Social Dynamics-A Journal of African Studies

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Dialogue on Africa's Evolving Narratives

Introduction

Welcome to the Social Dynamics-A Journal of African Studies 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 Social Dynamics-A Journal of African Studies, 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
ISSN0253-3952
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1975 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC DYNAMICS / Soc. Dyn.-J. Afr. Stud.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Social Dynamics: A Journal of African Studies' is dedicated to exploring the complex social, political, and cultural dynamics within Africa, with a strong emphasis on the historical and contemporary impacts of colonialism and the ongoing processes of decolonization. The journal seeks to provide a platform for critical discourse and innovative methodologies that reflect African perspectives and experiences.
  1. Social and Political Activism:
    The journal focuses on social movements, protests, and the role of political advocacy in shaping contemporary African societies. This includes analyses of grassroots movements and the implications of social activism on governance and community development.
  2. Decolonization and Epistemic Justice:
    A core area of research involves the examination of decolonization processes in Africa, particularly how knowledge production and historical narratives are being re-evaluated and transformed to address colonial legacies.
  3. Archival Studies and Memory:
    The journal emphasizes the significance of archives in understanding African history, identity, and memory. This includes exploring how archival practices affect political discourse and cultural representation.
  4. Cultural Representation and Identity:
    Research often delves into the representation of African identities in various cultural forms, including literature, film, and social media, highlighting the intersection of culture, gender, and politics.
  5. Urban Studies and Environmental Issues:
    The journal also addresses urbanization and environmental challenges in African contexts, examining how these issues intersect with social dynamics, economic development, and community resilience.
In recent years, 'Social Dynamics: A Journal of African Studies' has seen a rise in certain thematic areas, reflecting the evolving landscape of African studies and the growing importance of specific social and political issues.
  1. Digital Humanities and African Studies:
    There is a growing interest in how digital platforms and technologies shape cultural production and identity in Africa, particularly regarding social media, digital archives, and the representation of African narratives online.
  2. Environmental Justice and Climate Resilience:
    Papers addressing environmental justice, climate change, and resilience strategies in African communities are increasingly common, reflecting a heightened awareness of ecological issues and their social implications.
  3. Gender Studies and Intersectionality:
    The journal has seen a surge in research that examines gender dynamics through an intersectional lens, exploring how race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender in African contexts.
  4. Urban Resilience and Social Change:
    Emerging themes focus on urban resilience, particularly how communities adapt to socio-economic challenges and environmental changes in urban settings, highlighting innovative local responses and grassroots initiatives.
  5. Art and Activism:
    There is an increasing intersection of art and political activism in the journal's publications, exploring how creative expressions can serve as powerful tools for social change and resistance.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently published a wide range of topics, certain themes have shown signs of decline in frequency or relevance in recent years. This may reflect shifting scholarly interests or the emergence of new priorities within African studies.
  1. Traditional Political Theory:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers focusing on classical political theories and frameworks that do not engage with contemporary African realities or the nuances of post-colonial contexts.
  2. Historical Narratives without Decolonial Lens:
    Research that presents historical narratives without critically engaging with the decolonial perspective seems to be less prominent. Scholars are increasingly expected to incorporate decolonial critiques into historical analysis.
  3. Monolithic Views of African Identity:
    The portrayal of African identity as a singular or monolithic concept is waning, with more emphasis now placed on intersectionality and the complexities of identity politics in diverse contexts.

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