WORLD DEVELOPMENT

Scope & Guideline

Empowering research to shape development policies.

Introduction

Welcome to the WORLD DEVELOPMENT 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 WORLD DEVELOPMENT, 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
ISSN0305-750x
PublisherPERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1973 to 2025
AbbreviationWORLD DEV / World Dev.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'World Development' focuses on interdisciplinary research that addresses critical issues of development across the globe. It aims to provide insights into the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development, with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries.
  1. Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice:
    The journal emphasizes research that assesses the interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability, exploring topics such as climate change adaptation, resource management, and the impacts of environmental policies on marginalized communities.
  2. Poverty and Inequality:
    Research focusing on poverty reduction strategies, income inequality, and their socio-economic implications is a core area. The journal publishes studies evaluating the effectiveness of social protection programs, cash transfers, and other interventions aimed at alleviating poverty.
  3. Gender and Development:
    A significant focus on gender issues, including women's empowerment, gender equality in labor markets, and the socio-economic impacts of gender-based policies. This includes examinations of women's roles in agriculture, labor, and decision-making processes.
  4. Migration and Mobility:
    The journal addresses themes related to migration, including the economic and social impacts of migration flows, the experiences of migrants, and the dynamics of refugee crises in relation to local economies and governance.
  5. Political Economy of Development:
    Research that investigates the political dimensions of development, including governance, public policy, and the influence of political structures on economic outcomes is a prominent aspect of the journal's scope.
  6. Health and Development:
    The intersection of health and economic development is a critical area of focus, with studies examining health systems, access to healthcare, and the impacts of health policies on community well-being.
  7. Technological Innovation and Development:
    The journal encourages research on the role of technology in driving development, including the adoption of agricultural innovations, digital technologies, and their implications for rural and urban livelihoods.
The journal 'World Development' has identified several emerging themes that reflect current global challenges and priorities in development research. These trending themes highlight the dynamism and responsiveness of the field to contemporary issues.
  1. Climate Change and Resilience:
    Research on climate change adaptation strategies and the resilience of communities to environmental shocks is rapidly gaining attention. This theme emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  2. Digital Transformation and Development:
    The role of digital technologies in facilitating development, including access to information and communication technologies (ICT), is a growing area of research. This includes studies on digital finance, e-governance, and the digital divide.
  3. Social Protection and Welfare Systems:
    There is an increasing focus on social protection mechanisms, their effectiveness in alleviating poverty, and their role in promoting social equity. This includes research on cash transfers, universal basic income, and integrated welfare programs.
  4. Health Equity and Access:
    Emerging research on health equity, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights disparities in access to healthcare services and the socio-economic determinants of health outcomes.
  5. Indigenous Rights and Knowledge Systems:
    Research that recognizes the importance of indigenous rights, knowledge systems, and their integration into development policies is on the rise. This trend reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity and respect for diverse cultural perspectives.
  6. Impact of Global Crises on Development:
    The effects of global crises, such as pandemics and economic downturns, on development trajectories and community resilience are increasingly explored. This includes examining the adaptive strategies of vulnerable populations.

Declining or Waning

While 'World Development' continues to evolve, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This may reflect shifting priorities within the field of development studies and changing global contexts.
  1. Traditional Agricultural Practices:
    Research centered on traditional agricultural practices has become less prominent as the focus shifts towards sustainable practices, technological innovations, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture.
  2. Urbanization as a Sole Focus:
    The earlier emphasis on urbanization as a standalone theme has waned, with more integrated approaches that consider the rural-urban continuum and the interdependence of urban and rural areas gaining traction.
  3. Economic Growth as the Primary Indicator of Development:
    The narrative that economic growth alone is sufficient for development has diminished. There is now a stronger emphasis on multidimensional indicators of well-being, including social equity and environmental sustainability.
  4. Macro-level Economic Policies:
    Research focused solely on macroeconomic policies without consideration of their social impacts has declined. There is an increasing demand for analyses that incorporate micro-level perspectives and community-level outcomes.

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