Social Movement Studies

Scope & Guideline

Empowering Insights into Sociopolitical Change

Introduction

Welcome to the Social Movement 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 Movement 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
ISSN1474-2837
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2010 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC MOVEMENT STUD / Soc. Mov. Stud.
Frequency4 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

Social Movement Studies is dedicated to exploring the dynamics, strategies, and impacts of social movements across various contexts. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and encourages a diversity of methodologies to deepen the understanding of collective action and its implications.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal draws from sociology, political science, cultural studies, and environmental studies, facilitating a rich dialogue among disciplines to analyze social movements comprehensively.
  2. Global Perspectives on Social Movements:
    It focuses on movements from around the world, providing insights into local, national, and transnational activism, thus highlighting diverse struggles and strategies.
  3. Intersectionality and Social Justice:
    A significant emphasis is placed on intersectionality, examining how various forms of identity (gender, race, class, etc.) intersect to shape the experiences and strategies of activists.
  4. Methodological Diversity:
    The journal promotes various methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, ethnographic, and digital analysis, allowing for a nuanced understanding of social movements.
  5. Focus on Contemporary Issues:
    It addresses pressing contemporary issues such as climate change, migration, and political repression, making it relevant to current global challenges.
  6. Emotional and Psychological Dimensions:
    The journal explores the emotional and psychological aspects of activism, including how feelings like anger, hope, and fear influence mobilization and participation.
The journal has seen a rise in specific themes and topics, reflecting the evolving landscape of social movements and collective action. This section outlines the emerging trends that are gaining attention among researchers and practitioners.
  1. Climate Justice Movements:
    There is a significant increase in research focusing on climate activism, with an emphasis on how social movements address environmental crises and advocate for sustainable futures.
  2. Digital Activism and Datafication:
    Emerging themes related to digital activism, data privacy, and the impact of social media on mobilization strategies are becoming more prominent, reflecting the changing nature of collective action.
  3. Transnational Solidarity:
    A growing interest in transnational movements and solidarity networks highlights how global crises inspire collaboration across borders, emphasizing the interconnectedness of struggles.
  4. Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Activism:
    There is an increasing focus on the emotional dimensions of activism, exploring how feelings influence participation and the psychological toll of activism on individuals and communities.
  5. Decolonial and Anti-Colonial Movements:
    Research addressing decolonial and anti-colonial movements has gained momentum, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to address historical injustices and systemic oppression in activism.

Declining or Waning

While Social Movement Studies continues to address a wide array of topics, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence. This section highlights areas that are becoming less prevalent in recent publications.
  1. Traditional Labor Movements:
    There is a noticeable decline in the focus on traditional labor movements, as newer forms of activism and broader social justice issues have gained traction in recent years.
  2. Single-Issue Focus:
    Research concentrating on isolated issues without considering their intersectionality or broader socio-political contexts appears to be waning, as scholars increasingly advocate for holistic approaches.
  3. Historical Case Studies:
    While historical analysis remains important, there is a shift towards contemporary movements and real-time analyses, leading to fewer publications focusing solely on historical case studies.
  4. Conventional Activism Models:
    There is a reduction in studies that rely heavily on conventional models of activism, as newer frameworks incorporating digital and networked activism gain popularity.
  5. Nationalistic Movements:
    The focus on nationalist movements seems to be decreasing as the journal pivots towards more inclusive and global perspectives, reflecting a shift in academic interest.

Similar Journals

Politikon

Bridging Theory and Practice in Political Science
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0258-9346Frequency: 3 issues/year

Politikon is a prestigious journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the dynamic fields of Political Science and International Relations as well as Sociology. With an impressive history dating back to 1974, the journal has established itself as a significant contributor to scholarly discourse, reflected in its 2023 categorization within Q2 quartiles in both the Political Science and International Relations category and the Sociology and Political Science category. Although Open Access options are not currently available, Politikon provides valuable insights and rigorous research that are instrumental for academics, practitioners, and students alike. The journal has also achieved notable Scopus rankings, showcasing its relevance in the social sciences arena. By exploring contemporary political issues and sociopolitical phenomena, Politikon continues to be a vital resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of governance, policy-making, and societal dynamics on a global scale.

JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY ASIA

Connecting Scholars to the Heart of Asian Socio-Cultural Discourse
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0047-2336Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Contemporary Asia, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is an esteemed academic platform that explores pivotal issues and developments within the fields of Cultural Studies and Social Sciences. With an impressive impact factor signified by its Q1 category rankings in both domains and its remarkable positions of Rank #38 in Cultural Studies and Rank #59 in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) as per Scopus, this journal has emerged as a leading source of interdisciplinary research since its inception in 1970. Spanning relevant topics in contemporary Asian studies, it serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to deepen their understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of the region. While currently offering subscription-based access options, its invaluable insights contribute significantly to advancing scholarship and informed discourse in contemporary Asian studies.

AMERICAN BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST

Fostering Scholarly Dialogue on Societal Issues
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0002-7642Frequency: 12 issues/year

American Behavioral Scientist is a prestigious academic journal published by SAGE Publications Inc. since 1957, dedicated to advancing the fields of Cultural Studies, Education, Social Psychology, and Sociology and Political Science. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the Q1 category across several social science disciplines, it stands as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to explore complex human behaviors and societal dynamics. The journal’s rigorous publication standards ensure that only high-quality research is disseminated, affirming its status within the academic community, evidenced by its exceptional Scopus rankings. Although it is not an open-access journal, subscriptions to American Behavioral Scientist provide invaluable insights and empirical findings that contribute to the understanding of behavioral sciences. For those committed to the exploration of social phenomena, this journal remains an essential tool in facilitating scholarly dialogue and fostering impactful research.

LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES

Transforming Understanding Through Scholarly Discourse
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0094-582XFrequency: 6 issues/year

LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES is a leading academic journal dedicated to the critical examination of Latin American social, political, and economic issues. Published by SAGE Publications Inc, this journal boasts an impact in the disciplines of Geography, Planning and Development, Sociology, and Political Science, as reflected in its Q2 rankings for 2023. With its subscription model, it ensures broad accessibility to cutting-edge research and diverse perspectives on Latin American studies. Established in 1977 and converging in publication years from 1984 to the present, the journal features articles that advance scholarly discourse and foster interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students alike. Recognized in Scopus for its contributions, LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES continues to be a pivotal resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of complex regional dynamics and contribute to the global conversation surrounding Latin America.

MOUVEMENT SOCIAL

Advancing Critical Insights into Societal Evolution
Publisher: PRESSES SCIENCES POISSN: 0027-2671Frequency: 4 issues/year

MOUVEMENT SOCIAL is a prominent academic journal published by PRESSES SCIENCES PO, focusing on the dynamic and evolving fields of history, sociology, and political science. Established in 1975, the journal has grown to become a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners interested in social movements, cultural trends, and political contexts in both historical and contemporary settings. With an ISSN of 0027-2671 and an E-ISSN of 1961-8646, MOUVEMENT SOCIAL is indexed in various databases, albeit with a current positioning in the category quartiles reflecting a Q3 ranking in History and a Q4 in Sociology and Political Science for 2023. Its Scopus ranks highlight the challenges faced in the competitive landscape of the humanities and social sciences, with particular focus on the journal’s contribution to discourse surrounding social transformations. This journal is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and providing insights into the mechanisms of social change, making it a critical platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike who are invested in understanding the complexities of societal evolution.

SOCIOLOGICAL QUARTERLY

Engaging Minds, Transforming Society
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INCISSN: 0038-0253Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sociological Quarterly, published by Taylor & Francis Inc, stands as a leading journal in the field of sociology and political science, providing a platform for innovative research and critical discourse since its inception in 1960. With an impressive impact factor reflected by its Q2 categorization in the 2023 rankings, this journal has effectively positioned itself as a crucial resource for scholars and practitioners alike. Operating under the ISSN 0038-0253 and E-ISSN 1533-8525, the journal is committed to advancing knowledge and fostering scholarly communication within the social sciences, evidenced by its robust Scopus ranking of 392 out of 1466 and a commendable 73rd percentile. Although it does not currently offer open access, Sociological Quarterly remains an essential publication for those seeking to engage with contemporary sociological issues and to contribute to the vibrant dialogue shaping our understanding of society.

