About Diverse Societies
Aims and scope
Diverse Societies provides a home for both theoretical and empirical research informed by social sciences and humanities e.g., sociology, political science but also gender, diversity and postcolonial studies, relating to different research areas (e.g., education, politics, religion, social movements, law, geography, media, economy etc.) We aim to provide a forum for interdisciplinary scholarly debate on promoting diversity and reducing inequalities in societies.
Recognising the profound impact of social stratification, the journal invites submissions that examine how different diversity dimensions or categories of social structure influence processes of diversification, discrimination and privilege. We encourage studies investigating the intersections of e.g. gender, race, class, age, ethnicity, dis/ability, sexual orientation and sexual identity, nationality, neurodiversity, religion/worldview, caste etc.
Diverse Societies is particularly interested in research that addresses different types of responding to diversity: At the micro level (e.g. allyship, biases, inclusive leadership, othering, stereotyping, interpersonal practices of discrimination or privileging), the meso level (e.g. diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategies, anti-discrimination offices, organizational practices of discrimination or privileging, normalization) and the macro level (e.g. structures, practices and discourses of discrimination or privileging along axes of difference; migration regimes, human rights conventions, anti-discrimination legislation etc.).
We welcome papers that explore the complexities of processes of diversification, employing rigorous theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses on different levels (macro, meso and micro level) and may use diverse quantitative or qualitative methods. Methodologies may include methodological reflections and theoretical approaches, surveys, empirical analyses, meta-analyses, and case studies. Contributions that introduce innovative methodologies for understanding processes of diversification and their effects are particularly encouraged. Literature reviews that synthesize findings from multiple studies and offer theoretical, methodological, and empirical insights are also welcome.
In line with our commitment to intellectual diversity, the journal is open to research informed by various theoretical approaches, including interpretative, structuralist, practice, post-structuralist and post-humanist perspectives, de/constructive theory [French theory], neo-institutionalism, reflexive (diversity) theory, regulation theory, neomarxist approaches, structural theory, symbolic interaction theory and systems theory. This pluralistic approach aims to foster comprehensive discussions and insights into the mechanisms of diverse societies and how they work. The journal seeks to explore intersections between economic, cultural, political and societal developments.
Diverse Societies also prioritises research that applies social science theories to understand diversification processes within different societal contexts. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged, provided it includes strong social science theory-based elements.
Besides peer-reviewed articles, we invite practitioners to contribute in our practitioner section. In order to maximise impact and stimulate debate between researchers and stakeholders, we also publish alternative formats such as research positions, policy briefs and interviews.
The journal aims to highlight the experiences not only of discrimination but also privileging and their interaction.
With an international and transnational focus, Diverse Societies seeks to capture diverse realities across continents. It is also open to papers that examine historical developments, as well as how these developments shape contemporary societies' realities. Likewise, research related to attacks on diversity, both conceptually and in society, is welcome.
