Social Policy and Society

Scope & Guideline

Driving evidence-based discourse in social policy and society.

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Social Policy and Society 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
ISSN1474-7464
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Converge2011, from 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC POLICY SOC / Soc. Policy Soc.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal "Social Policy and Society" focuses on the intersection of social policy, welfare states, and societal issues, providing a platform for research that examines the implications of social policies on various populations and contexts.
  1. Social Policy Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes rigorous analysis of social policies, exploring their development, implementation, and impact on different demographics, including vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, and marginalized communities.
  2. Comparative Studies:
    It promotes comparative research across different countries and regions, shedding light on varied welfare state models and their effectiveness in addressing social issues, particularly in the context of globalization and transnational influences.
  3. Emerging Social Issues:
    The journal addresses contemporary social challenges, including economic crises, health disparities, and the impacts of technology on welfare systems, highlighting how these factors shape social policy responses.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Research published in the journal often employs interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from sociology, economics, political science, and public health to provide a holistic understanding of social policy issues.
  5. Focus on Vulnerability and Inequality:
    A consistent focus on issues of inequality and social justice is present, with research examining how social policies can alleviate or exacerbate disparities in access to resources and services.
The journal has recently highlighted several emerging themes that reflect current societal changes and policy challenges, indicating a dynamic evolution in social policy discourse.
  1. Impact of Technology on Welfare:
    Research exploring the role of technology in social service provision has surged, particularly in relation to how digitalization can enhance or hinder access to welfare services in various contexts.
  2. Responses to the Cost-of-Living Crisis:
    There is an increasing focus on how social policies are adapting to the cost-of-living crisis, with studies analyzing the effectiveness of policy measures in alleviating economic hardship for vulnerable populations.
  3. Climate Change and Social Policy:
    Emerging themes around eco-social policies are gaining traction, examining how climate change intersects with social welfare and the implications for policy development in sustainability.
  4. Intersectionality in Social Policy:
    Recent publications are increasingly addressing intersectional approaches to social policy, examining how overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, disability) influence access to services and outcomes.
  5. Post-Pandemic Policy Reforms:
    The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a trend towards re-evaluating and reforming social policies, with research focusing on lessons learned and the future of welfare in a post-pandemic context.

Declining or Waning

While "Social Policy and Society" maintains a robust focus on various social policy themes, certain areas have seen a decline in publication frequency or emphasis in recent years.
  1. Traditional Welfare State Models:
    Research centered on conventional welfare state models has decreased, reflecting a shift towards examining more innovative, hybrid approaches to welfare and social support.
  2. Homogeneity in Policy Responses:
    There has been a waning interest in studies that assume a one-size-fits-all approach to social policy, as more research seeks to understand the complexities and localized nuances of policy implementation.
  3. Historical Welfare Comparisons:
    While historical analyses have been crucial, there is a noticeable decline in publications focusing solely on historical comparisons of welfare states, as contemporary and future-oriented research gains prominence.

Similar Journals

REVUE D ECONOMIE POLITIQUE

Bridging Theories and Realities in Economic Politics
Publisher: EDITIONS DALLOZISSN: 0373-2630Frequency: 6 issues/year

REVUE D ECONOMIE POLITIQUE, published by EDITIONS DALLOZ, serves as a pivotal platform for scholars and professionals engaged in the intricate fields of political science and economics. Established in France, this esteemed journal addresses a wide array of topics pertaining to economic theories, political dynamics, and their interrelations, making it essential reading for those seeking to understand contemporary socio-economic issues. With an ISSN of 0373-2630 and an E-ISSN of 2105-2883, the journal is indexed in notable databases, achieving a category quartile ranking of Q3 in Political Science and International Relations and a respectable standing within other relevant fields. Although currently not open access, it remains a vital resource for researchers and students alike, enriching the academic discourse within its converged years from 1975, 1978, and 2005 to 2024. Positioned in a competitive landscape, with rankings of 442/706 in Political Science and 211/288 in Economics, the journal’s contributions continue to resonate within the scholarly community.

