About the GJSS

Research Focus

Publications are expected to investigate methodological issues of interdisciplinary relevance.

We favour both contributions that discuss such issues at the theoretical level and papers that contain examples of this type of research in the form of specific case studies. Papers that combine these two aspects, such as a theoretical discussion with reference to research experiences/data or case studies containing a rich discussion of methodological premises and implications, will be most welcome.

We define interdisciplinary research as research that mixes theoretical approaches and methodologies traditionally pertaining to one (or more) specific discipline in order to investigate issues or case studies within another discipline. An example could be the use of discourse analysis (as developed in gender studies) in order to assess sociological models of the relation between individual and institution. Or reference to anthropological narratives as complementing the historical reconstruction of social uses of technology.

Social science methodology is here understood to encompass all analytic, theoretical, interpretive, instrumental and physical tools used for the acquisition of empirical data in research. Thus, contributors can draw upon quantitative issues (e.g. the choice of measurement indicators, the production and use of statistics, the relevance of quantitative data gathered by the natural sciences) and qualitative ones (including for instance the use of narrative and discourse analysis; the meaning, practice and value of objectivity in field work and interpretation; the role of the social scientist as subject of the investigation and bearer/creator of knowledge). Essays will also be welcomed regarding the interplay between knowledge production/ interpretation and methodology, the possibility of maintaining a distinction between normative and descriptive research and the (possibility/impossibility of) interaction between natural and social science methodologies.

GJSS is devoted to inclusion. We will therefore welcome papers mingling traditional social sciences (such as anthropology, sociology and economics) with disciplines such as gender studies, science and technology studies, history, law and political science. Reference to philosophical work on those disciplines is also valued.

Mission Statement

The Graduate Journal of Social Science is committed to provide a forum for publications about different types of research and methodologies in social science. Our journal aims at providing examples of and discussions over pluralism in methodology across the social sciences, thus building opportunities for progress through dialogue and reciprocal awareness.

  • To make graduate research papers available for academic consultation.
  • GJSS encourages the increase of communication and constructive criticism amongst graduate students and established academics.
  • To promote awareness of research interests across social science departments with an outlook for seminars and conferences.
  • GJSS aims to facilitate dialogue across communities of social scientists by updating users about seminars, courses, conferences and other relevant events.
  • To promote awareness of professional development amongst graduates within academia, by
    • encouraging awareness of publishing and editing skills among postgraduates;
    • providing first-hand knowledge of publishing processes within academia;
    • providing updated information about funding and career opportunities.
  • GJSS encourages the participation of both Master and PhD students in the editorial board and the administration of the journal. This not only offers invaluable work experience but also an opportunity for designing and collaborating on a student-run journal.

Fees & Charges

In a commitment to showcasing excellent academic scholarship from postgraduate and early-career researchers, equitably and meritocratically, the Graduate Journal of Social Science does not have any processing charges or submissions fees.

Acknowledgements

The GJSS gratefully acknowledges the affiliation and financial support (at different stages of its running) of the following universities and departments:

  • Erasmus University Rotterdam: Faculty of Social Science
  • Maastricht University: Department of Philosophy; Department of Social Science and Technology; Faculty of Arts and Culture
  • University of Amsterdam: Department of Media Studies
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Faculty of Philosophy
  • University of Twente
  • University of Utrecht, Graduate Gender Programme, Faculty of Arts
  • Lund University
  • Nordic Research School of Interdisciplinary Gender Studies
  • ATHENA - The Advanced Thematic Network of Women’s Studies in Europe

We also commend the energy, skills and enthusiasm of Esther Foreman and Martijn Wit. Esther’s nearly three-year commitment (2001–2003) as the co-founder and managing director of GJSS in London has been crucial to the creation and survival of the journal, which was her original idea. Martijn’s role (2002–2004) has been equally fundamental in endorsing and developing the GJSS project in the Netherlands and helping it evolve as fruitfully as it has done.

Special place and acknowledgment needs also to be given to Sabina Leonelli, co-founder of GJSS and the editor-in-chief of the journal from its very inception in 2002 until 2007. She has spent an inordinate amount of her graduate time to get the journal work: setting up marketing, editorial board, steering committee, publishing, all the guidelines, hosting numerous editorial meetings at her house over many years … She has played a crucial role in setting up the journal and heading it until it was ‘stable’ and had a proper structure and publisher.

The GJSS would also like to thank:

  • C-SAP and the Academy of World Studies for monetary support during our first two years of work
  • Subverso for poster and logo design
  • Professor Hans Radder for ongoing support of the Dutch board