Social Theory & Health

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Social Contexts to Health Outcomes

Introduction

Welcome to the Social Theory & Health 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 Theory & Health, 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
ISSN1477-8211
PublisherPALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2003 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC THEOR HEALTH / Soc. Theory Health
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressBRUNEL RD BLDG, HOUNDMILLS, BASINGSTOKE RG21 6XS, HANTS, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

Social Theory & Health aims to bridge the gap between social theory and health research, exploring the intricate relationships between social structures, cultural practices, and health outcomes. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating perspectives from sociology, public health, and health policy to understand the complexities of health in contemporary society.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal promotes research that integrates various disciplinary perspectives, including sociology, public health, psychology, and anthropology, to provide comprehensive insights into health-related issues.
  2. Social Determinants of Health:
    A core focus is on understanding how social factors such as class, race, gender, and environment influence health outcomes and access to healthcare services.
  3. Critical Health Studies:
    The journal encourages critical examinations of health practices, policies, and ideologies, questioning dominant narratives and exploring alternative approaches to health and well-being.
  4. Patient and Community Perspectives:
    Research published in the journal often emphasizes the importance of experiential knowledge and the voices of patients and communities in shaping health practices and policies.
  5. Health Inequities:
    A significant area of focus is on health disparities and the structural factors that contribute to inequities in health outcomes across different populations.
Recent publications in Social Theory & Health indicate several emerging themes that reflect the evolving concerns and priorities in health research. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary health issues and the changing dynamics of society.
  1. Digital Health and Technology:
    There is an increasing focus on the implications of digitalization in healthcare, including the use of technology for health management and the impact of online spaces on health communication.
  2. Mental Health and Well-being:
    Recent studies emphasize mental health, particularly in the context of social relationships, stigma, and the effects of socio-political factors on mental health service use.
  3. COVID-19 and Its Aftermath:
    The pandemic has prompted a surge of research addressing its social implications, including vaccine hesitancy, public trust in healthcare, and the socio-economic impacts of health crises.
  4. Health Capital and Individual Responsibility:
    Emerging discussions around health capital and the responsibilities of individuals and communities in health management reflect a shift towards understanding health as a socially constructed asset.
  5. Environmental Health and Ecosystems:
    There is a growing interest in the intersections between health, environment, and policy, particularly concerning how ecological factors affect health outcomes and community resilience.

Declining or Waning

While Social Theory & Health has consistently addressed various themes over the years, certain areas of focus seem to be waning in prominence. These declining themes reflect shifts in research interests and the evolving landscape of health studies.
  1. Traditional Medical Practices:
    Research on traditional medicine and its integration into modern healthcare systems appears to be less frequent, indicating a potential decline in interest or relevance as health systems become more standardized.
  2. Historical Perspectives on Health:
    There seems to be a reduction in studies focusing on historical analyses of health practices and policies, possibly overshadowed by contemporary issues and urgent health crises.
  3. Medicalization of Minor Diagnoses:
    Explorations of the medicalization of conditions previously deemed minor are becoming less common, suggesting a shift towards addressing more pressing health challenges.
  4. Rural Health Issues:
    While rural health remains important, the frequency of studies specifically addressing rural health challenges may be declining as urban health issues gain more attention in the current research landscape.

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