Editorial Life at a Small Regional Journal: Simultaneously at the Margins and in the Thick of Things

Abstract

In this essay I discuss how my editorship of Sociological Focus, the official journal of the North Central Sociological Association, simultaneously places me at the margins, in relation to top-tier journals, and in the thick of things, in relation to the authors and reviewers who participate in the journal. All editors face issues related to the review process and, occasionally at least, struggle with decisions. Given the hierarchical nature of the discipline, however, editors of journals at the lower end of the rankings face additional dilemmas related to fairness and access. Concluding that the margin is a bustling place where lots of sociology gets done, I end with a strong plea that we protect our regional journals and keep them vibrant and inclusive. The easiest way to do that is for all of us to publish in them.

Integrating community college faculty into disciplinary associations: Lessons from sociology

“…While there are a multiplicity of regional, state, and “special interest” sociological associations, we explored the characteristics of five of the larger regional sociological associations: the Eastern Sociological Society (ESS), the Southern Sociological Society (SSS), the North Central Sociological Association (NCSA), the Midwest Sociological Society (MSS), and the Pacific Sociological Association (PSA). These regional associations provide a place and space for CC faculty to present their research, serve on committees, discuss innovations in teaching and learning, and publish their work (Hartmann, 2015; Linders, 2016; Rowell, 2010). Given that representatives from the ASA are often visible at the regional meetings, these relationships may also provide a bridge to membership and involvement in the regional associations with the ASA.…”