Getting Published in Gender & Society

Gender & Society is a leading peer-reviewed academic journal focusing on gender studies and feminist scholarship. Publishing in this prestigious journal can significantly enhance academic visibility and contribute to scholarly discourse in gender studies. This guide provides essential information for authors seeking to publish their work in Gender & Society.

About the Journal

Established in 1987 and published by SAGE Publications, Gender & Society promotes intersectional feminist scholarship that advances understanding of gender as a central feature of social life. As the official journal of Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), it is committed to publishing research that examines how gender interacts with other social categories such as race, class, sexuality, and nationality.

The journal has an impact factor of 3.253 (2021) and ranks among the top journals in sociology and women's studies. Its editorial team seeks original research that makes both empirical and theoretical contributions to gender studies.

Types of Articles Published

Gender & Society welcomes various types of submissions, including:

• Research Articles: Original empirical research (typically 8,000-10,000 words) that contributes substantially to gender scholarship.
• Review Essays: Critical assessments of a body of literature (typically 6,000-8,000 words) that advance conceptual frameworks.
• Book Review Essays: Evaluations of recent scholarly books in gender studies (typically 1,500-2,500 words).
• Special Issue Thematic Papers: Occasionally published as part of special collections focusing on emerging topics.
• Notes and Commentary: Shorter pieces (approximately 2,000-5,000 words) addressing current issues, debates, or methodological approaches in gender studies.

Submission Guidelines

Initial Preparation

1. Ensure your manuscript has not been previously published and is not under consideration elsewhere.
2. Format your document according to Chicago Author-Date style (16th edition).
3. Use double spacing throughout, including notes and references.
4. Include an abstract of 150-200 words.
5. Provide 4-6 keywords for indexing purposes.
6. Include a title page with author information separate from the main document for blind review.

Manuscript Structure

• Title page with author names, affiliations, and contact information
• Anonymous title page with manuscript title only
• Abstract and keywords
• Main text divided into appropriately labeled sections
• Notes
• References
• Tables and figures (each on a separate page)

The Review Process

All submissions to Gender & Society undergo rigorous peer review:

1. Initial Editorial Screening: The editors first review manuscripts for general relevance, methodological soundness, and contribution to the field. Approximately 50-60% of submissions are rejected at this stage.
2. Double-Blind Peer Review: Manuscripts passing initial review are sent to 2-3 external reviewers who specialize in the relevant area. Reviewers evaluate the submission on originality, methodological rigor, theoretical contribution, writing quality, and appropriate citation of relevant literature.
3. Editorial Decision: Based on reviewer comments, the editorial team makes one of four decisions:
   • Accept without revisions
   • Accept with minor revisions
   • Revise and resubmit (encouraged)
   • Reject
4. Revision Process: Authors invited to revise and resubmit should address each point raised by reviewers in a detailed response letter.

Key Considerations for Authors

Theoretical Framework

Successful manuscripts typically engage with gender theory and demonstrate how the research advances feminist scholarship. Contributions should clearly articulate how gender operates as a system of power and privilege within the context of the research.

Methodological Rigor

The journal values diverse methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Regardless of methodology, studies must demonstrate rigor, appropriateness to research questions, and reflexive consideration of how the researcher's position might influence the research process.

Intersectional Analysis

Gender & Society explicitly seeks work that examines how gender intersects with other social categories. Manuscripts should address multiple systems of oppression and privilege rather than treating gender in isolation.

Empirical Contribution

Research should make a substantive empirical contribution that moves beyond previous scholarship. The editors look for findings that challenge existing paradigms, uncover new patterns, or develop nuanced understandings of gender dynamics.

Writing Quality

Clear, accessible prose that can engage readers beyond sub-specialties is valued. Manuscripts should be well-organized and effectively communicate both the significance of the research and its implications.

Strategies for Successful Submission

1. Know the Journal: Before submitting, read recent issues of Gender & Society to understand the types of articles published and their typical structure, style, and theoretical approaches.
2. Develop a Strong Abstract: Craft an abstract that clearly states your research question, methods, key findings, and theoretical contributions.
3. Position Your Work: Explicitly connect your research to existing debates in gender scholarship and articulate your contribution to addressing gaps in the literature.
4. Consider Your Methodology: Provide sufficient detail about your methods to allow evaluation of rigor and replicability.
5. Seek Pre-Submission Feedback: Ask colleagues familiar with Gender & Society to provide feedback on your manuscript before submission.
6. Address Reviewer Comments Thoroughly: If invited to revise, systematically respond to each point raised by reviewers in your resubmission.
7. Persistence: Many published manuscripts go through multiple rounds of revision. If you receive a "revise and resubmit," view it as an invitation to improve your work rather than a rejection.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Understanding why manuscripts are rejected can help avoid common pitfalls:

• Limited engagement with existing gender scholarship or feminist theory
• Methodological flaws or insufficient detail about research methods
• Lack of intersectional analysis
• Overly narrow scope with limited theoretical or empirical contribution
• Writing that is unclear, poorly organized, or overly technical
• Failure to adequately connect empirical findings to theoretical considerations
• Manuscript more appropriate for another journal in terms of topic or approach
• Ethical concerns in research design or presentation

Special Issues and Calls for Papers

Occasionally, Gender & Society publishes special issues focusing on emerging areas of gender scholarship. These are typically announced through calls for papers that specify particular themes and deadlines. Special issues can provide valuable opportunities for contributions to developing conversations in gender studies.

Resources for Authors

For the most current submission guidelines and detailed instructions, visit:

• SAGE Publications Gender & Society website
• Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS) resources
• Gender & Society author guidelines via SAGE Journals submission portal

Important Note: Submission guidelines may change periodically, so always verify the most current requirements on the journal's website before preparing and submitting your manuscript.