rigorous research that pushes the boundaries of existing scholarship and cultivates an understanding of gender within diverse religious contexts. Although the journal maintains a traditional subscription model, its impact within the field is significant, fostering critical discussions that are essential for contemporary academic discourse. Researchers, professionals, and students will find the journal an invaluable resource for both current studies and historical perspectives in feminist religious studies.

Palimpsest-A Journal on Women Gender and the Black International

Fostering Dialogue on Marginalized Voices and Experiences
Publisher: SUNY-STATE UNIV NEW YORK PRESSISSN: 2165-1604Frequency: 2 issues/year

Palimpsest: A Journal on Women, Gender, and the Black International is a pioneering publication dedicated to exploring the intersections of women’s studies, gender theory, and the diverse experiences of the Black International community. Published by the SUNY Press, this journal serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse aimed at illuminating the socio-political narratives and cultural expressions that shape the lives of marginalized groups. With the ISSN 2165-1604 and E-ISSN 2165-1612, Palimpsest upholds rigorous academic standards, inviting researchers, professionals, and students to contribute original articles, essays, and reviews that challenge conventional paradigms and foster interdisciplinary dialogue. Although currently not Open Access, the journal promises to influence contemporary scholarship and activism in women and gender studies, especially within the unique context of the Black diaspora. Positioning itself as an essential resource for those invested in social justice, cultural representation, and transformative research, Palimpsest reflects the complexities and rich histories of Black women's lives globally.

Feminist Theory

Empowering voices through rigorous feminist analysis.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1464-7001Frequency: 3 issues/year

Feminist Theory is a premier academic journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, dedicated to advancing the field of gender studies. Established in 2000, this journal has quickly established itself as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and students, engaging with contemporary feminist issues and theories. With an impressive impact factor reflecting its esteemed reputation—ranked in the Q1 quartile of gender studies in 2023 and positioned at #30 out of 213 in the Scopus rankings with an 86th percentile—Feminist Theory presents a platform for rigorous research, critical analysis, and thought-provoking essays. Although currently not open access, the journal is committed to providing a robust forum for interdisciplinary contributions that enhance our understanding of feminist perspectives in various socio-political contexts. Its influence extends across the globe, making it an essential read for anyone invested in gender studies and feminist discourse.

Australian Feminist Law Journal

Advancing feminist legal scholarship for a just tomorrow.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1320-0968Frequency: 2 issues/year

Australian Feminist Law Journal, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands out as a pivotal platform in the exploration of feminist legal scholarship and its intersection with gender, literature, and social sciences. With its ISSN 1320-0968 and E-ISSN 2204-0064, this journal has been contributing to critical discourses in feminist jurisprudence since its converged years begin in 2018, with ongoing contributions informing debates up to 2024. The journal holds notable standings within its categories, achieving Q3 in both Gender Studies and Law, and impressive Q1 in Literature and Literary Theory, underscoring its diverse scholarly impact. Researchers and practitioners can engage with this essential resource, which underscores the importance of feminist perspectives across various disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and inspiring new research trajectories within an Australian and global context. Though currently not an open-access journal, the Australian Feminist Law Journal remains an invaluable resource for those committed to advancing feminist legal principles and advocating for social justice.

Sztuka i Dokumentacja-Art & Documentation

Documenting Art's Evolution for a Global Audience
Publisher: ACAD FINE ARTS GDANSKISSN: 2080-413XFrequency: 2 issues/year

Sztuka i Dokumentacja-Art & Documentation is a pioneering open-access journal published by ACAD FINE ARTS GDANSK, focusing on the intersections of art, documentation, and artistic practices. Since its inception in 2009, this journal has committed itself to fostering a vibrant scholarly discourse within the fields of art history, visual documentation, and cultural criticism. With an ISSN of 2080-413X, it provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to contribute to and access high-quality artistic research and theoretical investigations. The journal's open-access model ensures that studies are readily available to a global audience, promoting the dissemination of innovative ideas and dialogue in the contemporary art world. With its dedication to advancing the understanding of art through rigorous documentation and research, Sztuka i Dokumentacja serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to explore the dynamic and multifaceted relationship between art and its documentation.

