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Sociology

Academic Journals - What, Why, Where and How?

Library Search and many academic databases—for example, Emerald and JSTOR—will present you with journal articles for your essays and assignments.

But you might sometimes want to browse the journals from which the articles came. In other words, you want to see the journal titles that the library has available for you. 

The easiest way to do this is to use BrowZine. This is a list of all the journal titles to which the library gives you some kind of access (see below for more about this). Click the image below or these links to see all Sociology.in BrowZine.

There are also subheadings for topics such as demography, inequality and social stratification, culture and social structure, and so on. You may also want to browse other categories such as Criminology or Ethnic, Race and Gender Studies for journals in related areas.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: BrowZine will list all the journal titles that the library provides, but a specific journal may have been publishing for years. This means that it is not always financially possible for the library to provide 'all' the content of a particular journal title.  

The key thing to look out for is a padlock symbol next to a particular year/volume of the journal. If you see a padlock, it means that the library does not provide access to this particular journal year/issue—but other years/issues will be available because the title is on BrowZine. It will make more sense when you start to use it!

For sociology students, there are many prestigious and influential journals that offer valuable insights into various aspects of social life, human behavior, and societal structures. Here are a few notable examples:

 

The British Journal of Sociology (BJS): A leading international sociological journal, BJS covers a wide range of sociological topics, with a particular focus on British society and social issues. It features theoretical and empirical research on social class, inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, family, education, and social change in the UK.

 
 

Sociology: The journal of the British Sociological Association, Sociology publishes high-quality research on a broad range of sociological topics. It covers areas such as social policy, work and employment, health and illness, crime and deviance, and social movements in the UK.

 
 
 

The Sociological Review: A long-standing journal with a focus on social theory and critical analysis, The Sociological Review often features articles on British society and culture. It explores topics such as social identity, class, gender, race, and the history of sociological thought in the UK.

 
 
 

Work, Employment and Society: This journal focuses on the sociology of work and employment, with a particular emphasis on the UK labour market and workplace issues. It covers topics such as job insecurity, work-life balance, trade unions, and the changing nature of work in the UK.

 
 
 

Ethnic and Racial Studies: While not exclusively focused on the UK, this journal frequently features articles on race and ethnicity in the British context. It explores issues such as immigration, multiculturalism, racism, and ethnic identity in the UK.

 

 
 

By exploring these and other sociological journals, you can gain valuable insights into the unique social dynamics, cultural nuances, and historical contexts that shape society. These journals offer a wealth of research on specific social issues, policy debates, and theoretical perspectives that are particularly relevant to understanding the UK context.

Journal articles are scholarly publications that delve into specific topics within sociology, providing in-depth analysis, critical commentary, or original research findings. They are typically published in academic journals, which are specialised periodicals focusing on various areas of sociology, such as social inequality, family studies, criminology, or medical sociology.

Why Journal Articles Matter for Sociology Students:

  • Unparalleled Insight: Academic journals are the primary platforms for disseminating cutting-edge research, theoretical developments, and emerging trends in sociology. By reading journal articles, you gain a deeper understanding of complex social phenomena, diverse perspectives, and the latest scholarly debates.
  • Authoritative and Reliable Information: Journal articles undergo a rigorous peer-review process, where experts in the field assess the quality, accuracy, and significance of the research. This ensures that the information you encounter is reliable, well-reasoned, and grounded in established sociological theories and methodologies.
  • Building Blocks for Arguments: Journal articles often provide the foundation for your own research, analyses, and arguments. They offer valuable methodologies, data, and theoretical frameworks that you can leverage to develop your own unique perspectives and contribute to scholarly conversations.
  • Honing Your Analytical Skills: Engaging with journal articles cultivates your ability to critically analyse complex social issues, evaluate evidence from diverse sources, and synthesise information to form your own informed opinions. These skills are essential for success in both academic and professional settings.
  • Essential for Academic and Career Success: Many assignments in sociology require you to demonstrate your ability to find, evaluate, and incorporate scholarly sources like journal articles into your work. Additionally, proficiency in research and analysis is highly valued by employers in fields like social research, policy analysis, social work, and education.

In the World of Sociology, Journal Articles are Particularly Important for Students as They Offer:

  • In-Depth Analysis: Articles often explore complex social phenomena in detail, providing nuanced interpretations and critical perspectives that you may not find in textbooks or news articles.
  • Emerging Trends: Journals are at the forefront of scholarship, showcasing new theoretical approaches, emerging research areas, and potential solutions to social challenges.
  • Specialised Knowledge: Articles often focus on specific social groups, institutions, or topics within sociology, allowing you to delve deeper into your areas of interest and gain specialised knowledge.
  • Access to Original Research: Many journals publish original research findings, allowing you to explore new data, methodologies, and empirical evidence that can inform your own research and analysis.

Examples of Relevant Journal Articles in Sociology:

  • American Sociological Review
  • American Journal of Sociology
  • Social Forces
  • Social Problems
  • Sociological Theory
  • British Journal of Sociology
  • European Sociological Review
  • Qualitative Sociology

By engaging with these and other reputable sociological journals, you can enhance your understanding of the field, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare yourself for a successful career in sociology or related disciplines.