University of Tampere Finland Lessons from the European Journal of Cultural Studies Pertti Alasuutari University of Tampere

Finland Frequency: Quarterly ISSN: eISSN: Months of Distribution: February - May - August - November Current Volume: 11 Current Issue: 2 Editors: Pertti Alasuutari, University of Tampere, Finland Ann Gray, Lincoln University, UK Joke Hermes, InHolland University, The Netherlands Publisher: Sage

University of Tampere Finland Aims and Scope An international journal based in Europe Promotes a conception of cultural studies rooted in lived experience Adopts a broad-ranging view of cultural studies The journal is interdisciplinary It engages in critical discussions on power relations concerning gender, class, sexual preference, ethnicity and other macro or micro sites of political struggle

University of Tampere Finland Aims and Scope Explained International, not a journal of European cultural studies or European studies You need to address a truly international readership: –Tie in your research with a theoretical or methodological point or show how your case has truly international relevance

University of Tampere Finland The Kind of Papers We Wish to Publish From the ‘Birmingham school’ to an international cross ‑ disciplinary intellectual movement –Yet we are not interested in publishing any kind of studies of culture Analyses of cultural products is a way of approaching contemporary culture and society, but we expect links with wider society

University of Tampere Finland The Kind of Papers We Wish to Publish Papers concentrating on social and cultural theory are also welcome –However, we are not interested in papers analyzing what a classic or a prominent theorist has said or where their ideas originate We are in favour of theorizing drawing on empirical observations and in well ‑ theorized empirical case ‑ study research

University of Tampere Finland The Kind of Papers We Wish to Publish No preference for any particular methods –However, we are in favour of innovative research The journal is not a place for reporting on findings from for instance social surveys, even if they deal with cultural factors as independent variables

University of Tampere Finland Lessons and hints Methodological rigour is rare and always welcome A clear question and a well-founded answer is the key point –It also helps in a clear organization of the paper The review process –based on voluntary work, takes its time –Intersubjective at best, it is not a plea court –Be grateful for the feedback even when the paper is rejected