THEORY AND SOCIETY

Scope & Guideline

Innovating Theoretical Frameworks for Contemporary Issues.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of THEORY AND SOCIETY with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0304-2421
PublisherSPRINGER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1974 to 2024
AbbreviationTHEOR SOC / Theory Soc.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressVAN GODEWIJCKSTRAAT 30, 3311 GZ DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

THEORY AND SOCIETY focuses on advancing sociological theory through a diverse range of topics that intersect with contemporary societal issues. The journal aims to contribute to theoretical discussions while grounding them in empirical research, thereby bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.
  1. Sociological Theory Development:
    The journal emphasizes the development of sociological theories that address contemporary social phenomena, encouraging critical engagement with classical theories while fostering new theoretical frameworks.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Research published in THEORY AND SOCIETY often employs interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from fields such as political science, economics, and cultural studies to enrich sociological inquiry.
  3. Social Movements and Political Sociology:
    A core area of focus is the study of social movements, political processes, and conflicts, analyzing how these elements shape societal structures and individual agency.
  4. Cultural Sociology:
    The journal explores cultural dimensions of social life, including identity formation, symbolism, and the role of cultural practices in societal change.
  5. Globalization and Transnationalism:
    The impact of globalization on local cultures and institutions is a recurring theme, with studies examining transnational networks and their influence on social dynamics.
  6. Social Inequality and Justice:
    There is a consistent focus on issues of social inequality, justice, and the mechanisms through which these are perpetuated or challenged within various contexts.
Recent publications in THEORY AND SOCIETY reveal emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal challenges and theoretical advancements. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to evolving social dynamics and scholarly discourse.
  1. Digital Sociology and Technology:
    An increasing number of papers are exploring the implications of digital technologies on social interactions, identities, and institutions, indicating a trend towards understanding the sociological impact of the digital age.
  2. Climate Change and Social Justice:
    There is a growing focus on the intersections of climate change, social justice, and activism, reflecting an urgent need to address environmental issues within a sociopolitical context.
  3. Crisis and Resilience in Societal Structures:
    Papers examining societal responses to crises—be it political, health-related, or economic—are trending, showcasing how societies adapt and transform in the face of adversity.
  4. Emotional and Psychological Dimensions of Social Life:
    Research is increasingly probing the emotional and psychological aspects of social interactions and political movements, highlighting how affect shapes societal dynamics.
  5. Global Migration and Identity:
    Studies on migration, transnational identities, and the social implications of global mobility are gaining traction, reflecting contemporary debates on nationalism and belonging.
  6. Intersectionality in Social Analysis:
    The application of intersectionality as a framework for analyzing social issues is emerging as a significant theme, recognizing the complexity of identities and their effects on social dynamics.

Declining or Waning

As society evolves, so too do the themes explored in academic literature. In recent years, THEORY AND SOCIETY has seen a decline in certain topics that were once prominent, reflecting shifts in scholarly interests and societal concerns.
  1. Traditional Approaches to Sociology:
    There appears to be a waning interest in traditional, positivist approaches to sociology, as researchers increasingly favor qualitative and mixed-method approaches that emphasize complexity and context.
  2. Historical Analysis of Classical Theories:
    While historical analyses of classical sociological theories were once common, there is now a noticeable decline in papers focused solely on revisiting or critiquing these theories without applying them to contemporary issues.
  3. Macro-level Sociological Studies:
    Research focusing solely on macro-level social structures without attention to micro-level interactions is becoming less frequent, as scholars shift towards understanding the interplay between individual agency and structural factors.

Similar Journals

Annual Review of Sociology

Navigating the Landscape of Sociological Inquiry
Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWSISSN: 0360-0572Frequency: 1 issue/year

Annual Review of Sociology, published by Annual Reviews, is a premier academic journal that plays a critical role in advancing the field of sociology. Established as a leading publication since its inception in 1975, the journal brings together the highest quality scholarly reviews, summarizing key developments and trends within the discipline. With a notable Q1 ranking in both Sociology and Political Science and a remarkable 99th percentile Scopus rank among over 1400 journals, it consistently showcases cutting-edge research and invites contributions from preeminent scholars. The journal's rigorous review process ensures that articles provide comprehensive insights and critical analyses, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although it is not an open-access publication, its influential content is crucial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of social structures, relationships, and dynamics. Located in the heart of Palo Alto, California, the Annual Review of Sociology continues to be a cornerstone in the academic fabric of the social sciences.

