Social Anthropology

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Insight into Anthropological Landscapes

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Social Anthropology 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
ISSN0964-0282
PublisherBERGHAHN JOURNALS
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1982, from 1992 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC ANTHROPOL / Soc. Anthropol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address20 JAY ST, SUITE 512, BROOKLYN, NY 11201

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Social Anthropology' serves as a critical platform for the exploration and discussion of anthropological perspectives on contemporary social issues. It aims to present diverse ethnographic insights and theoretical frameworks that engage with the complexities of human societies, cultures, and their interrelations.
  1. Ethnographic Research:
    The journal emphasizes empirical research through ethnography, encouraging contributions that provide deep, nuanced insights into various cultures and social practices.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    It promotes interdisciplinary research that connects anthropology with other fields such as sociology, political science, gender studies, and environmental studies, enriching the understanding of social phenomena.
  3. Critical Engagement with Global Issues:
    The journal addresses pressing global issues such as migration, climate change, human rights, and political conflicts, providing anthropological perspectives that highlight the human dimension of these challenges.
  4. Reflexivity in Research:
    A strong focus is placed on reflexivity and the ethical implications of anthropological research, encouraging authors to reflect on their positionality and the impact of their work.
  5. Kinship and Social Relations:
    Exploration of kinship structures, familial dynamics, and social relationships remains a core area, examining how these aspects shape identities and cultural practices.
  6. Cultural Politics and Identity:
    The journal investigates the intersections of culture, politics, and identity, focusing on how cultural narratives and practices influence social and political structures.
  7. Environmental Anthropology:
    A growing area of focus is the relationship between humans and their environments, particularly in the context of climate change and ecological sustainability.
Recent years have seen significant trends and emerging themes within 'Social Anthropology', reflecting the journal's responsiveness to contemporary challenges and the evolving landscape of anthropological inquiry.
  1. Digital Anthropology:
    With the rise of digital technologies, there is an increasing focus on digital anthropology, exploring how online spaces and digital practices shape social interaction and cultural expression.
  2. Migration and Displacement Studies:
    Research on migration, refugee experiences, and the politics of displacement has gained prominence, addressing urgent global crises and their anthropological implications.
  3. Climate Change and Environmental Justice:
    A notable trend is the emphasis on climate change and environmental justice, examining the cultural and social impacts of ecological transformations and advocating for sustainable practices.
  4. Humanitarianism and Crisis Intervention:
    The journal is increasingly publishing works that critique humanitarian efforts and explore the complexities of aid, compassion, and the politics surrounding crises.
  5. Health and Illness in Context:
    Emerging themes include the anthropological study of health and illness, particularly in the context of pandemics, global health policies, and local practices of care.
  6. Posthumanism and Multispecies Relations:
    There is a growing interest in posthumanism and the relationships between humans and non-human entities, reflecting broader discussions around ecology, agency, and ethics.
  7. Political Economy and Social Inequality:
    Research addressing the intersections of political economy and social inequality is trending, focusing on how economic structures influence social relations and cultural practices.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to evolve, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence in recent publications. These waning scopes reflect shifts in the interests of the anthropological community and broader societal changes.
  1. Traditional Ethnographic Methods:
    There appears to be a decrease in the emphasis on traditional ethnographic methods, with more authors opting for interdisciplinary methodologies that incorporate digital tools and data analysis.
  2. Purely Descriptive Studies:
    The journal has seen a reduction in purely descriptive ethnographic studies, as there is a growing expectation for contributions to engage critically with theory and contemporary debates.
  3. Focus on Western Contexts:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies focused solely on Western societies, as the journal increasingly prioritizes global perspectives and non-Western contexts.
  4. Historical Anthropology:
    Research focusing on historical anthropology has waned, with more emphasis being placed on contemporary issues rather than historical analysis of cultural practices.
  5. Single-Country Studies:
    The trend towards comprehensive, comparative studies across multiple regions or cultures has led to a decline in research centered exclusively on single country case studies.