Journal of Poverty and Social Justice

Fostering dialogue on justice and welfare reform.
Publisher: POLICY PRESSISSN: 1759-8273Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, published by Policy Press, stands as a pivotal resource in the fields of Public Administration and Sociology and Political Science. With an impressive impact factor positioning it in the Q2 quartile for both disciplines as of 2023, this journal engages the academic community in critical discussions surrounding poverty, social justice, and the intricacies of policy-making. Released quarterly from its inception in 2010 and set to continue through 2024, it provides a platform for innovative research, case studies, and theoretical reflections that seek to address the multifaceted challenges of poverty and promote equitable social policies. Although not an open-access journal, it offers essential insights for researchers, professionals, and students alike, making it an indispensable reference for those committed to advancing knowledge in social justice and welfare reform.

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL POLICY

Shaping Tomorrow's Social Policies Today
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0047-2794Frequency: 4 issues/year

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF SOCIAL POLICY, a leading peer-reviewed journal published by Cambridge University Press. Since its inception in 1976, this esteemed journal has been at the forefront of research in social policy, encompassing critical issues that shape public welfare and societal structures. With an impressive standing in the academic community, this journal holds a Q1 ranking in Public Administration and Q1 ranking in Social Sciences (miscellaneous), reflecting its commitment to publishing high-quality research that addresses contemporary challenges. Additionally, it is recognized within Q2 in Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, contributing to multidisciplinary discourse. Although the journal does not operate under an open-access model, subscribers gain access to cutting-edge research that informs policy and practice developments. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find valuable insights and data-driven analyses that foster greater understanding and implementation of effective social policies. Join a community of scholars dedicated to advancing knowledge and stimulating debate in this vital field.

Criminology & Public Policy

Bridging Theory and Practice for a Safer Society
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1538-6473Frequency: 4 issues/year

Criminology & Public Policy, published by Wiley, is an esteemed journal that plays a pivotal role in the interdisciplinary fields of law, public administration, and literature. With a focus on innovation and empirical research, this journal addresses critical issues surrounding crime and justice while influencing policy decisions globally. The journal boasts a prestigious impact factor, reflecting its significant contribution to academic discourse, particularly noted for its top quartile rankings in the fields of Law, Literature and Literary Theory, and Public Administration in 2023. As a resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, Criminology & Public Policy aims to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, presenting cutting-edge analyses and insights that are vital for addressing contemporary societal challenges. By providing a platform for rigorous scholarship, this journal supports the advancement of knowledge and fosters informed discussions that shape effective public policies.

Australian Economic Review

Fostering Excellence in Economic Research and Discourse.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0004-9018Frequency: 4 issues/year

Australian Economic Review, published by Wiley, serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of high-quality research in the field of economics and econometrics. With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1968 and continuing through to 2024, this journal holds a respectable position within the academic community, evidenced by its recent categorization in the Q3 quartile for its contributions to the subject area, and its Scopus rank of #432 out of 716 in the field. This makes it a noteworthy resource for researchers, academics, and professionals striving to stay at the forefront of economic discourse. While it does not currently offer open access options, the journal is committed to providing insightful analyses, empirical studies, and comprehensive reviews that cater to both theoretical and practical aspects of economic research. By fostering an environment for rigorous scholarship, the Australian Economic Review plays a crucial role in advancing understanding and innovation in the ever-evolving field of economics.

Journal of Economic Inequality

Advancing the discourse on economic disparities.
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 1569-1721Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Economic Inequality is a leading interdisciplinary platform dedicated to advancing the understanding of economic disparities and their implications for society. Published by SpringerNature, this journal has achieved an impressive standing within the academic community, featured in the prestigious Q1 quartile across multiple categories, including Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management, and Sociology and Political Science as of 2023. With an emphasis on high-quality empirical research and theoretical contributions, the journal serves as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners alike seeking in-depth insights into the mechanics of inequality. With a broad scope encompassing discussions across various fields, it provides vital perspectives that influence policy-making and social justice. Researchers will find valuable access to cutting-edge studies and the latest trends in economic research, reinforcing the journal's commitment to promoting knowledge that can lead to significant societal change. The journal operates from the Netherlands, with its editorial office located at CAMPUS, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON N1 9XW, ENGLAND.

