Voluntary Sector Review

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Dialogue on Non-Profit Excellence

Introduction

Welcome to the Voluntary Sector Review 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 Voluntary Sector Review, 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
ISSN2040-8056
PublisherPOLICY PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2015 to 2024
AbbreviationVOLUNT SECT REV / Volunt. Sect. Rev.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressUNIV BRISTOL, 1-9 OLD PARK HILL, BRISTOL BS2 8BB, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The 'Voluntary Sector Review' is dedicated to advancing the understanding of voluntary action and the third sector through interdisciplinary research and critical analysis. Its scope encompasses a wide range of themes related to the voluntary sector, focusing on the dynamics, challenges, and innovations that shape its role in society.
  1. Voluntary Action and Community Engagement:
    The journal explores how voluntary action influences community cohesion, social identity, and civic participation, emphasizing the interplay between volunteers and the communities they serve.
  2. Philanthropy and Funding Mechanisms:
    Research on how different forms of philanthropy, including corporate and community-based giving, impact the voluntary sector and address social needs is a key focus.
  3. Social Movements and Activism:
    The journal examines the role of voluntary organizations in social movements, particularly in contexts of crisis and change, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or in post-conflict settings.
  4. Diversity and Inclusion in Voluntary Leadership:
    An emphasis on understanding the barriers to leadership roles within the voluntary sector for marginalized groups, including disabled individuals and women, is prevalent in recent studies.
  5. Impact Evaluation and Organizational Capacity:
    The journal promotes discussions on evaluating the social impact of voluntary organizations and enhancing their operational capacity through innovative practices and frameworks.
The 'Voluntary Sector Review' has identified several emerging themes that reflect the evolving nature of voluntary action and its impact on society. These trends indicate a shift towards more inclusive, innovative, and responsive approaches to addressing social issues.
  1. Digital Volunteering and Technology:
    There is a growing interest in how technology facilitates volunteering, particularly through digital platforms, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Intersectionality in Philanthropy:
    Emerging research focuses on how different identities (e.g., gender, race, socioeconomic status) influence philanthropic behaviors and motivations, promoting a more nuanced understanding of giving.
  3. Mutual Aid and Community Resilience:
    The rise of mutual aid networks as a response to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the importance of community-driven solutions and grassroots organizing.
  4. Environmental Activism and Social Responsibility:
    Recent publications emphasize the role of voluntary organizations in environmental activism, reflecting a broader societal concern for sustainability and ecological justice.
  5. Global Perspectives on Volunteering:
    There is an increasing trend towards examining volunteering through a global lens, exploring diverse cultural contexts and the role of international non-profits in local settings.

Declining or Waning

While the 'Voluntary Sector Review' continues to cover a wide array of topics, certain themes appear to be diminishing in frequency or relevance based on recent publications. These waning areas reflect shifts in priorities within the sector and the evolving landscape of voluntary action.
  1. Traditional Fundraising Models:
    There has been a noticeable decline in discussions surrounding traditional fundraising methods, such as charity galas and events, as newer, more dynamic fundraising strategies gain traction.
  2. Single-issue Advocacy:
    Research focused on single-issue advocacy within the voluntary sector is becoming less prominent, as there is a shift towards more intersectional approaches that address multiple social issues simultaneously.
  3. Historical Perspectives on Volunteering:
    The journal appears to be moving away from historical analyses of volunteering practices, suggesting a preference for contemporary issues and innovations that affect the current landscape.
  4. Charity Law and Regulatory Frameworks:
    The exploration of charity law and regulatory challenges is less frequent, possibly indicating a shift towards practical applications and case studies rather than theoretical or legal analyses.
  5. Volunteer Retention Strategies:
    There seems to be a decline in focused research on volunteer retention strategies, as the discourse increasingly centers on broader themes of volunteer motivation and experience.

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