Similar Journals

Anthropology in Action-Journal for Applied Anthropology in Policy and Practice

Connecting Research to Real-World Solutions
Publisher: BERGHAHN JOURNALSISSN: 0967-201XFrequency: 3 issues/year

Anthropology in Action - Journal for Applied Anthropology in Policy and Practice, published by BERGHAHN JOURNALS, stands as a pivotal resource within the field of applied anthropology, addressing vital issues at the intersection of cultural insights and policy development. With an impressive Q1 ranking in Anthropology and a noteworthy position in the Scopus Ranks (Rank #70 of 502), this journal has solidified its influence as a premier platform for scholars and practitioners seeking to engage with contemporary societal challenges through a rigorous anthropological lens. Since becoming Open Access in 2018, the journal has enhanced accessibility to its rich array of scholarly articles, making critical research findings available to a broader audience. Covering a spectrum of topics from community practice to inform policy-making, Anthropology in Action aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and promote the practical application of anthropological insights for real-world change. Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, or student, this journal serves as an essential navigational tool in the evolving landscape of applied anthropology.

Anthropology Today

Innovating Perspectives on Human Behavior
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0268-540XFrequency: 6 issues/year

Anthropology Today, published by WILEY, is a leading peer-reviewed journal in the field of anthropology, boasting a distinguished Q1 category ranking in the 2023 evaluations and a notable position within the top 79th percentile of its discipline according to Scopus. Established in the United States, this journal offers a rich compendium of contemporary anthropological research, covering diverse topics that shape the understanding of human cultures and societies. It is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to publishing innovative studies that reflect current trends and discussions within the field. While the journal is not open access, it provides insightful articles and reviews that are indispensable for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to enhance their knowledge and stay updated with the latest anthropological findings and theoretical advancements.

AMERICAN ETHNOLOGIST

Fostering Innovative Methodologies in Ethnology
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0094-0496Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN ETHNOLOGIST, published by Wiley, stands as a prominent platform in the field of anthropology, with a distinguished reputation underscored by its Q1 ranking in the 2023 Category Quartiles and a notable position in the 79th percentile among its peers. With its foundation dating back to 1974 and set to continue until 2024, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and students devoted to exploring cultural dynamics and social practices across diverse communities. The journal is characterized by its commitment to advancing theoretical discussions and empirical scholarship in ethnology and related disciplines. Targeted contributions include in-depth studies, critical reviews, and innovative methodologies that engage with pressing cultural issues. Although it does not offer Open Access, the journal’s rigorous peer-review process and high-impact articles ensure the dissemination of valuable insights, enhancing scholarly engagement and professional discourse. Its ISSN is 0094-0496 and E-ISSN is 1548-1425, emphasizing its dual format accessibility, which facilitates wider readership within the anthropology community.

Focaal-Journal of Global and Historical Anthropology

Advancing Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Anthropology
Publisher: BERGHAHN JOURNALSISSN: 0920-1297Frequency: 2 issues/year

Focaal-Journal of Global and Historical Anthropology is an esteemed academic journal published by BERGHAHN JOURNALS, focusing on the intricacies of global and historical anthropology. With an impressive impact factor and positioned in the Q1 category of anthropology for 2023, this journal is recognized for its exceptional contributions to the field, ranking #121 out of 502 in the Social Sciences category on Scopus. Since its transition to Open Access in 2020, Focaal has made significant strides in democratizing academic knowledge, allowing broader accessibility for researchers, professionals, and students worldwide. The journal provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and critical analysis, paving the way for innovative research and thought-provoking discussions. With a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of anthropological practices and their global implications, Focaal is an essential resource for anyone engaged in contemporary anthropological studies.

Antropologia Portuguesa

Advancing Knowledge in the Heart of Portugal
Publisher: COIMBRA UNIV PRESSISSN: 0870-0990Frequency: 1 issue/year

Antropologia Portuguesa, published by COIMBRA UNIV PRESS, is a distinguished open access journal in the field of anthropology, with an ISSN of 0870-0990 and an E-ISSN of 2182-7982. Based out of Coimbra, Portugal, this journal has been a vital resource for researchers and enthusiasts in the anthropological community since transitioning to an open access model in 2012, allowing for broader dissemination and accessibility of knowledge. With its diversified publications spanning from 2011 to 2023, it is well-established within the academic landscape, achieving a Q3 category rank in anthropology as of 2023, and holding a Scopus ranking of #376 out of 502 in the Social Sciences category, placing it within the 25th percentile. The journal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and promote innovative research, offering a platform for the exploration of various anthropological themes and practices. As it continues to contribute to the scholarship in anthropology, Antropologia Portuguesa is an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to understanding cultural dynamics and human behavior on a global scale.

