Transformation-Critical Perspectives on Southern Africa

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating paths to social change through critical analysis.

Introduction

Welcome to the Transformation-Critical Perspectives on Southern Africa 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 Transformation-Critical Perspectives on Southern Africa, 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
ISSN0258-7696
PublisherUNIV KWAZULU-NATAL
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationTRANSFORMATION / Transformation
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressKING GEORGE V AVE, GLENWOOD, DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL 4041, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Transformation: Critical Perspectives on Southern Africa' is dedicated to exploring the complexities of social, political, and economic transformation in Southern Africa. It aims to provide critical insights into the dynamics of change in the region, focusing on a variety of themes that reflect the lived experiences of diverse communities.
  1. Social Justice and Equity:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of social justice, particularly in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. It addresses issues of inequality, housing, and access to resources, advocating for equitable solutions to systemic challenges.
  2. Public Housing and Urban Studies:
    A significant focus is placed on public housing and urban development, analyzing the implications of housing policies and practices on social transformation and community well-being.
  3. Political Economy and Governance:
    The journal critically examines the political economy of Southern Africa, exploring how governance structures, historical legacies, and economic policies intersect to shape societal outcomes.
  4. Decolonization and Identity:
    It also addresses themes of decolonization and identity, investigating how historical narratives and cultural dynamics influence contemporary societal structures and individual identities.
  5. Labor and Economic Transformation:
    Research on labor dynamics, economic empowerment, and the implications of globalization on local economies is a core area of focus, highlighting the intersections of work, class, and race.
The journal has shown a dynamic evolution in its research focus, reflecting emerging themes that resonate with contemporary challenges in Southern Africa. This section highlights these trending topics that are gaining traction within the journal's publications.
  1. Housing Inequality and Public Policy:
    Recent publications indicate a significant increase in discussions around housing inequality and the effectiveness of public housing policies, reflecting a growing concern for urban living conditions and affordability.
  2. Digital Economy and Labor Issues:
    The intersection of digital transformation and its impact on labor markets is emerging as a crucial theme, with a focus on how technological advancements shape work and economic structures in the region.
  3. Community and Social Movements:
    There is a notable trend towards exploring grassroots movements and community-led initiatives, highlighting the role of collective action in driving social change and advocating for justice.
  4. Gender and Land Rights:
    Emerging research is increasingly focusing on gender issues, particularly women's land rights and their implications for economic empowerment and social justice, reflecting a broader agenda for equality.
  5. Cultural Identity and Decolonial Thought:
    A growing interest in cultural identity and decolonial perspectives is evident, as scholars engage with questions of identity, memory, and the politics of representation in post-colonial contexts.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently addressed a wide array of themes relevant to Southern Africa, certain areas of research appear to be declining in prominence. This section identifies these waning themes and reflects on their diminishing visibility in recent publications.
  1. Historical Narratives of Apartheid:
    While the historical analysis of apartheid has been a staple in the journal's past publications, there seems to be a gradual shift towards contemporary issues, leading to a decrease in articles focused solely on apartheid-era narratives.
  2. Rural Development Focus:
    Themes centered on rural development and agricultural policies have become less frequent, potentially overshadowed by urban studies and housing issues that dominate current discourse.
  3. Traditional Governance Structures:
    Discussions regarding traditional governance and customary practices, which were previously more prominent, are observed to be declining as newer frameworks and governance models gain attention.

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