SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Dialogue on the Sociology of Religious Experience

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

Critical Research on Religion

Advancing Critical Discourse on Religious Phenomena
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.

Religioni e Societa-Rivista di Scienze Sociali della Religione

Transforming Understanding: Religion's Role in Society
Publisher: FABRIZIO SERRA EDITOREISSN: 0394-9397Frequency: 3 issues/year

Religioni e Societa-Rivista di Scienze Sociali della Religione, published by FABRIZIO SERRA EDITORE, is a leading journal in the field of social sciences and religious studies, focusing on the intricate relationships between religion and society. With an ISSN of 0394-9397 and an E-ISSN of 1722-4705, this journal aims to advance scholarly discourse through the publication of high-quality research articles, thoughtful reviews, and discussions that explore the sociocultural dynamics of religion in contemporary contexts. Hailing from Pisa, Italy, the journal contributes to global conversations and offers insights that are crucial for researchers, professionals, and students interested in understanding the impact of religious beliefs and practices on social structures. Although it currently does not provide Open Access options, the journal encourages submissions that push the boundaries of knowledge within the realm of religious studies, making it a vital resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the interplay between faith and societal trends.

Ecumenica-Performance and Religion

Innovating Insights into Religious 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.

Religion State & Society

Dissecting the Influence of Belief on Social Structures
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0963-7494Frequency: 4 issues/year

Religion State & Society is a prestigious academic journal published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, focusing on the intricate relationships between religion, state, and society. With an ISSN of 0963-7494 and an E-ISSN of 1465-3974, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners in the fields of Religious Studies, Sociology, and Political Science. As a testament to its impact, it holds a Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and a Q2 ranking in Sociology and Political Science as of 2023, reflecting its significant contribution to the academic discourse. Spanning from 1992 to 2024, the journal publishes empirical research, theoretical analyses, and critical reviews that illuminate the dynamic interplay between religion and societal structures. Located in the UK, this journal offers a unique perspective crucial for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to understand the role of religion in contemporary social and political contexts. Although it does not offer Open Access options, the journal's high Scopus rankings—the 33rd percentile in Religious Studies and the 546th in Sociology and Political Science—underscore its credibility and influence in the scholarly community.

Politics and Religion

Bridging the Divide Between Politics and Spirituality
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 1755-0483Frequency: 4 issues/year

Politics and Religion is a leading journal published by Cambridge University Press, focusing on the intricate interrelationships between political systems and religious beliefs. With an ISSN of 1755-0483 and an E-ISSN of 1755-0491, this esteemed journal has achieved notable recognition, being classified in the Q1 category for Religious Studies and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science in 2023. Its exceptional standing is underscored by its Scopus rankings, placing it in the 98th percentile for Religious Studies and 73rd percentile for Sociology and Political Science. Spanning research and discourse from 2008 to 2024, the journal aims to foster a deeper understanding of how political ideologies shape and are shaped by religious contexts globally. Though not open access, the journal remains a crucial resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to explore contemporary issues at the intersection of faith and governance, uncovering insights that are relevant to diverse audiences throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

Journal of Media and Religion

Connecting Scholars in the Study of Faith and Media Dynamics
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1534-8423Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Media and Religion is a leading interdisciplinary journal dedicated to exploring the complex interactions between media and religion. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this journal serves as a critical platform for researchers and practitioners within the fields of communication and religious studies. With an impressive impact factor and a distinguished ranking—placing it in the top quartile for Religious Studies and the second quartile for Communication—Journal of Media and Religion showcases high-quality research that enhances our understanding of how media influences religious practices and vice versa. The journal has been converging insightful contributions from 2010 to 2024, fostering scholarly dialogue and innovative methodologies. As an essential resource for academics, professionals, and students alike, it promotes open access to groundbreaking studies, facilitating the exchange of ideas that shape both fields.

Journal of Religion in Europe

Exploring the Intersections of Faith and Society
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1874-8910Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of Religion in Europe is a prestigious academic publication dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between religion and European society. Published by BRILL, one of the world’s foremost publishers in the humanities, this journal holds a remarkable Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and is positioned in the 77th percentile of Scopus ranks, underscoring its significance in the field. With a focus on interdisciplinary research, the journal covers topics ranging from historical analyses to contemporary issues relating to religion across Europe. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, readers can access a wealth of peer-reviewed articles that seek to advance scholarly discourse. The Journal of Religion in Europe serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of religion in a rapidly changing European landscape.

JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA

Unraveling the Complexities of African Religious Practices
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0022-4200Frequency: 4 issues/year

The JOURNAL OF RELIGION IN AFRICA, published by BRILL, serves as a pivotal academic platform dedicated to the exploration and analysis of religious practices, beliefs, and transformations across the African continent. Since its inception, the journal has developed a rich tapestry of scholarship that spans its convergence years from 1967 to 2024, with a particular focus on the historical and sociocultural dimensions of religion. Holding a distinguished position in its field, it ranks in the Q2 category in both History and Religious Studies for 2023, reflecting its significant impact and quality of research. With Scopus rankings placing it in the 69th percentile of Religious Studies, this journal is essential for researchers, students, and professionals interested in understanding the complexities of African religious dynamics. Although it is not an open-access journal, the rigorous peer-review process ensures that only high-quality manuscripts contribute to the ever-expanding discourse on religion in Africa. The journal's commitment to scholarly excellence makes it a vital resource for anyone seeking to engage deeply with the subject.

Journal of Contemporary Religion

Navigating the Complexities of Modern Belief
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1353-7903Frequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Contemporary Religion is an esteemed academic journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, situated in the United Kingdom. With a strong focus on the dynamic interplay between religion and contemporary issues, this journal provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary scholarship, bringing together perspectives from cultural studies, philosophy, and religious studies. The journal, which has been a contributing voice in its field since 1995, boasts impressive 2023 Scopus rankings, placed in the first quartile of its categories—ranking #66/644 in Religious Studies and #278/1304 in Cultural Studies, reflecting its high impact and relevance. Researchers and academics will find access to a wealth of original research, theoretical discourse, and critical analysis that challenges and expands the understanding of contemporary religious phenomena. Although not open access, the journal ensures rich content that engages a diverse readership, making it a pivotal resource for those at the forefront of religious studies scholarship.

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH

Advancing Scholarly Dialogue in Religious Studies
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.