Nature + Culture

Illuminating the Nexus of Nature and Human Experience
Publisher: BERGHAHN JOURNALSISSN: 1558-6073Frequency: 3 issues/year

Nature + Culture, published by BERGHAHN JOURNALS, focuses on the interdisciplinary exploration of cultural and environmental relationships, bridging the gap between the social sciences and ecological studies. With its ISSN 1558-6073 and E-ISSN 1558-5468, this journal has established itself as a key platform for scholars aiming to advance discussions in an era of rapid environmental change and cultural transformation. Operating from the United States, specifically at 20 Jay St, Suite 512, Brooklyn, NY 11201, it holds a respectable position within the academic community, evidenced by its Q3 ranking in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) for 2023 and its Scopus rank of #132 out of 275 in General Social Sciences. While currently not an Open Access journal, Nature + Culture provides vital insights that address the pressing issues of our time, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to understanding the intersection of nature and human culture from 2008 through its converging years into 2024.

American Journal of Biological Anthropology

Exploring the Depths of Human Diversity
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 2692-7691Frequency: 12 issues/year

The American Journal of Biological Anthropology, published by WILEY, is a premier journal in the field of biological anthropology, boasting critical insights into human biological diversity, evolution, and adaptation. With its ISSN 2692-7691, this journal has established itself firmly within the research community, achieving a Q1 ranking in key disciplines such as Anatomy, Anthropology, Archeology, and Paleontology as of 2023. This indicates its significant impact, with Scopus rankings placing it in the top tiers across diverse fields, including a stellar rank of 13th out of 113 in Paleontology. Offering open access possibilities, the journal facilitates wider dissemination of groundbreaking research and is committed to advancing knowledge that intersects genetics, epidemiology, and anthropology. Based in the United States, the journal continually fosters an international dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students eager to explore the complexities of human biology through a robust and interdisciplinary lens.

Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology

Unveiling the Complexities of Human Societies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1444-2213Frequency: 5 issues/year

Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of anthropology and cultural studies, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With an ISSN of 1444-2213 and E-ISSN 1740-9314, this journal has gained recognition for its rigorous scholarly contributions since its inception in 2000. Situated in the UK, it is strategically positioned to serve as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students exploring the rich complexities of human societies and cultures within the Asia Pacific region and beyond. As evidenced by its Q2 ranking in both anthropology and cultural studies for 2023, alongside its impressive Scopus ranks—#218 among 1304 in Cultural Studies and #157 among 502 in Anthropology—this journal illustrates a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful research. While it is not an open-access journal, it remains a key platform for disseminating innovative research and fostering academic dialogue, thereby significantly contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the social sciences.

Anthropological Forum

Cultivating Scholarly Excellence Since 1963
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0066-4677Frequency: 4 issues/year

Anthropological Forum, an esteemed journal in the field of anthropology, is published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With an ISSN of 0066-4677 and an E-ISSN of 1469-2902, the journal has cemented its reputation for fostering critical discussions and innovative research since its inception in 1963. Covering a broad range of topics within anthropology, it has achieved an impressive Q1 ranking in the category of Anthropology and a Q2 ranking in Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) in 2023, showcasing its pivotal role in advancing scholarly discourse. With a Scopus ranking placing it in the top 10% of its field, the journal provides valuable insights into contemporary anthropological issues, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although not an open-access journal, the comprehensive studies and articles published within its pages contribute significantly to the academic and professional community. Addressed out of Milton Park, Abingdon, UK, the Anthropological Forum remains a seminal platform for disseminating high-quality anthropological research.

Anthropological Notebooks

Navigating the Complexities of Culture and Society
Publisher: SLOVENE ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCISSN: 1408-032XFrequency: 3 issues/year

Anthropological Notebooks, published by the SLOVENE ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOC, is a noteworthy journal within the field of anthropology. Established in Slovenia, this journal aims to provide a platform for scholarly dialogue and dissemination of anthropological research, fostering interdisciplinary approaches and global perspectives. Although it currently holds a Q4 quartile ranking in anthropology and ranks #421 out of 502 in Scopus, it serves as an essential conduit for emerging voices and innovative ideas in the discipline. Covering research published from 2010 to 2019 and from 2021 to 2024, the journal invites contributions that explore diverse cultural narratives and anthropological insights. Despite its limited open access options, Anthropological Notebooks remains a crucial resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to engage with contemporary anthropological discourse and enrich their understanding of human societies.