Why Researchers Choose Youth & Society for High-Impact Publications
Youth & Society stands as a cornerstone in the field of child care and youth programs, offering researchers a prestigious platform to disseminate findings on adolescent development, social policies, and community interventions. Established in 1969 by SAGE Publications, this quarterly journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars examining the multifaceted challenges facing young people in contemporary society. With a focus on empirical research, theoretical advancements, and practical applications, Youth & Society attracts contributions from interdisciplinary experts in sociology, psychology, education, and public health.
The journal's rigorous peer-review process ensures that published articles meet the highest standards of scholarly excellence, making it a preferred choice for academics seeking to influence policy and practice. Its commitment to open dialogue on issues like youth empowerment, family dynamics, and educational equity resonates with global audiences. Researchers value Youth & Society for its ability to bridge academic inquiry with real-world impact, fostering discussions that shape future generations.
Key strengths include its emphasis on diverse methodologies, from quantitative surveys to qualitative ethnographies, allowing for comprehensive explorations of youth experiences. The journal's international scope, while rooted in United States-based publishing, incorporates perspectives from various cultural contexts, enhancing its relevance worldwide. For those in child care and youth programs, submitting to Youth & Society means joining a legacy of influential scholarship that drives systemic change.
As you consider your next publication, evaluate how Youth & Society aligns with your research goals. Its established reputation can amplify your work's visibility and citation potential. To explore related career opportunities in academia, visit our sociology faculty positions page.
Overview & History
Youth & Society was founded in 1969 amid growing societal interest in adolescent issues during a transformative era in social sciences. Published by SAGE Publications, it emerged as a dedicated outlet for research on youth behavior, socialization, and institutional responses. Over the decades, the journal has chronicled shifts in youth studies, from early focuses on delinquency to modern examinations of digital influences and mental health.
Under SAGE's stewardship, Youth & Society has maintained a quarterly publication schedule, delivering timely insights into evolving youth landscapes. Its history reflects broader academic trends, adapting to include intersectional analyses of race, gender, and socioeconomic factors. Today, it serves as an essential archive for scholars tracking long-term patterns in child care and youth programs.
The journal's enduring appeal lies in its balance of foundational theories and cutting-edge research, making it indispensable for graduate students and seasoned professors alike. For academic planning, check the academic calendar to align your submissions with key deadlines.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Youth & Society encompasses a broad spectrum of topics within child care and youth programs, emphasizing empirical and theoretical work on adolescent development. Core areas include social policies affecting youth, family and peer influences, educational interventions, and community-based programs. The journal welcomes studies on urban and rural youth experiences, as well as global comparisons.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Sociology | Examines social structures and youth interactions in societal contexts. |
| Psychology | Focuses on cognitive and emotional development during adolescence. |
| Education | Explores schooling impacts and youth learning outcomes. |
| Social Work | Addresses interventions for at-risk youth and family support systems. |
| Public Health | Investigates health disparities and wellness programs for young populations. |
This interdisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive coverage, appealing to researchers across fields. Related job opportunities can be found at youth development roles.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 2.927 | 2022 |
| CiteScore | 5.2 | 2023 |
| h-Index | 62 | Current |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| Average Review Time | 3-4 months | Recent |
These metrics highlight Youth & Society's strong standing in social sciences, with steady growth in citations. For professor evaluations, see Rate My Professor.
Indexing and Abstracting
Youth & Society is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide accessibility. It appears in Scopus, Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), and PsycINFO, facilitating discoverability for global researchers. Additional listings include ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, and JSTOR, supporting archival access.
- Scopus: Comprehensive coverage of social science journals.
- Web of Science: Tracks citations for impact assessment.
- DOAJ: Not listed, as it's a subscription-based hybrid journal.
These indexations enhance the journal's prestige. Explore PhD programs in social sciences for advanced study.
Publication Model and Fees
Youth & Society operates on a hybrid model, offering traditional subscription access alongside open access options. Authors can publish open access via SAGE Choice, with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,000. Subscription-based publication incurs no fees for authors, making it accessible for funded research.
SAGE's policies align with Plan S compliance, promoting transparency in funding acknowledgments. For international scholars, fee waivers are available for corresponding authors from low-income countries. This model balances quality control with broader dissemination. Visit the official site at Youth & Society homepage for details.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions to Youth & Society are handled through SAGE's online portal, ScholarOne Manuscripts. Authors must prepare manuscripts in APA style, with abstracts under 150 words and keywords reflecting youth-focused themes. Original articles should be 6,000-8,000 words, excluding references.
The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review. Guidelines emphasize ethical standards, including IRB approvals for human subjects research. Revisions are common, with decisions typically within 3-4 months. For tips, review submission strategies.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board of Youth & Society comprises distinguished scholars from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief Roberta Rehner Iversen from the University of Pennsylvania oversees content strategy, bringing expertise in youth policy. Associate editors include specialists in adolescent psychology and social justice from universities like UCLA and the University of Chicago.
International members from Europe and Asia ensure diverse perspectives. Board members are selected for their publication records and field contributions, maintaining the journal's high standards. Learn more about academic leadership via dean positions.
Why Publish in Youth & Society?
Publishing in Youth & Society offers researchers enhanced visibility in child care and youth programs, with articles frequently cited in policy reports and curricula. The journal's targeted audience includes practitioners, educators, and policymakers, amplifying practical impact. Its SAGE affiliation provides robust marketing and archiving.
Authors benefit from SAGE's author services, including DOI assignment and altmetrics tracking. For early-career researchers, publication here bolsters tenure dossiers. The journal's focus on actionable insights distinguishes it in a crowded field. To advance your career, explore tenure-track opportunities.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Youth and Adolescence | 4.32 | Springer | Developmental psychology |
| Youth Studies Australia | 1.5 | Independent | Australian youth issues |
| Journal of Adolescent Research | 2.1 | SAGE | Qualitative youth studies |
| Children and Youth Services Review | 2.5 | Elsevier | Service interventions |
Youth & Society excels in interdisciplinary scope compared to more specialized peers, offering broader reach. For comparative analysis, see journal comparisons in social sciences.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed with Youth & Society, align your manuscript with current calls, such as those on digital youth cultures or equity in education. Craft a compelling abstract highlighting novelty and implications. Engage reviewers by addressing methodological rigor and literature gaps.
- Proofread for clarity and adherence to guidelines.
- Incorporate diverse viewpoints to strengthen arguments.
- Seek feedback from colleagues before submission.
- Track progress via the portal and respond promptly to queries.
These strategies increase acceptance chances. For ongoing support, use academic calendar resources and Rate My Professor for mentor insights.