SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering Studies in Health Sociology Since 1979

Introduction

Welcome to the SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 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 SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS, 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
ISSN0141-9889
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1979 to 2024
AbbreviationSOCIOL HEALTH ILL / Sociol. Health Ill.
Frequency8 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The Sociology of Health & Illness journal focuses on the intersection of health, illness, and social factors. It aims to provide insights into how social contexts influence health outcomes and the experiences of individuals and communities in health care systems. The journal employs a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore these complex relationships.
  1. Social Determinants of Health:
    Research often emphasizes the impact of socioeconomic status, race, gender, and other social factors on health outcomes, exploring how these determinants shape experiences of illness and access to healthcare.
  2. Health Inequalities and Disparities:
    The journal frequently addresses issues of health equity, highlighting disparities in health access and outcomes among different populations, and advocating for social justice in health.
  3. Cultural and Social Contexts of Health:
    There is a strong focus on understanding health and illness through cultural lenses, examining how beliefs, practices, and social norms influence health behaviors and perceptions.
  4. Medicalization and Health Policy:
    The journal explores the medicalization of various social issues, critiquing health policies and practices that reflect broader social dynamics and power relations.
  5. Qualitative and Participatory Research:
    Methodologically, the journal favors qualitative approaches and participatory research, emphasizing the importance of lived experiences and the voices of marginalized groups in health discussions.
In recent years, the Sociology of Health & Illness journal has witnessed emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and the evolving landscape of health research. These trends indicate a responsiveness to contemporary health issues and a commitment to addressing complex social realities.
  1. Impact of COVID-19:
    The pandemic has catalyzed a surge in research examining its effects on health inequities, mental health, and the social dynamics of health care, showcasing the journal's adaptability to urgent global health issues.
  2. Digital Health and Technology:
    There is a growing interest in the role of digital technologies in health care, including telehealth, digital health applications, and their implications for patient experiences and health outcomes.
  3. Intersectionality in Health Research:
    Emerging studies increasingly focus on intersectional analysis, exploring how overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status) affect health outcomes and experiences.
  4. Community and Relational Approaches to Care:
    Research is trending towards understanding care as a relational process, emphasizing community involvement and the social networks that support health and well-being.
  5. Mental Health and Well-being:
    The journal is increasingly addressing issues related to mental health, particularly in the context of social stigma, identity, and the impact of societal changes on mental well-being.

Declining or Waning

While the Sociology of Health & Illness journal continues to evolve, certain themes have shown signs of waning prominence in recent years. These trends suggest a shift in focus towards contemporary issues, perhaps at the expense of previously popular topics.
  1. Traditional Biomedical Models:
    There has been a noticeable decline in research centered solely on traditional biomedical models of health, as the journal increasingly embraces a more holistic, sociocultural perspective.
  2. Static Frameworks of Health Education:
    Past frameworks for health education that did not incorporate social determinants or cultural contexts are becoming less common, reflecting a shift towards more dynamic and context-sensitive approaches.
  3. Focus on Singular Illnesses:
    Research concentrating on single diseases or conditions, without consideration of the broader social context, is diminishing as the journal highlights the importance of multimorbidity and intersectional health issues.

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