Small Axe

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Scholarly Dialogue on Identity and Justice

Introduction

Welcome to the Small Axe 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 Small Axe, 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
ISSN0799-0537
PublisherDUKE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2018 to 2024
AbbreviationSMALL AXE / Small Axe
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address905 W MAIN ST, STE 18-B, DURHAM, NC 27701

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Small Axe' focuses on the intersections of Caribbean studies, cultural criticism, and social justice issues, providing a platform for critical discourse on various themes related to identity, history, and politics in the Caribbean context.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Recent publications in 'Small Axe' reveal emerging themes that reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues and the evolving landscape of Caribbean studies. The following themes are gaining traction among recent papers.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

While 'Small Axe' has consistently engaged with a variety of themes, some areas appear to be waning in prominence as the journal evolves. The following themes have seen a decline in recent publications.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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