Social Anthropology

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Tapestry of Human Cultures

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Social Anthropology with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
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.

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