Peer Review Policies

Peer Review Policies – Journal of Southern Sociological Studies

Journal of Southern Sociological Studies upholds a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure academic quality, objectivity, and integrity. The identities of both authors and reviewers are kept confidential throughout the review process.

Review Process Overview

  1. Initial Screening (Desk Review):
    All submissions are first screened by the editorial board to ensure alignment with the journal's scope, relevance, and basic quality standards (originality, formatting, citation style, etc.).
  2. Double-Blind Peer Review:
    Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field. Reviewers do not know the identity of the authors, and vice versa.
  3. Review Criteria:
    Reviewers assess manuscripts based on:
    • Originality and novelty
    • Theoretical and/or methodological rigor
    • Relevance to southern sociological issues
    • Clarity of presentation and argumentation
    • Contribution to existing literature
  4. Decision Categories:
    • Accept
    • Accept with minor revisions
    • Revise and resubmit
    • Reject
  5. Revision and Resubmission:
    Authors are given clear reviewer feedback and a deadline for submitting revisions. Revised manuscripts may be re-reviewed at the discretion of the editor.
  6. Final Decision:
    The final decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief or delegated associate editor, based on reviewers’ recommendations and the quality of revisions.

Ethical Standards for Reviewers

  • All reviews must be objective, constructive, and free of bias.
  • Reviewers must declare conflicts of interest and withdraw if necessary.
  • All manuscript contents must be treated confidentially and not used for personal advantage.