Small Axe
Scope & Guideline
Exploring the Intersections of Culture and Society
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Caribbean Studies and Postcolonial Discourse:
The journal emphasizes the exploration of Caribbean identity, history, and culture, often through the lens of postcolonial theory, providing critical analyses of literary and artistic expressions. - Critical Race Theory and Black Consciousness:
'Small Axe' is dedicated to examining issues of race, particularly anti-Blackness and the contours of Black consciousness, exploring how these themes manifest in contemporary society and literature. - Ecological and Multispecies Perspectives:
Recent publications highlight a growing interest in ecological themes, particularly the interplay between Caribbean culture and environmental issues, reflecting on how art and literature can contribute to ecological awareness. - Gender and Sexuality Studies:
The journal engages with gender and sexuality, particularly in the context of Black and Caribbean women's experiences, examining how these intersect with broader socio-political movements. - Intellectual Traditions and Historical Contexts:
'Small Axe' explores the intellectual legacies and historical contexts of Caribbean thought, emphasizing the importance of figures like Walter Rodney and Aimé Césaire in shaping contemporary discourse.
Trending and Emerging
- Renewal and Repair:
There is a growing emphasis on concepts of renewal and repair, particularly in relation to historical injustices, suggesting a shift towards restorative justice and healing within Caribbean communities. - Queer Studies and Intersectionality:
The journal is increasingly focusing on queer studies and the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality, highlighting the importance of diverse voices and experiences in Caribbean discourse. - Multispecies and Ecological Critique:
The emergence of themes related to multispecies interactions and ecological critique indicates a growing awareness of environmental issues within Caribbean studies, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to cultural and ecological narratives. - Global Networks and Transnationalism:
Recent publications reflect a trend towards exploring Caribbean identities within global networks, emphasizing transnational connections and the diasporic experiences of Caribbean peoples. - Critiques of Neoliberalism and Racial Capitalism:
Emerging critiques of neoliberalism and racial capitalism in the Caribbean context suggest a renewed focus on economic structures and their impact on marginalized communities, aligning with broader social justice movements.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Nationalism:
There seems to be a declining focus on traditional nationalist narratives, with fewer discussions surrounding conventional national identity, possibly due to a shift towards more complex, transnational frameworks. - Historical Narratives of Colonialism without Intersectionality:
Earlier works that focused solely on historical colonialism without integrating contemporary issues of race, gender, and sexuality are becoming less common, reflecting a move towards more intersectional analyses. - Purely Literary Criticism without Socio-Political Context:
There has been a noticeable decrease in literary criticism that does not engage with socio-political contexts, as the journal increasingly emphasizes the relevance of literature to current issues. - Homogenized Caribbean Identity:
The exploration of a singular, homogenized Caribbean identity is fading, giving way to more nuanced discussions that embrace the diversity and complexities within Caribbean societies.
Similar Journals
Anclajes
Advancing Critical Discourse in HumanitiesAnclajes is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the fields of Cultural Studies, Linguistics, and Literature, published by the UNIV NACIONAL LA PAMPA, FAC CIENCIAS HUMANAS. With both print (ISSN 0329-3807) and electronic (E-ISSN 1851-4669) formats, the journal has embraced an Open Access model since 2010, greatly enhancing its accessibility and reach to a global audience. Based in Argentina, Anclajes provides a platform for innovative research and critical discourse, contributing significantly to the understanding of cultural phenomena and literary theories. In recent years, the journal has established itself with a Scopus rank placing it in the top 30% of Literature and Literary Theory and the top 57% of Cultural Studies, as indicated by its quartile rankings for 2023. With issues converging from 2012 to 2024, Anclajes continues to foster scholarly communication and serves as an essential resource for researchers, students, and professionals seeking to explore the dynamism of human culture and expression.
PORTUGUESE STUDIES
Charting New Territories in Portuguese StudiesPORTUGUESE STUDIES is a prominent academic journal published by the Modern Humanities Research Association, dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of Portuguese culture, history, and literature. With its ISSN 0267-5315 and E-ISSN 2222-4270, the journal has been a vital resource for scholars since its inception in 2002 and continues to contribute valuable insights into the study of Portuguese heritage. Operating from its base in the United Kingdom, the journal encompasses a diverse range of topics that reflect its dynamic scope within Cultural Studies, History, and Literature and Literary Theory. Although currently not categorized as Open Access, the journal's scholarly contributions have attained respectable Scopus rankings, with Q4 and Q3 placements illustrating its growing influence within the academic community. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find PORTUGUESE STUDIES an indispensable platform for enriching their understanding and discourse on Portuguese affairs, ensuring its crucial role in fostering intellectual engagement and discovery in the humanities.
RESEARCH IN AFRICAN LITERATURES
Illuminating African Literary TraditionsRESEARCH IN AFRICAN LITERATURES is a prestigious peer-reviewed journal published by Indiana University Press, dedicated to the critical exploration of African literary traditions, cultures, and texts. With an ISSN of 0034-5210 and an E-ISSN of 1527-2044, this journal stands out in the field of literature and literary theory, currently ranking in the 80th percentile of its category according to Scopus, making it a significant platform for scholars and researchers alike. Since its establishment, the journal has evolved through converged volumes from 2002 to 2024, consistently fostering innovative discourse and interdisciplinary approaches that illuminate the complexities of African narratives. Although it does not offer open access, the journal is integral for anyone engaged in African studies, providing critical insights that are essential for understanding the broader implications of literature within diverse cultural contexts. The journal's commitment to high standards of scholarship is reflected in its Q3 quartile ranking and its influential contribution to contemporary literary dialogue.