International Journal of Politics Culture and Society

Fostering Academic Excellence in Politics and Culture
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0891-4486Frequency: 4 issues/year

The International Journal of Politics Culture and Society, published by SPRINGER, serves as a premier platform for scholarly dialogue across the fields of political science, sociology, and cultural studies. With an ISSN of 0891-4486 and an E-ISSN of 1573-3416, this journal has successfully published rigorous research since its inception in 1987. It features a convergence of critical ideas and empirical studies that explore the intersection of political, cultural, and social dynamics globally. Ranked in the Q2 category for both Political Science and International Relations and Sociology by prestigious metrics, this journal reflects its high impact within the academic community, showcasing articles that hold significant relevance across disciplines. Additionally, it maintains commendable Scopus rankings, placing it in the 76th and 71st percentiles within its respective categories. While this journal operates under a subscription model, it remains committed to facilitating access to important research for professionals, researchers, and students eager to engage with contemporary political and social issues.

SocietaMutamentoPolitica-Rivista Italiana di Sociologia

Fostering Dialogue on Social Change and Political Dynamics.
Publisher: FIRENZE UNIV PRESSISSN: 2038-3150Frequency: 2 issues/year

SocietaMutamentoPolitica-Rivista Italiana di Sociologia is a prominent open access journal dedicated to the field of sociology, published by FIRENZE UNIV PRESS. Since its inception in 2010, this journal has provided a dynamic platform for scholars to disseminate groundbreaking research and critical discussions on social change and political dynamics within the Italian context and beyond. With its commitment to accessibility, it fosters a rich dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students, making significant contributions to the understanding of contemporary sociological issues. Although the journal's H-index and Scopus rankings are currently unavailable, its targeted scope on socio-political transformations ensures it remains an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of society and politics. With its headquarters in Florence, Italy, the journal is well-positioned at the heart of European sociological discourse, encouraging a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

THIRD WORLD QUARTERLY

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogues on Global Challenges
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0143-6597Frequency: 18 issues/year

THIRD WORLD QUARTERLY, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier academic journal that has been at the forefront of development studies since its inception in 1979. With an ISSN of 0143-6597 and an E-ISSN of 1360-2241, it serves as an essential platform for interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing social, economic, and political issues faced by developing countries. The journal currently holds a prestigious Q1 rank in the Development category, placing it among the top 25% of journals in the field according to Scopus metrics, where it ranks 76 out of 306. Despite being a non-open access journal, it offers invaluable insights and critical analyses, making it a key resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike who seek to contribute to discussions around development theory and practice. Based in the United Kingdom, THIRD WORLD QUARTERLY continues to shape dialogues and influence policy through its rigorous scholarship, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the global south.

Recerca-Revista de Pensament & Analisi

Fostering critical analysis for a deeper understanding of contemporary issues.
Publisher: UNIV JAUME I, SERVEI COMUNICACIO PUBLICACIONSISSN: 1130-6149Frequency: 2 issues/year

Recerca-Revista de Pensament & Analisi, published by UNIV JAUME I, SERVEI COMUNICACIO PUBLICACIONS, is a premier open access journal that has been fostering scholarly communication in the fields of philosophy and social sciences since its inception in 2001. With an E-ISSN of 2254-4135, this journal provides a platform for interdisciplinary research, critically analyzing contemporary social and philosophical issues. The journal has earned commendable rankings, placing in the top 25th percentile in Philosophy and demonstrating significant impact in Social Sciences, attesting to its growing influence within academia. Based in Spain, at the EDIF RECORAT SERVEIS CENTRALS, CAMPU DEL RIU SEC in Castello de la Plana, Recerca encourages contributions that enhance understanding of philosophical thought and its practical implications in society. Researchers, professionals, and students are invited to engage with its diverse range of articles, reflective of the journal's commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering intellectual dialogue.