Qualitative Social Work

Impact Factor: 1.6

Coeditors-in-Chief: Karen M. Staller, Lisa Morriss

Discipline: Social Work, Social Policy

Description:

Qualitative Social Work provides a forum for those interested in qualitative research and evaluation and in qualitative approaches to practice.The journal includes the following regular special features with specified word limits. In exceptional circumstances, the editors may consider manuscripts that exceed these limits where additional length is essential to the integrity and quality of the work. Response and CommentaryResponses to previous articles in the journal or contributions that initiate discussion of current research and practice issues. Commentaries should not exceed 4000 words.  Main PapersThe journal welcomes original manuscripts that address issues in qualitative research and evaluation or that employ qualitative approaches to social work practice, drawing on a range of methodological traditions—including autoethnography, ethnography, grounded theory, narrative inquiry, historical analysis, case study, participatory methods, and critical qualitative approaches—that make a meaningful contribution to social work knowledge, practice, policy, or education. Main articles should not exceed 8,000 words, inclusive of references, figures, and tables. The journal also encourages the incorporation of photographs and other visual materials; color images are printed at no additional cost. All submissions must include an abstract of no more than 250 words and a set of relevant keywords that reflect the manuscript’s focus, methodological approach, and contributions to social work.New Voices‘New Voices’ seeks submissions to this journal that are considered innovative and novel ways of conducting research and representing findings. We are particularly interested in the execution of new methodologies, innovative means of data collection, and the exploration of subject matter not previously researched. ‘New Voices’ aims to encourage the originality of perspectives of scholars in the early stage of publishing their work, and social workers who present novel insights in applying quality inquiry to their practice. We are also interested in submissions from practitioner-researchers, who bring a wealth of field experience and knowledge. We are especially willing to hear the voices of those who shed light on the perspectives of people historically marginalised in the literature, and those of social workers engaged in anti-oppressive practice.Articles may take the form of concise reviews, syntheses, reports, innovative and creative writing forms, or reflective analyses based on practice accounts. The incorporation of non-written material such as photographs and artifacts is also welcomed. Article length should not exceed 4000 words. Long-Form PapersThe journal also considers long-form manuscripts—up to 12,000 words—for submissions that require extended analytic depth or substantial empirical detail. This category is intended for work that benefits from additional space, including historical scholarship, richly textured ethnographic accounts, methodological innovations, or articles that develop complex theoretical or conceptual frameworks relevant to social work practice, policy, education, or research. Long-form submissions may explore the lived experiences of service users or practitioners, examine the social and institutional contexts shaping social work, or offer critical analyses that advance the profession’s knowledge base. These manuscripts should maintain the same scholarly rigor and structure as standard submissions and must include an abstract of no more than 250 words and appropriate keywords. Please include in your cover letter an explanation of why the manuscript’s scholarly contribution requires additional space beyond the standard word limit. Electronic Access:Qualitative Social Work is available to browse online.