SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

Scope & Guideline

Unraveling the Complex Tapestry of Religion and Society

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1069-4404
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1964 to 1975, from 1977 to 1978, from 1980 to 1984, from 1986 to 1994, 1996, from 1998 to 2001, from 2005 to 2024
AbbreviationSOCIOL RELIG / Sociol. Relig.
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 'Sociology of Religion' aims to explore the complex interactions between religion and social dynamics, focusing on how religious beliefs and practices shape, and are shaped by, societal structures and cultural contexts. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, political science, and cultural studies to investigate various dimensions of religion in contemporary society.
  1. Intersections of Religion and Identity:
    This area examines how religion interacts with various identity markers such as race, gender, sexuality, and nationality, exploring the implications of these intersections for individual and collective identities.
  2. Religious Practices and Beliefs:
    A focus on the lived experiences of individuals within their religious contexts, analyzing how beliefs manifest in everyday practices and rituals, and how these practices are influenced by broader social forces.
  3. Religion and Social Movements:
    Investigating the role of religion in social movements, this area looks at how religious groups mobilize for social change, engage in activism, and influence political processes.
  4. Secularization and Nonreligion:
    This scope addresses the processes of secularization and the growing presence of nonreligious identities, exploring how these phenomena affect societal norms, values, and individual beliefs.
  5. Globalization and Religion:
    Analyzing the impact of globalization on religious practices and beliefs, this area explores how transnational movements and global interconnections influence local religious expressions.
  6. Religion, Politics, and Power:
    Examining the relationship between religion and political structures, this focus looks at how religious beliefs inform political ideologies and governance, as well as the implications for social justice and power dynamics.
The 'Sociology of Religion' journal reflects dynamic shifts in the study of religion, with several emerging themes gaining traction in recent publications. These trends indicate a responsiveness to contemporary societal issues and the evolving landscape of religious identity.
  1. Queer Theology and LGBTQ+ Issues:
    There is a notable increase in research addressing the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ identities, highlighting how queer individuals navigate their faith and challenge traditional religious norms.
  2. Digital Religion and Online Communities:
    The rise of digital platforms for religious expression and community building is becoming a prominent area of study, reflecting the impact of technology on religious practices and identities.
  3. Religious Responses to Social Justice Issues:
    Emerging scholarship is exploring how various religious communities engage with social justice movements, reflecting a broader trend of faith-based activism in response to contemporary social challenges.
  4. Post-Secular Perspectives:
    Research is increasingly examining post-secular frameworks that consider the resurgence of spiritual and religious practices in contexts previously thought to be secularizing, indicating a complex interplay between secularization and religious revival.
  5. Global Religious Movements:
    Studies focusing on transnational religious movements and the global spread of religious ideas are gaining importance, reflecting the interconnectedness of religious practices across borders.

Declining or Waning

While the 'Sociology of Religion' journal covers a wide range of topics, certain themes have shown signs of declining prominence in recent years. This could be due to shifting societal interests or the emergence of new areas of inquiry that capture researchers' attention.
  1. Traditional Religious Authority:
    Research focusing on established religious authorities and institutions appears to be waning. This may reflect a broader societal trend towards questioning traditional forms of authority in favor of more decentralized or individualistic approaches to spirituality.
  2. Religious Exclusivism:
    The exploration of exclusivist religious ideologies, which assert the sole truth of one faith over others, is becoming less frequent. This decline may be linked to increasing pluralism and interfaith dialogue in contemporary society.
  3. Rural Religious Dynamics:
    Studies specifically centered on rural religious communities have decreased. As urbanization continues to rise, the focus has shifted more towards urban religious practices and the complexities of religious life in metropolitan areas.
  4. Interfaith Conflicts:
    Research specifically addressing interfaith conflicts and tensions has diminished, possibly overshadowed by a growing interest in collaboration and coexistence among diverse religious groups.

