Vanderstraeten, R. 2010. Scientific Communication: Sociology Journals and Publication Practices. SOCIOLOGY-THE JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 44 (3): 559-576

[Eugene Garfield]

Vanderstraeten, R. 2010. Scientific Communication: Sociology Journals and 
Publication Practices. SOCIOLOGY-THE JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH 
SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 44 (3): 559-576.

Author Full Name(s): Vanderstraeten, Raf
Language: English
Document Type: Article

Author Keywords: historical sociology; sociological theory; sociology of 
science; sociology of sociology
KeyWords Plus: PATTERNS; WOMENS

Abstract: The rise of scientific specializations and disciplines depends on the 
formation of specialized scientific communities. The establishment of specialized 
scholarly journals facilitates the formation of such communities or networks. 
Publications, especially articles in specialized journals, have become 
institutionalized as the 'ultimate' form of scientific communication. Specialized 
journals fulfil a key role in the scientific disciplines. They both secure the 
shared values of a scientific community and endorse what that community 
takes to be certified knowledge. This article first elaborates on the evolution of 
communication within scientific disciplines. Afterwards, it presents an analysis 
of publication practices in the main generalist sociology journals in the Low 
Countries. Because of the close relationship between journals and discipline, 
this sociological analysis addresses the evolution of sociology itself.

Addresses: Univ Ghent, Dept Sociol, BE-9000 Ghent, Belgium

Reprint Address: Vanderstraeten, R, Univ Ghent, Dept Sociol, Korte Meer 3-5, 
BE-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

E-mail Address: raf.vanderstraeten at ugent.be
ISSN: 0038-0385
DOI: 10.1177/0038038510362477
URL: http://soc.sagepub.com/content/44/3/559.abstract