SOCIAL WORK

Scope & Guideline

Innovating Practices for a Better Society

Introduction

Welcome to the SOCIAL WORK 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 WORK, 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
ISSN0037-8046
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1956 to 2024
AbbreviationSOC WORK / Soc. Work
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS DEPT, 2001 EVANS RD, CARY, NC 27513

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'SOCIAL WORK' aims to address a wide array of issues associated with the practice and study of social work across diverse contexts. It maintains a commitment to empirical research and theoretical discussions that enhance the understanding of social work practices, policies, and the socio-cultural dynamics influencing them.
  1. Integration of Theory and Practice:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications in social work, exploring how theoretical insights can inform practice and vice versa.
  2. Focus on Vulnerable Populations:
    Research often centers on marginalized groups, including low-income families, adolescents, and the elderly, examining their unique challenges and the social work interventions designed to support them.
  3. Digital and Technological Impact:
    There is a growing interest in how digital technologies and social media influence social work, including their roles in enhancing service delivery and community engagement.
  4. Cultural Contexts and Comparative Studies:
    The journal frequently publishes comparative studies that investigate social work practices across different cultural and geographical settings, providing insights into culturally sensitive approaches.
  5. Mental Health and Well-being:
    A significant focus is placed on mental health issues, exploring the intersections between social work, mental health, and community resilience.
  6. Policy Analysis and Development:
    The journal contributes to discussions on social policy, analyzing the impacts of legislative changes and social welfare programs on communities and social work practice.
The journal 'SOCIAL WORK' reflects dynamic trends in the field, showcasing emerging themes that resonate with contemporary societal issues and the evolving nature of social work practice. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to shifts in social needs and research priorities.
  1. Impact of COVID-19:
    A significant trend is the exploration of the social work response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including studies on resilience, community engagement, and the adaptation of practices during crises.
  2. Digital Literacy and Social Work:
    Increasing attention is being paid to the role of digital literacy and access in social work, with research examining how technology can bridge gaps in service delivery and enhance community support.
  3. Community Resilience and Empowerment:
    Research focusing on community resilience and empowerment strategies is on the rise, emphasizing the importance of grassroots initiatives and community involvement in social work.
  4. Intersectionality in Social Work:
    There is a growing emphasis on intersectional approaches that analyze how various identities (such as gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status) intersect and affect individuals' experiences within social systems.
  5. Mental Health Trajectories:
    Emerging themes include the longitudinal study of mental health trajectories, particularly among vulnerable populations, indicating a shift towards understanding long-term outcomes and preventive strategies.

Declining or Waning

While the journal 'SOCIAL WORK' has maintained a diverse range of topics, certain themes appear to be diminishing in prominence over recent publications. These waning scopes suggest shifts in research priorities and emerging societal challenges.
  1. Traditional Welfare Models:
    Research focusing solely on traditional welfare models and practices is declining, as the field increasingly embraces innovative and integrative approaches to social work.
  2. Single-Country Studies:
    There is a noticeable reduction in studies that focus exclusively on single-country contexts, with a shift towards more comparative and cross-cultural analyses that provide broader insights.
  3. Generalized Mental Health Interventions:
    While mental health remains a core focus, there is a decrease in studies that present generalized interventions. Instead, there is a trend towards more specific, tailored approaches that address unique community needs.
  4. Focus on Non-Digital Engagement:
    Research exploring non-digital engagement methods is less frequent, reflecting the increasing importance placed on digital tools and online platforms in social work practice and research.
  5. Historical Perspectives:
    The exploration of historical social work practices and their relevance appears to be waning, as contemporary issues and immediate challenges take precedence in current research.

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