SOCIAL RESEARCH

Scope & Guideline

Fostering critical engagement in the realms of social inquiry.

Introduction

Welcome to the SOCIAL RESEARCH 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 RESEARCH, 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
ISSN0037-783x
PublisherJOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1946 to 1947, from 1972 to 1974, 1976, from 1979 to 1980, from 1982 to 1986, 1988, from 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC RES / Soc. Res.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS PUBLISHING DIVISION, 2715 NORTH CHARLES ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21218-4363

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Social Research' aims to explore the complex interplay between society, law, culture, and historical processes. Its research encompasses a wide array of methodologies, emphasizing qualitative approaches and interdisciplinary frameworks.
  1. Sociological Analysis of Law and Governance:
    The journal frequently investigates the relationships between legal frameworks and social structures, focusing on how law influences societal norms and individual behaviors.
  2. Historical Contextualization of Social Phenomena:
    A significant emphasis is placed on historical sociology, examining how past events shape contemporary social issues and legal practices.
  3. Cultural Studies and Social Movements:
    The journal explores the dynamics of cultural practices, social movements, and collective actions, analyzing how these elements contribute to social change and governance.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Social Issues:
    'Social Research' embraces interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from sociology, political science, history, and cultural studies to address complex social issues.
  5. Focus on Marginalized Communities and Social Justice:
    The journal often highlights issues related to marginalized communities, including indigenous rights and gender studies, aiming to contribute to discussions on social justice and equity.
Recent publications in 'Social Research' have revealed several emerging themes that reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary social challenges and academic discourse.
  1. Decolonization and Reflexivity in Social Science:
    There is a growing emphasis on decolonizing methodologies and reflexivity in research practices, highlighting the importance of positionality and the influence of colonial histories on current social structures.
  2. Impact of Digital Transformation on Society:
    The journal is increasingly addressing the implications of digital technologies on social relations, health practices, and governance, reflecting the pervasive influence of digitalization in contemporary life.
  3. Environmental Justice and Sustainability:
    Emerging research themes focus on the intersections of social justice and environmental issues, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainability, showcasing a commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
  4. Health Inequalities and Pandemic Responses:
    The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a surge in research exploring health disparities and the socio-political dimensions of public health responses, emphasizing the need for a sociological understanding of health crises.
  5. Migration and Border Studies:
    There is a notable increase in research regarding migration patterns and border control dynamics, reflecting contemporary geopolitical challenges and the complexities of transnational movements.

Declining or Waning

While 'Social Research' continues to evolve, certain themes have seen a noticeable decline in their prominence in recent publications. This may reflect shifts in societal priorities or the journal's strategic focus.
  1. Traditional Historical Studies:
    Research focusing solely on traditional historical narratives without a sociological lens appears to be waning, as the journal increasingly favors analyses that incorporate contemporary social implications.
  2. Narrow Legalistic Approaches:
    There is a decline in papers that approach legal studies from a strictly technical perspective, indicating a shift towards more sociologically informed legal discourse.
  3. Static Views on Social Structures:
    Themes that present static or deterministic views of social structures without considering their dynamic and evolving nature are less frequently addressed, suggesting a move towards more fluid and adaptable understandings of society.

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