Why Researchers Choose American Sociological Review for High-Impact Publications
The American Sociological Review stands as a cornerstone in sociological scholarship, offering a platform for groundbreaking research that shapes understanding of social structures, inequalities, and human behavior. Established as the flagship journal of the American Sociological Association, it attracts submissions from leading academics worldwide, ensuring rigorous peer review and global dissemination. With a storied history dating back to 1936, the journal has evolved to address contemporary issues like social justice, digital societies, and global inequalities, making it indispensable for sociologists, policymakers, and interdisciplinary scholars.
Researchers value the American Sociological Review for its unparalleled prestige and influence within the social sciences. Its high citation rates reflect the journal's role in advancing theoretical frameworks and empirical methods that inform public discourse and academic curricula. The publication process emphasizes originality, methodological soundness, and broader societal relevance, fostering work that transcends disciplinary boundaries. For instance, articles often explore topics from family dynamics to institutional racism, providing insights that resonate across sociology subfields.
Publishing here enhances career trajectories by associating authors with a venue known for excellence. The journal's commitment to diverse perspectives ensures inclusive representation, while its hybrid model balances accessibility with sustainability. Metrics underscore its dominance: a 9.6 impact factor positions it among the elite, with articles frequently cited in policy reports and media. Aspiring contributors appreciate the transparent guidelines that guide submissions toward success.
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Overview & History
The American Sociological Review was founded in 1936 by the American Sociological Association to serve as its primary outlet for peer-reviewed research. Over the decades, it has chronicled the discipline's growth, from mid-20th-century structural functionalism to today's intersectional approaches. Key milestones include its role in publishing seminal works on civil rights and gender studies during the 1960s and 1970s, solidifying its reputation as a trendsetter.
Today, the journal publishes six issues annually, featuring empirical studies, theoretical essays, and policy analyses. Its evolution reflects sociology's broadening scope, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods to tackle pressing global challenges. The editorial board, drawn from top institutions, upholds standards that have made ASR a benchmark for excellence.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The American Sociological Review encompasses the full spectrum of sociological inquiry, emphasizing innovative research on social processes and structures. Core areas include inequality, institutions, culture, and social change, with openness to interdisciplinary intersections like economics and public health.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Sociology | Core focus on social theory, methods, and empirical analysis of societies. |
| Social Inequality | Studies on class, race, gender, and their intersections. |
| Organizations and Institutions | Examinations of power dynamics in workplaces, governments, and communities. |
| Family and Demography | Research on kinship, migration, and population trends. |
| Culture and Media | Analyses of symbolic systems, digital media, and cultural production. |
This broad yet focused scope ensures relevance for researchers in social sciences, supporting submissions that advance knowledge across subfields.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 9.6 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 12.4 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 14.2 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 245 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 10% | Publisher Data |
These metrics highlight the journal's influence, with steady growth in citations reflecting its enduring impact on sociological discourse.
Indexing and Abstracting
The American Sociological Review is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide visibility. Key services include Web of Science (SSCI), Scopus, JSTOR, and PubMed for relevant articles. This coverage facilitates discoverability, with abstracts available through Google Scholar and EBSCOhost. Researchers benefit from these platforms for tracking citations and related works, enhancing the journal's reach in academic libraries worldwide.
Publication Model and Fees
ASR operates on a hybrid model, offering subscription access with optional open access. Standard publication is covered by institutional subscriptions, while gold open access incurs an article processing charge (APC) of $3,000, waivable for authors from low-income countries. No fees apply for non-OA submissions, aligning with ASA's commitment to equitable access. Embargo periods for self-archiving are 12 months post-publication, per Sherpa/RoMEO green route.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via the online portal at ScholarOne Manuscripts. Authors must adhere to ASA style, with manuscripts anonymized for double-blind review. Guidelines emphasize clarity, originality, and ethical standards, including data availability statements. Initial reviews take 2-3 months, with revisions encouraged for strong submissions. Detailed instructions are on the official journal homepage.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team comprises distinguished sociologists from institutions like Harvard, UC Berkeley, and NYU. Current editors include Yang Cai (Co-Editor) and a diverse associate board specializing in inequality, methods, and global sociology. Their expertise ensures balanced, high-quality decisions, with board members often leading major research centers.
Why Publish in American Sociological Review?
Publishing in ASR elevates visibility and credibility, with articles reaching thousands through ASA networks. The journal's prestige aids tenure and grant applications, while its audience includes practitioners influencing policy. For early-career researchers, it offers mentorship via reviewer feedback. Compared to peers, ASR's rigor and impact make it a top choice for transformative work.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Journal of Sociology | 6.5 | Theoretical sociology | University of Chicago Press |
| Social Forces | 4.2 | Empirical social research | Oxford University Press |
| American Journal of Sociology | 6.5 | Theoretical sociology | University of Chicago Press |
| Sociological Methods & Research | 5.8 | Quantitative methods | SAGE |
| Journal of Marriage and Family | 3.9 | Family studies | Wiley |
ASR distinguishes itself with broader scope and higher metrics, ideal for interdisciplinary submissions.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with current calls, like those on inequality.
- Ensure robust methods and theoretical contributions.
- Seek feedback from peers before submitting.
- Review past issues for style and trends.
- Prepare for revisions by addressing reviewer concerns thoroughly.
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