COMPARATIVE SOCIOLOGY

Pioneering insights into diverse social landscapes.
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 1569-1322Frequency: 6 issues/year

COMPARATIVE SOCIOLOGY, published by BRILL in the Netherlands, serves as a pivotal platform for researchers and scholars in the fields of sociology and political science. With an ISSN of 1569-1322 and E-ISSN 1569-1330, this journal has established a focus on comparative analyses that enhance our understanding of social dynamics across diverse cultures and political systems. Although currently not Open Access, it remains accessible to academic institutions and individuals committed to advancing sociological inquiry. Recognized in the 2023 category quartiles as Q3 in Sociology and Political Science, COMPARATIVE SOCIOLOGY ranks 866th out of 1466 journals in its field, indicating a growing influence among contemporary scholarly dialogues. Spanning contributions from 1970 and continuing to the present, the journal aims to bridge theoretical insights with empirical research, offering a comprehensive resource for students, professionals, and academics dedicated to the nuanced study of societal structures and transformations. Join a community of thought leaders and engage with innovative ideas that challenge conventional understandings in this vital area of social research.

Osterreichische Zeitschrift fuer Soziologie

Exploring Contemporary Social Dynamics
Publisher: SPRINGER VIEWEG-SPRINGER FACHMEDIEN WIESBADEN GMBHISSN: 1011-0070Frequency: 5 issues/year

Osterreichische Zeitschrift fuer Soziologie is a prominent academic journal published by Springer Vieweg-Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, based in Switzerland. With an ISSN of 1011-0070 and E-ISSN 1862-2585, this journal serves as a vital platform for advancing scholarship in the field of sociology. It is categorized in the Q3 quartile for Social Sciences (miscellaneous) in 2023, demonstrating its role in contributing to the broader academic discourse. With convergence years spanning from 2001 to 2024, the journal provides a wealth of research articles that address contemporary sociological issues, trends, and theoretical developments. While primarily subscription-based, the journal maintains rigorous academic standards, making it a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of social dynamics. Its position in the Scopus rank reflects its commitment to fostering quality scholarship, ranked #167 out of 275 in the General Social Sciences category. Engage with this esteemed publication to stay informed about the latest developments in sociology.

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY

Transforming perspectives on society through scholarly contributions.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0735-2751Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sociological Theory, published by SAGE Publications Inc, is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of sociology through innovative theoretical approaches and empirical research. With an impressive impact factor and recognized as a Q1 journal in both Sociology and Political Science, it ranks 86 out of 1466 in its category, placing it in the 94th percentile according to Scopus metrics. This journal seeks to foster rigorous debate and insight on contemporary sociological issues, welcoming contributions that challenge existing paradigms and offer new perspectives. Founded in 1996, Sociological Theory continues to push the boundaries of sociological inquiry through its commitment to quality and relevance, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Based in the United Kingdom, this journal is not an open-access publication, but it remains widely accessible through institutional subscriptions, ensuring that its valuable content reaches a global audience interested in the dynamics of social life.

CURRENT SOCIOLOGY

Bridging Theory and Reality in Sociology
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0011-3921Frequency: 6 issues/year

CURRENT SOCIOLOGY is a prestigious academic journal published by SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, focusing on the dynamic field of sociology. Since its inception in 1952, this journal has been at the forefront of sociological research, bridging theoretical frameworks and empirical studies to address contemporary social issues. As evidenced by its impressive impact factor and notable ranking among the top Q1 journals in Sociology and Political Science, CURRENT SOCIOLOGY is recognized for its quality and contribution to the academic community, holding a commendable position within the 87th percentile of its discipline—#183 out of 1466 in the Scopus ranks. The journal's scope encompasses a wide range of sociological topics, providing a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to share their insights and foster discussions that shape our understanding of societal dynamics. While it does not currently offer open access, its rich repository of knowledge makes it a vital resource for those eager to explore cutting-edge sociological theories and findings.

International Journal of Sociology

Fostering Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Issues
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0020-7659Frequency: 4 issues/year

International Journal of Sociology, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a premier platform for innovative sociological research and discourse. With an impressive Q1 ranking in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) for 2023 and a significant Scopus rank of #54 out of 275, this journal promotes high-quality scholarship that informs and shapes contemporary sociological thought. The journal caters to a diverse readership, including researchers, professionals, and students, by disseminating rigorous empirical studies, theoretical advancements, and critical reviews that dive deep into the complexities of social behavior and structure. While the journal operates under a traditional access model, its commitment to fostering knowledge in the field is evident as it converges various aspects of sociology from 2019 to 2024. Engaging with articles from the International Journal of Sociology not only enriches understanding but also contributes to meaningful societal change.

