SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering insights that shape the future of sociological research.

Introduction

Welcome to the SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY 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 THEORY, 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
ISSN0735-2751
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationSOCIOL THEOR / Sociol. Theor.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Sociological Theory' aims to advance sociological knowledge through critical examination of social phenomena, employing diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Its core areas reflect a commitment to exploring the complexities of social interactions, cultural dynamics, and the interplay of individual and collective identities.
  1. Cultural Sociology:
    Focuses on the relationship between culture and society, exploring how cultural norms, values, and practices shape social life and individual experiences.
  2. Relational Sociology:
    Examines social relationships and networks, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals, groups, and institutions in understanding social structures.
  3. Critical Social Theory:
    Engages with issues of power, inequality, and social justice, critiquing mainstream sociological theories and proposing alternative frameworks.
  4. Temporal and Spatial Dynamics:
    Investigates how time and space influence social phenomena, exploring concepts like temporality, mobility, and the impact of historical contexts on contemporary issues.
  5. Intersectionality and Identity:
    Analyzes how various social categories, such as race, gender, and class, intersect to shape individual and group identities, experiences, and social outcomes.
  6. Methodological Innovation:
    Encourages the development of new methodologies and approaches to studying social phenomena, integrating qualitative and quantitative techniques.
Recent publications in 'Sociological Theory' reflect a dynamic and evolving focus on emerging themes that resonate with contemporary social issues. This section outlines key trends and areas of increasing interest within the journal.
  1. Globalization and Rights:
    Increased attention to the implications of globalization on rights and social justice, examining how relational dynamics shape rights projects in diverse contexts.
  2. Health and Society:
    A growing exploration of the sociological implications of health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the interconnectedness of health, society, and public policy.
  3. Environmental Sociology:
    Emerging focus on environmental issues, particularly the intersections of race, class, and environmental justice, reflecting a heightened awareness of ecological concerns.
  4. Digital Sociology:
    An increasing interest in the implications of digital technologies on social interactions, identities, and power dynamics, as well as the role of algorithms in shaping social outcomes.
  5. Cultural Memory and Narrative:
    A trend towards exploring how narratives and cultural memory shape social identities and collective experiences, indicating a deeper engagement with the role of storytelling in sociology.
  6. Performative and Interactional Approaches:
    A rise in publications that utilize performative and interactional frameworks to analyze social phenomena, emphasizing the importance of context and embodied experiences.

Declining or Waning

While 'Sociological Theory' continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary issues, certain themes have seen a decline in emphasis over recent years. This section highlights areas that appear to be waning in prominence within the journal's publications.
  1. Traditional Sociological Constructs:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers focusing on classical sociological theories without critical reinterpretation, suggesting a shift towards more contemporary or relational approaches.
  2. Descriptive Empirical Studies:
    The journal appears to be moving away from purely descriptive empirical studies, favoring more theoretical contributions that engage with critical analysis and abstract frameworks.
  3. Static Views of Identity:
    Interest in static or singular identity categories has diminished, reflecting a broader trend towards understanding identity as fluid and multifaceted, shaped by relational dynamics.
  4. Overemphasis on Quantitative Methods:
    There has been a reduction in the use of purely quantitative methodologies without qualitative insights, indicating a preference for mixed-methods approaches that enrich theoretical discussions.
  5. Local Case Studies:
    The focus on localized case studies has waned, as the journal increasingly seeks to address broader, global issues that resonate across different sociocultural contexts.

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