MFS-Modern Fiction Studies
Exploring the Depths of Contemporary NarrativesMFS-Modern Fiction Studies is a premier journal in the field of literature and literary theory, published by Johns Hopkins University Press. With an impressive impact factor and a 2023 classification in Q1, this journal stands out as a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in contemporary fiction analysis and criticism. The journal aims to foster innovative scholarship, enhance discussions around literary trends, and explore the intricacies of modern narrative forms. Notably, it ranks #119 among 1,106 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, placing it within the top 89th percentile. Published four times a year, MFS is committed to making significant contributions to the understanding of modern fiction, making it a must-read for anyone vested in the evolution of literature. Access options are available through institutional subscriptions, ensuring that readers can engage with cutting-edge research and discourse in the literary community.
CRITIQUE-STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Celebrating the Rich Tapestry of Modern Literary DiscourseCRITIQUE: STUDIES IN CONTEMPORARY FICTION is a premier scholarly journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, dedicated to advancing our understanding of contemporary fiction within the broader spectrum of literature and literary theory. With an esteemed reputation in the academic community, this journal has achieved a remarkable impact factor and ranks in the Q1 category in Literature and Literary Theory, showcasing its influence and credibility, as reflected in its Scopus Rank of #142 out of 1,106 and a notable 87th percentile. The journal invites researchers, scholars, and students to engage with innovative perspectives, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary narratives. Published continuously since 1956, CRITIQUE serves as a vital resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of modern literature, and it remains committed to fostering dialogue around diverse textual and cultural contexts.
South Central Review
Unveiling the Depths of Cultural Studies and PhilosophySouth Central Review, a distinguished academic journal published by Johns Hopkins University Press, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of cultural studies, literature and literary theory, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts. With an ISSN of 0743-6831 and an E-ISSN of 1549-3377, this journal is dedicated to highlighting innovative research and critical analyses that explore the complexities of Southern culture and its broader implications. Although it operates without an open access option, the journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and contributions to contemporary academic dialogue, holding Q3 and Q4 rankings across several disciplines as of 2023. The convergence of ideas and perspectives from diverse academic backgrounds positions the South Central Review as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the cultural narratives shaping our world today.
TWENTIETH CENTURY LITERATURE
Charting New Territories in 20th Century LiteratureTWENTIETH CENTURY LITERATURE is a renowned journal published by Hofstra University Press, dedicated to the exploration and analysis of literature and literary theory from the twentieth century. With a focus on both established and emerging voices in the field, this journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students who seek to deepen their understanding of significant literary movements and trends. The journal holds an impressive Q2 category ranking in Literature and Literary Theory as of 2023, showcasing its impact and relevance in the academic community. Though not an open access journal, it provides valuable insights and scholarly discussions that contribute to ongoing debates in literature studies. Covering a converged period from 2002 to 2014 and continuing from 2016 to 2024, TWENTIETH CENTURY LITERATURE positions itself as a pivotal platform for thought-provoking literature critique and scholarly inquiry, making it an indispensable addition to any academic library or personal collection.
Contagion-Journal of Violence Mimesis and Culture
Bridging Disciplines to Understand Violence's Cultural EchoesContagion: Journal of Violence, Mimesis and Culture is a premier academic journal published by Michigan State University Press, dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between violence, cultural representation, and mimesis. With an ISSN of 1075-7201 and an E-ISSN of 1930-1200, this journal serves as a conduit for scholarly discourse in fields such as Cultural Studies, Literature and Literary Theory, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Sociology and Political Science. Despite its classification in quartiles Q4 and Q3 in various academic ranks, this journal is pivotal for those investigating the deeper implications of violence in cultural contexts, providing insights that resonate across disciplines. It has converged its thematic focus from 2010 to 2024, addressing critical and contemporary issues surrounding mimesis and societal reflection. While currently not available as an open-access publication, it offers valuable access options for a diverse readership, including researchers, professionals, and students, committed to understanding the complexities of human behavior through the lens of culture and violence.
SOUNDINGS
Navigating Complex Societal Dynamics Through ScholarshipSOUNDINGS, published by Penn State University Press, stands as a notable journal within the realms of the arts and humanities, cultural studies, and sociology and political science. With its ISSN 0038-1861 and E-ISSN 2161-6302, this academic periodical has been a platform for critical discourse and innovative research since its inception in the mid-1970s, although it has experienced several convergence periods. Though currently categorized in Q4 within its respective fields, including rankings that reflect its growing influence, SOUNDINGS continues to provide a rigorous space for interdisciplinary dialogue and scholarly reflection. Despite the absence of open access, the journal’s comprehensive articles are vital for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of complex cultural and societal dynamics. With its headquarters located at 820 North Univ Drive, U S B 1, Ste C, University Park, PA 16802, SOUNDINGS invites its readership to engage with contemporary issues through a rich lens of academic inquiry.
Litera-Journal of Language Literature and Culture Studies
Fostering Critical Voices in Language StudiesLitera - Journal of Language Literature and Culture Studies is a pioneering open-access journal published by the esteemed Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters, since 2017, dedicated to the in-depth exploration and critical analysis of language, literature, and cultural studies. With an ISSN of 1304-0057 and an E-ISSN of 2602-2117, the journal aims to foster a diverse discourse within the arts and humanities, particularly in literature and literary theory, linguistics, and cultural studies. Although it currently holds a modest Scopus rank among its peers, it serves as a valuable platform for emerging scholars and seasoned researchers alike, aiming to enhance understanding and appreciation of cultural narratives within the global context. The journal provides a unique opportunity for authors and readers to engage with original research, critical reviews, and creative works that are vital to the advancement of interdisciplinary studies. Based in Istanbul, Turkey, it is positioned at the heart of cultural exchange, making it a significant contributor to scholarly communication in the region and beyond.