Sociologica-International Journal for Sociological Debate

Unlocking Knowledge, Expanding Sociological Horizons.
Publisher: UNIV BOLOGNA, DEPT ARTSISSN: Frequency: 3 issues/year

Sociologica - International Journal for Sociological Debate, published by the University of Bologna's Department of Arts, stands as a leading platform for the dissemination of innovative research in the fields of sociology and political science. Since its inception in 2013, this journal has fostered scholarly dialogue and critical engagement among researchers, practitioners, and students, becoming a vital resource for students and professionals alike. With an impressive 88th percentile ranking in Scopus within its category and a designation of Q2 in the Sociology and Political Science quartiles for 2023, Sociologica emphasizes rigorous analysis, theoretical advancement, and empirical exploration, aligning with contemporary sociological challenges. The journal became fully open access in 2018, expanding access to its high-quality content and facilitating broader dissemination of knowledge. Its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in sociological discourse ensures that it remains at the forefront of academic debate. To stay engaged with the latest research findings and discussions, Sociologica is an essential resource for anyone involved in sociological studies.

AMERICAN SOCIOLOGIST

Innovating Understanding of Social Phenomena
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0003-1232Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN SOCIOLOGIST is a prominent academic journal published by SPRINGER, representing a vital resource in the fields of sociology and political science. With an ISSN of 0003-1232 and an E-ISSN of 1936-4784, this journal has contributed significantly to the sociological literature since its inception, offering insights that challenge conventional thought and stimulate critical discussion. The journal has maintained its relevance throughout various converged years, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of sociological topics from 1973 to 2024. Currently, it holds a commendable status in the second quartile (Q2) within both Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and Sociology and Political Science categories, reflecting its robust impact and academic influence, with Scopus ranks placing it in the 52nd percentile across its fields. Though it operates under a subscription model, the journal provides crucial access for researchers, professionals, and students keen on uncovering contemporary issues and advancements in sociology. With its dedication to fostering an understanding of complex societal dynamics, AMERICAN SOCIOLOGIST is an essential platform for disseminating pioneering research and innovative ideas that shape our understanding of social phenomena.

Tempo Social

Innovative research shaping the future of sociology.
Publisher: UNIV SAO PAOLO, DEPT SOCIOLOGIAISSN: 0103-2070Frequency: 2 issues/year

Tempo Social is a prominent, peer-reviewed journal published by the Department of Sociology at the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. With an ISSN of 0103-2070 and established as an open access publication since 1999, it serves as a significant platform for disseminating research within the diverse field of social sciences. Recognized for its commitment to advancing sociological discussions, the journal holds a Q3 ranking in the 2023 Social Sciences (Miscellaneous) category, reflecting its growing impact and relevance among academic peers. While the journal currently ranks no. 201 out of 275 in the General Social Sciences category on Scopus, its open access model ensures that a broad audience, including researchers, professionals, and students can access critical insights and findings relevant to contemporary social issues. As it converges its focus from 2007 to 2023, Tempo Social continues to foster scholarly dialogue and contribute to the dynamism and evolution of social science research in Brazil and beyond.

ACTA SOCIOLOGICA

Navigating the Intersections of Culture and Society
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0001-6993Frequency: 4 issues/year

ACTA SOCIOLOGICA, published by SAGE Publications Ltd, stands as a prominent journal in the fields of sociology and political science, holding a distinguished Q1 category ranking in the 2023 Scopus quartiles. With its inception dating back to 1956, this peer-reviewed journal offers a platform for innovative research, theoretical developments, and critical discussions that shape contemporary sociological discourse. Operating from the United Kingdom, ACTA SOCIOLOGICA reflects the dynamic interplay of social structures, political involvements, and cultural transformations, engaging scholars, practitioners, and students alike in a global context. Because it does not currently offer Open Access, readers benefit from institutional subscriptions to access cutting-edge sociology research, furthering knowledge and enlightenment within the academic community. With an impressive Scopus rank of #291 out of 1466 in the social sciences, the journal continues to influence the scholarly landscape, encouraging rigorous analysis and diverse perspectives essential for understanding the complexities of modern society.