SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ONLINE

Scope & Guideline

Championing open access to sociological knowledge.

Introduction

Welcome to the SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ONLINE 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 SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ONLINE, 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
ISSN1360-7804
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2001, from 2003 to 2024
AbbreviationSOCIOL RES ONLINE / Sociol. Res. Online
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

Sociological Research Online is dedicated to advancing the understanding of social phenomena through innovative research methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. The journal emphasizes the importance of sociological inquiry in contemporary issues, integrating diverse perspectives and methodologies to enhance the field's depth and breadth.
  1. Social Phenomena Analysis:
    The journal focuses on the exploration and analysis of various social phenomena, including identity, community, power dynamics, and cultural representation.
  2. Interdisciplinary Methodologies:
    It employs a range of methodologies, from qualitative to quantitative, and innovative approaches such as arts-based methods and participatory research.
  3. Critical Sociological Perspectives:
    A commitment to critical sociology is evident, with articles often addressing social justice, inequality, and the implications of social policies.
  4. Cultural and Global Contexts:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of cultural contexts and global perspectives, highlighting how local issues are interconnected with global trends.
  5. Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    It aims to engage with pressing contemporary issues such as climate change, migration, and health disparities, providing sociological insights into these challenges.
Sociological Research Online reflects the evolving landscape of sociology by embracing emerging themes and trends. Recent publications highlight a shift towards more inclusive and contemporary sociological inquiries.
  1. Intersectionality and Identity:
    There is a growing emphasis on intersectionality in understanding identity, particularly in relation to race, gender, and sexuality, reflecting broader societal discourse on inclusivity and diversity.
  2. Participatory and Engaged Research:
    Research methodologies that prioritize participant engagement and co-production are on the rise, demonstrating an increased focus on collaboration between researchers and communities.
  3. Digital Sociology and Online Communities:
    The exploration of digital spaces and online communities is becoming prominent, as researchers investigate the implications of social media and technology on social interactions and identity.
  4. Mental Health and Well-Being:
    A significant increase in studies addressing mental health, particularly in the context of social crises (e.g., COVID-19), highlights the importance of understanding mental well-being in sociological research.
  5. Environmental Sociology and Activism:
    Emerging themes related to environmental issues and social activism are gaining traction, reflecting the urgency of climate change and its social implications.

Declining or Waning

While Sociological Research Online continues to thrive in various areas, some themes appear to be losing prominence over time. This decline may reflect shifts in societal focus or the evolving interests of the academic community.
  1. Traditional Gender Roles:
    There has been a noticeable decline in publications specifically addressing traditional gender roles and binary perspectives on gender, as the discourse increasingly shifts towards more nuanced understandings of gender fluidity and intersectionality.
  2. Static Sociological Theories:
    Research utilizing static or classical sociological theories without engaging with contemporary developments in sociology is becoming less frequent, indicating a move towards more dynamic and integrative approaches.
  3. Localized Studies Without Global Context:
    Studies that focus solely on localized social issues without connecting them to broader global trends are declining, as there is a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of social phenomena.
  4. Overly Quantitative Approaches:
    There is a waning interest in purely quantitative studies that lack qualitative depth, as researchers increasingly value mixed-methods approaches that provide richer insights into social complexities.

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