SOCIAL FORCES

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Anthropology, History, Sociology, and Political Science.

Introduction

Welcome to the SOCIAL FORCES 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 FORCES, 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
ISSN0037-7732
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1925 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC FORCES / Soc. Forces
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DEPT, 2001 EVANS RD, CARY, NC 27513

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Social Forces' aims to explore the dynamic interactions between social structures and individual agency, focusing on the implications of these interactions for social inequality, cultural practices, and political processes. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, drawing insights from sociology, political science, economics, and cultural studies.
  1. Social Inequality and Stratification:
    The journal consistently publishes research addressing various dimensions of social inequality, including race, gender, class, and immigration status, exploring how these intersect and shape life outcomes.
  2. Cultural Dynamics and Identity:
    There is a strong emphasis on the role of culture in social processes, including the construction of identities, cultural movements, and the impact of cultural practices on social relations.
  3. Labor and Economic Structures:
    Research on labor markets, employment dynamics, and economic inequalities is a core focus, often examining how economic policies and conditions affect different social groups.
  4. Political Participation and Social Movements:
    The journal frequently explores themes related to political engagement, activism, and the role of social movements in shaping public policy and social change.
  5. Health and Well-Being:
    Health disparities and their social determinants are recurrent topics, reflecting an interest in how social factors influence health outcomes and access to healthcare.
Recent publications in 'Social Forces' reveal emerging themes and trends that reflect the evolving landscape of social research. These themes highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues affecting society.
  1. Intersectionality in Social Research:
    There is a growing trend towards intersectional analyses that examine how various social identities (e.g., race, gender, class) intersect to produce unique experiences of privilege and oppression.
  2. Digital and Online Activism:
    Research on the role of digital platforms in social movements and activism is on the rise, reflecting the increasing importance of social media in political engagement and community organizing.
  3. Health Inequalities and Social Justice:
    The focus on health disparities, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and its aftermath, has become more pronounced, emphasizing social determinants of health and the implications for policy and equity.
  4. Migration and Transnationalism:
    Studies addressing the complexities of migration, including the experiences of immigrants and the dynamics of transnational communities, are increasingly featured in the journal.
  5. Precarious Labor and Gig Economy:
    Research examining the implications of precarious work and the gig economy on social relations and economic stability is emerging as a significant area of focus, highlighting contemporary labor market challenges.

Declining or Waning

While 'Social Forces' has maintained a broad focus on social issues, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. This section highlights these waning scopes, reflecting a shift in research priorities within the journal.
  1. Traditional Family Structures:
    Research focusing solely on traditional family dynamics and roles has seen a decline, as the journal increasingly emphasizes diverse family forms and the complexities of contemporary family life.
  2. Rural Studies and Small Communities:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications centered on rural sociology and small community studies, suggesting a shift towards urban-centric research.
  3. Historical Sociology:
    Papers that focus exclusively on historical analyses of social phenomena have become less frequent, indicating a potential waning interest in historical perspectives in favor of contemporary issues.
  4. Classical Theoretical Frameworks:
    While foundational sociological theories remain important, there appears to be a decline in papers that strictly adhere to classical theories in favor of more innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.
  5. Environmental Sociology:
    Although environmental issues remain relevant, research specifically framed within environmental sociology has diminished, possibly overshadowed by broader discussions of climate justice and sustainability.

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