SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

Scope & Guideline

Bridging Disciplines to Understand Religious Phenomena

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

Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society

Transforming Perspectives on Religion and Society
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 2365-3140Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society, published by BRILL, is a distinguished open-access journal that has been at the forefront of scholarly discourse since its inception in 2015. Focusing on the dynamic interactions between religion and societal transformation, this journal provides a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore the complexities of religious studies within contemporary contexts. With a robust Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and a noteworthy presence in the social sciences, the journal enjoys a commendable impact in its field, evidenced by its Scopus ranking that places it in the top 16% of its category. Operating from the Netherlands, the Interdisciplinary Journal not only prioritizes accessibility through its open-access format but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, making it an essential resource for those striving to understand the intricate ways that religion impacts societal transformations across the globe.

Religion & Human Rights

Unpacking the Intersections of Faith and Equality
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1871-031XFrequency: 3 issues/year

Religion & Human Rights is a pivotal journal published by BRILL, focusing on the intersection of religious belief systems and the landscape of human rights. Since its inception in 2006, the journal has been dedicated to fostering scholarly discourse within critical fields such as Political Science, International Relations, and Religious Studies. With an impressive standing, it boasts a Q2 categorization in Religious Studies, highlighting its relevance and impact, while also maintaining visibility in other social science arenas. The journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, offering insights into the ongoing discourse surrounding the implications of religious practices on human rights frameworks across diverse cultural contexts. Although not an open access publication, its robust indexing in Scopus and commendable rankings underscore its commitment to academic rigor and intellectual contribution. The journal continues to push the boundaries of knowledge through its exploration of the critical themes that shape our understanding of faith and ethics in contemporary society.

International Journal for the Psychology of Religion

Transforming Perspectives on Religion through Psychological Research
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.

Politics Religion & Ideology

Advancing Dialogue on Religion’s Role in Politics
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.

Politics and Religion Journal

Bridging Disciplines: Where Politics Meets Religion
Publisher: CENTER STUDY RELIGION & RELIGIOUS TOLERANCEISSN: 1820-6581Frequency: 2 issues/year

Politics and Religion Journal, published by the CENTER STUDY RELIGION & RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE in Serbia, stands as a pivotal platform for scholarly dialogue at the intersection of political science, sociology, and religious studies. Established as an Open Access journal since 2007, it provides unrestricted access to research findings, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how religion influences political dynamics across various cultures and societies. With ISSN 1820-6581 and E-ISSN 1820-659X, the journal has consistently contributed to the academic discourse, evident in its ranking within the 63rd percentile for Religious Studies and 22nd percentile for Sociology and Political Science, according to Scopus metrics. The journal aims to present innovative research, critical essays, and reviews that examine the nuanced relationships between faith, governance, and societal norms, ultimately enhancing the dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students globally.

Religion and Theology-A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse

Unraveling the Threads of Modern Theology
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1023-0807Frequency: 4 issues/year

Religion and Theology - A Journal of Contemporary Religious Discourse is a prestigious scholarly journal published by BRILL, located in the Netherlands. With its ISSN 1023-0807 and E-ISSN 1574-3012, the journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Religious Studies and Social Sciences, achieving notable recognition with a 2023 Q2 ranking in Religious Studies and Q3 in Social Sciences (miscellaneous). Understanding the complexities of contemporary religious dynamics is crucial, and this journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that advance knowledge and stimulate thought through interdisciplinary dialogue. With a strong commitment to academic rigor since its inception in 1996, it has created a significant impact within the academic community, evidenced by its Scopus Ranks, where it stands at #196 out of 644 in Religious Studies and #446 out of 604 in Social Sciences. Researchers, professionals, and students engaged in the study of religion, cultures, and societal effects of belief systems will find this journal an indispensable resource. This publication embraces open discussions and encourages diverse perspectives, facilitating an enriching environment for both contributors and readers alike in understanding the evolving landscape of religious thought.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH

Pioneering Research at the Crossroads of Religion and Philosophy
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.

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.

Critical Research on Religion

Engaging with the Dynamics of Religion Today
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 2050-3032Frequency: 3 issues/year

Critical Research on Religion is a premier academic journal dedicated to the exploration of religious phenomena, offering a critical lens on the complexities of religion in contemporary society. Published by SAGE Publications Inc in the United Kingdom, this journal serves as an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students in the field of Religious Studies. With an esteemed Q1 category ranking in 2023, it is positioned within the top 8% of journals, reflecting its significant contribution to the domain, as evidenced by its impressive Scopus Rank of #50 out of 644 in the Arts and Humanities field. Operating on a commitment to rigorous scholarship, the journal accepts articles that engage with theoretical frameworks and empirical research, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and insight. As a vital platform for critical discourse, Critical Research on Religion invites contributions that challenge conventional perspectives and deepen our understanding of religious practices, beliefs, and their socio-cultural implications. With a publication timeline spanning from 2013 to 2024, the journal is dedicated to fostering scholarly collaboration and knowledge dissemination.

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture

Fostering Dialogue Between Spirituality and Popular Trends
Publisher: UNIV TORONTO PRESS INCISSN: Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture is a unique academic platform dedicated to the exploration and analysis of the intricate relationships between religious practices and popular culture. Published by University of Toronto Press, Inc., this journal provides a critical forum for scholarly discourse, appealing to researchers, students, and professionals in the fields of Cultural Studies and Religious Studies. Since its inception in 2013, the journal has established itself as a significant contributor to the academic community, evidenced by its current category quartiles: Q4 in Cultural Studies and Q3 in Religious Studies as of 2023, alongside its Scopus rankings. Although it operates on a subscription basis, the journal's accessibility enhances its reach within the scholarly community. With a focus on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the Journal of Religion and Popular Culture invites contributions that illuminate the dynamic interplay between faith and the vibrant expressions of popular culture, making it a vital resource for understanding contemporary societal trends.