Similar Journals

Politics Religion & Ideology

Charting New Territories in Political and Religious Discourse
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2156-7689Frequency: 4 issues/year

Politics Religion & Ideology, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between politics, religion, and societal ideologies. With an ISSN of 2156-7689 and E-ISSN of 2156-7697, this journal offers a crucial platform for researchers and scholars to disseminate their findings and engage in meaningful dialogue within these fields. Since its inception in 2011 and continuing through 2024, Politics Religion & Ideology has garnered recognition for its significant contribution to the exploration of contemporary issues, currently holding a Q1 rank in Philosophy and Religious Studies, highlighting its importance in these disciplines. Researchers will find the journal's articles insightful and thought-provoking, significantly enhancing their academic endeavors. While it does not offer open access, the journal remains a cherished resource for professionals and students alike, offering vital perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the role of religion and ideology in shaping political landscapes.

International Journal for the Psychology of Religion

Bridging the Gap between Psychology and Spirituality
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1050-8619Frequency: 4 issues/year

Welcome to the International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, a leading academic platform dedicated to the exploration of the intricate relationship between psychological processes and religious beliefs. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this esteemed journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of psychology and religious studies. With an impressive impact factor and a robust Scopus ranking, including a Q1 classification in Religious Studies and a Q2 in miscellaneous Psychology categories, it stands out for its rigorous academic contributions. The journal's scope has evolved over the years, maintaining its relevance since its inception in 1991 and continuing to present innovative research through 2024. While primarily subscription-based, it encourages submissions that push the boundaries of understanding in both disciplines. Engage with cutting-edge studies that illuminate the psychological dimensions of religious practices, belief systems, and their impacts on human behavior.

JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION

Advancing the Frontiers of Religious Inquiry
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0021-8294Frequency: 4 issues/year

JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION is a leading academic journal published by Wiley, dedicated to advancing the field of religious studies through rigorous empirical research and theoretical exploration. With an impressive impact factor and ranking in the Q1 category for Religious Studies, this journal has established itself as a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and students alike, positioning itself at the forefront of the discipline. Since its inception in 1977, it has provided a platform for innovative studies that explore the complexities of religion and its role in society, culture, and individual behavior. The journal is recognized among the top-tier publications in the field, holding a remarkable rank (#7 out of 644) in Scopus, reflecting the high standards of scholarship and research it publishes. Despite its non-open access nature, the journal is committed to disseminating valuable insights and fostering academic dialogue among professionals passionate about the scientific study of religion.

SOCIAL COMPASS

Exploring the Depths of Social Phenomena
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0037-7686Frequency: 4 issues/year

SOCIAL COMPASS, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a leading interdisciplinary journal in the domains of Anthropology, Religious Studies, and the Social Sciences, with a rich history dating back to 1953. Recognized with prestigious Q1 rankings in both Anthropology and Religious Studies for 2023, and a Q2 ranking in Sociology and Political Science, this journal makes a significant impact in its field, evidenced by its high Scopus rankings, including a commendable rank of #26/644 in Religious Studies. The journal is committed to advancing scholarly discourse by publishing cutting-edge research that analyzes social phenomena through various lenses. Although it is not an open-access publication, it offers a platform that fosters innovation and critical thinking, encouraging contributions that are both empirically grounded and theoretically informed. With its base in the United Kingdom, SOCIAL COMPASS continues to shape the academic landscape, appealing to researchers, professionals, and students who seek to understand the complexities of human behavior and social structures.

Nordic Journal of Religion and Society

Exploring the Intersection of Faith and Society in the Nordic Context
Publisher: SCANDINAVIAN UNIV PRESS-UNIVERSITETSFORLAGET ASISSN: 0809-7291Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society is a leading academic journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of religion within societal contexts, published by Scandinavian University Press - Universitetsforlaget AS. With its ISSN 0809-7291 and E-ISSN 1890-7008, this journal proudly occupies a significant position in the field, reflected by its Q2 ranking in Religious Studies (2023) and a commendable Scopus percentile of 77, ranking 147 out of 644 in its category. The Nordic Journal of Religion and Society aims to publish high-quality, original research that explores how religious beliefs and practices intersect with societal transformations across the Nordic context. The journal emphasizes the importance of diverse methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks, fostering scholarly dialogue that enhances understanding of contemporary socio-religious phenomena. Though it operates under a subscription model, the journal’s commitment to academic excellence makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students keen on advancing knowledge within this dynamic and evolving field.