Feministische Studien

Challenging Norms, Shaping Futures: A Feminist Lens
Publisher: WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBHISSN: 0723-5186Frequency: 2 issues/year

Feministische Studien, published by WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH, is a pivotal journal in the fields of Gender Studies and Sociology and Political Science. Based in Germany and with an ISSN of 0723-5186, this journal serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse, focusing on feminist perspectives and interdisciplinary research that addresses contemporary gender issues. Despite its current categorization in the Q4 quartile in both fields, it provides an essential voice for emerging research and underrepresented topics, with an ongoing commitment from 2008 to 2024 to publish quality content that informs and inspires. As a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, Feministische Studien aims to foster a deeper understanding of gender dynamics through rigorous analysis and innovative approaches. While the journal does not currently offer Open Access options, its significance in contributing to academic dialogues surrounding feminism cannot be overstated.

AMERICAN QUARTERLY

Advancing Interdisciplinary Insights into the American Experience
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0003-0678Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN QUARTERLY, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, stands as a prestigious journal in the fields of Cultural Studies and History, reflecting its remarkable reputation with a Q1 ranking in both categories as of 2023. With an ISSN of 0003-0678 and an E-ISSN of 1080-6490, this journal serves as a vital platform for interdisciplinary scholarship, exploring diverse narratives and critical theories that shape the American experience. Although it does not currently offer open access, AMERICAN QUARTERLY remains an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to understanding the complexities of cultural and historical dynamics. Its rich interdisciplinary approach and rigorous peer-review process ensure that the journal consistently publishes high-quality articles that resonate with contemporary global discussions, making it indispensable for anyone looking to contribute to or enhance their understanding of American culture and history.

Feminist Media Studies

Unpacking Media Through a Feminist Lens
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1468-0777Frequency: 6 issues/year

Feminist Media Studies is a leading academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, dedicated to the exploration and critical analysis of the intersections between media, gender, and feminism. With an ISSN of 1468-0777 and an E-ISSN of 1471-5902, this esteemed publication has established itself over its converged years from 2001 to 2024 as a pivotal platform for innovative research in the fields of communication, gender studies, and visual arts. Recognized for its excellence, the journal proudly ranks in the Q1 category in all three of its primary fields and is positioned in the top percentiles across various Scopus rankings. Although not open access, the journal provides crucial discourse that furthers an understanding of feminist perspectives in media, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. With its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue, Feminist Media Studies continues to shape the terrain of feminist media scholarship.

International Feminist Journal of Politics

Transforming Political Analysis through Feminist Lenses.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1461-6742Frequency: 4 issues/year

The International Feminist Journal of Politics, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier academic periodical dedicated to advancing the field of feminist political analysis and gender studies. With an ISSN of 1461-6742 and E-ISSN of 1468-4470, this esteemed journal has been a leading source of scholarly articles since its inception in 1999 and is poised to continue shaping the discourse through 2024. It showcases high-quality research across multiple disciplines, recognized in 2023 with a Q1 ranking within the Arts and Humanities and Political Science categories, underscoring its significant impact and reputation—ranked in the 80th percentile in Political Science and International Relations. Available in the United Kingdom, this journal aims to foster critical engagement with feminist perspectives and encourages submissions that challenge conventional frameworks. While not currently open access, the journal's commitment to rigorous academic inquiry ensures it remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students keen on exploring the intersections of gender and politics in a global context.

FEMINIST STUDIES

Empowering voices in Gender Studies and the Arts.
Publisher: FEMINIST STUD INCISSN: 0046-3663Frequency: 3 issues/year

Feminist Studies, published by Feminist Studies Inc., is a pivotal journal in the field of Gender Studies and Arts and Humanities. With a rich history dating back to 1975, this journal has consistently provided a platform for scholarly engagement and critical discourse surrounding feminist theories and practices. Feminist Studies holds an impressive ranking in the Q2 category for both Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Gender Studies, indicating its significant impact and relevance in these fields. The journal is indexed within the Scopus database, holding a ranking of #178 out of 552 in Arts and Humanities and #84 out of 213 in Social Sciences, reflecting its critical role in advancing feminist scholarship. Although not an open access journal, it aims to enrich academic dialogue and foster inclusive understanding through intellectually stimulating articles. Researchers, professionals, and students alike are encouraged to contribute to and engage with the robust content that Feminist Studies offers, making it an essential resource for anyone dedicated to the exploration of feminist issues and gender equity.