THE SOCIAL SCIENCE PRESS: INTRODUCTION

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 19, Heft 2, S. 145-161

Abstract

An introduction to an examination of soc sci periodicals in the following 8 countries: Brazil, France, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, the UK, & the US. General trends in the world at large are discussed. The quantitative increase in the N of periodicals published between 1951 & 1966 is noted, & a breakdown given by major languages, based on data drawn from the WORLD LIST OF SOCIAL SCIENCE PERIODICALS (latest Ed, UNESCO, Paris, 1966). There follows an analysis of general characteristics which shows: (1) that soc sci periodicals are closely tied to instit'al structures, & reflect their logic; (2) that the N of periodicals published is not necessarily r'ed with diversity of specialization; (3) that the major internat'l languages offer COMM advantages which multiply the N of periodicals appearing in them; (4) that the majority of periodicals are poorly staffed, & that there is yet little regular contact between Ed's & no widespread uniformity in the observance of minimal technical standards; (5) that relations between Ed's & readers are uneasy due to publication arrangements, lack of specificity & poor feedback; (6) that the makeup of journals' presents a certain repetition of classic patterns & reflects a farily high degree of personalization; & (7) that the appearance of new `mediating journals' represents an interesting departure. The internat'l soc sci press is defined, & a surveyed sample analyzed according to the returns of a,7? also used for all the 8-country reports. It is found that these periodicals still occupy a difficult position & are something of a superstructure on the various nat'i presses, though their number has increased rapidly & their future appears promising. A final section focuses on rational COMM in soc sci & puts forward points for discussing the improvement of periodicals as the circulatory system of the professional body, including a critique of ritualism, more attention to staffing & to presentation of data in assimilable form. The text of the survey questionaire is appended. AA.