Ecumenica-Performance and Religion

Exploring the Sacred in Performance.
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1942-4558Frequency: 2 issues/year

Ecumenica-Performance and Religion is a distinguished journal published by Penn State University Press, focusing on the intersection of performance studies and religious discourse. Since its inception, the journal has dedicated itself to fostering critical dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and students interested in understanding how religious themes manifest through performance arts. Although it operates on a non-open access model, the journal's contributions are pivotal in advancing research in the realms of visual arts, music, and religious studies, as evidenced by its respectable Scopus rankings. With its convergence period spanning from 2019 to 2024, Ecumenica offers a platform for innovative scholarship that explores the complex relationships between religion and performance, pushing the boundaries of contemporary academic discourse. This journal is essential for any researcher or student aiming to deepen their understanding of the dynamic interplay between these multifaceted fields.

Review of Religion and Chinese Society

Fostering Critical Conversations on Faith and Culture
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 2214-3947Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Review of Religion and Chinese Society, published by BRILL, is an esteemed journal that provides a critical platform for scholarly discourse at the intersection of religion and society within the Chinese context. Since its inception, the journal has devoted itself to exploring the complexities of religious practices, beliefs, and their socio-cultural implications in China, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With an H-index indicative of its academic rigor and a commendable ranking in the Q3 quartile across multiple fields including Arts and Humanities and Cultural Studies, this journal stands out for its insightful articles that contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in religious studies. Although currently not open access, it ensures wide academic reach through its distribution channels and maintains a strong emphasis on high-quality, peer-reviewed research. For those invested in the dynamic interplay of religion and society in contemporary China, the Review of Religion and Chinese Society is an essential publication that fosters academic engagement and dialogue.

TEMENOS

Cultivating Critical Perspectives on Belief Systems
Publisher: FINNISH SOC STUDY RELIGIONISSN: 0497-1817Frequency: 2 issues/year

TEMENOS, a respected journal in the field of Religious Studies, is published by the Finnish Society for the Study of Religion and has been a pivotal platform for scholarly discourse since its inception. With an ISSN of 0497-1817 and a commendable ranking of #77 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, TEMENOS stands out in the 88th percentile, demonstrating its academic rigor and impact. The journal, categorized in the Q2 quartile for 2023, focuses on the comparative study of religions, fostering an understanding of diverse belief systems, practices, and philosophical implications. Currently based in Finland, at the University of Turku's Department of Comparative Religion, TEMENOS offers a platform for innovative research and critical analysis, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to delve into the complexities of religion in modern society. Although it is not an open-access publication, the journal's rich content and scholarly contributions are invaluable for those seeking to engage deeply with current developments in the field.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH

Bridging Traditions and Contemporary Thought
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0034-673XFrequency: 4 issues/year

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH, published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, is a premier, peer-reviewed journal that plays a pivotal role in advancing the fields of Religious Studies and Philosophy. With an impressive categorization in the Q1 quartile for both disciplines in 2023, this journal stands out in the arts and humanities, supported by its notable Scopus rankings—18th out of 644 in Religious Studies and 78th out of 806 in Philosophy—placing it in the top percentiles (97th and 90th, respectively). Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the journal promotes scholarly dialogue through its comprehensive analysis of religious phenomena, theological developments, and moral questions stemming from varied cultural contexts. With publishing years extending back to 1977, the journal has consistently provided a robust platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike, who seek to explore the complex relationships between religion, society, and philosophy. As a crucial resource in understanding contemporary religious dynamics, REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH invites contributions that are insightful, well-researched, and thought-provoking, making it an essential publication for anyone invested in the study of religion today.

International Journal of Latin American Religions

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Latin American Spirituality
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 2509-9957Frequency: 2 issues/year

International Journal of Latin American Religions, published by SpringerNature, is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of religious practices, beliefs, and developments across Latin America. Since its inception in 2017, the journal has established a prominent position in critical fields, earning distinguished Q1 and Q2 rankings in History, Religious Studies, and Anthropology, which reflects its commitment to high-quality scholarship and research influence. With a Scopus rank that places it within the top percentiles of its discipline, the journal offers an integrative platform for scholars and practitioners to explore the diverse tapestry of Latin American religions. The Open Access model promotes greater visibility and accessibility of research findings, fostering collaborations among a global audience. This journal plays a pivotal role in synthesizing academic discourse and fostering innovative research, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students passionate about the intricate interplay of culture, history, and spirituality in Latin America.