SOCIAL POLICY & ADMINISTRATION

Driving impactful discussions in public administration and social work.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0144-5596Frequency: 7 issues/year

SOCIAL POLICY & ADMINISTRATION, published by WILEY, is a leading journal in the fields of social policy and administration, focusing on the intersection of social work, public administration, and sociology. Established in 1967, this UK-based journal has consistently contributed to scholarly discussions and policy-making practices, reflecting its prestigious standing with a Q1 ranking in three key categories: Development, Public Administration, and Social Work for 2023. With an impressive Scopus ranking that places it in the top 7% of its field, it serves as an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students aiming to explore contemporary challenges and advancements in social policy. Although it does not currently offer open access, readers can benefit from its rigorous peer-reviewed articles and empirical studies that aim to shape the future of social administration, providing critical insights for effective policy formulation and implementation.

Cepal Review

Fostering Dialogue on Development Challenges
Publisher: COMISION ECONOMICA PARA AMERICA LATINA Y EL CARIBEISSN: 0251-2920Frequency: 3 issues/year

Cepal Review is a prominent academic journal published by the Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), focusing on critical issues within the fields of development and economics. Established in 1977, the journal has served as a vital platform for disseminating research relevant to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners interested in economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The journal holds a Q4 category ranking in both Development and Economics, Econometrics, and Finance (miscellaneous) as of 2023, highlighting its commitment to fostering dialogue on pressing economic challenges despite its current ranked positioning. While Cephal Review is not open access, its compilation of diverse articles from 1981 to 2024 reflects a wide-ranging discourse on socioeconomic trends, policies, and theoretical frameworks. For anyone engaged in these fields, this journal is an invaluable resource for understanding the dynamics of economic development and the region's unique context.

Journal of Human Rights and Social Work

Advancing Justice through Knowledge
Publisher: SPRINGER INT PUBL AGISSN: 2365-1792Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, published by SPRINGER INT PUBL AG, stands as a vital platform for advancing knowledge and discussion in the fields of human rights, social justice, and community welfare. With its ISSN 2365-1792, this esteemed journal encompasses a broad array of interdisciplinary studies that address pressing issues in law, sociology, and political science. Recognized for its impact, the journal holds a prestigious Q1 quartile ranking in Law and a Q2 in Sociology and Political Science as of 2023, placing it among the top-tier publications in its domain. Notably ranked 245/1025 in social sciences law and 526/1466 in sociology and political science, it demonstrates strong relevance and influence within the academic community. Researchers, professionals, and students are encouraged to contribute to this open-discussion platform, which serves not only as an academic resource but also as a catalyst for social change, particularly in Switzerland and beyond, with converged issues from 2016 to 2024. Join the discourse and contribute to the evolution of human rights and social work research today.

CESifo Economic Studies

Empowering Research to Shape Economic Futures
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 1610-241XFrequency: 4 issues/year

CESifo Economic Studies, published by Oxford University Press, is a distinguished academic journal that focuses on the interdisciplinary exploration of economics and its implications on society. With an ISSN of 1610-241X and an E-ISSN of 1612-7501, the journal aims to disseminate high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of economic knowledge, particularly emphasizing empirical findings and innovative theoretical frameworks. As a recognized leader in its field, CESifo Economic Studies holds a 2023 Q2 ranking in both Economics and Econometrics and Geography, Planning and Development, reflecting its significant impact and relevance in these areas. The journal is accessible through traditional subscription models, ensuring that critical economic research remains available to scholars, policymakers, and educators alike. With a commitment to excellence in publication, the journal supports the academic community through the provision of rigorous peer-reviewed articles that address current challenges and trends in economics. Researchers and students seeking to deepen their understanding of economic mechanisms will find this journal an invaluable resource.