SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Interdisciplinary Insights for Better Health

Introduction

Welcome to the SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE 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 SCIENCE & MEDICINE, 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
ISSN0277-9536
PublisherPERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1967 to 1980, from 1982 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC SCI MED / Soc. Sci. Med.
Frequency24 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Social Science & Medicine' aims to explore the complex interactions between social factors and health outcomes, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches to address pressing public health issues.
  1. Social determinants of health:
    The journal consistently emphasizes the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, including socioeconomic status, education, and community resources.
  2. Intersectionality in health research:
    It focuses on how multiple identities (such as race, gender, and class) intersect to affect health disparities and access to care.
  3. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies:
    The journal publishes research employing a range of methodologies, from qualitative interviews and ethnographies to large-scale quantitative studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of health issues.
  4. Cultural and contextual factors:
    Research often examines how cultural beliefs and social norms influence health behaviors and perceptions, especially in diverse populations.
  5. Policy implications:
    It addresses health policy and public health interventions, assessing their effectiveness and equity in various contexts.
  6. Global health perspectives:
    The journal includes research that examines health issues from a global perspective, highlighting disparities and solutions in low- and middle-income countries.
The journal is increasingly focusing on several emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and health paradigms.
  1. Mental health and well-being:
    There is a growing emphasis on mental health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring its impact on various populations and the interplay with social factors.
  2. Health equity and justice:
    Research is increasingly examining health equity, addressing how structural inequalities affect health outcomes and access to care.
  3. Community-based participatory research:
    This approach is gaining traction, focusing on the involvement of communities in health research and interventions to enhance relevance and effectiveness.
  4. Impact of technology on health:
    Studies exploring the role of digital health technologies, telemedicine, and social media in shaping health behaviors and outcomes are on the rise.
  5. Climate change and health:
    The intersection of climate change and public health is emerging as a critical area of research, addressing how environmental changes impact health and health disparities.
  6. Racial and ethnic disparities in health:
    Research focusing on the health outcomes of racially and ethnically marginalized populations is increasingly prevalent, highlighting systemic issues and advocating for targeted interventions.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to evolve, certain themes have shown a decline in frequency or prominence in recent publications.
  1. Traditional biomedical approaches:
    There is a noticeable shift away from purely biomedical research towards more holistic and interdisciplinary studies that integrate social science perspectives.
  2. Narrowly focused epidemiological studies:
    Epidemiological studies that do not incorporate social determinants or context are less frequently published, reflecting a broader trend towards comprehensive health research.
  3. Single-dimension health interventions:
    Interventions focusing on only one aspect of health (e.g., physical health without considering mental or social factors) are becoming less common in favor of multifaceted approaches.
  4. Over-reliance on quantitative data alone:
    There is a growing preference for studies that combine qualitative insights with quantitative data, leading to a decline in publications that solely emphasize statistical analysis.

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