How Many Humanities Journals Are There?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Defining Humanities Journals
• Estimating the Number of Humanities Journals
• Factors Influencing the Growth of Humanities Journals
• The Impact of So Many Journals
  • 1. Increased Opportunities for Publication
  • 2. Fragmentation of Research
  • 3. Variations in Quality
  • 4. Pressure on Scholars to Publish
• Conclusion: The Expanding World of Humanities Journals

Introduction

One might ask: How many humanities journals are there out there?

The answer is far from simple when it comes to the number of academic journals that publish humanities research. Humanities encompasses many disciplines—philosophy, history, literature, linguistics, cultural studies, etc. These disciplines delve into the intricacies of human thought, culture, and expression, meaning they rely heavily on journals as platforms to share, debate, and develop ideas. But how many of these journals exist? And what does this abundance (or limitation) mean for researchers and scholars?

In this article, we’ll explore the scope of humanities journals, discuss what counts as a “humanities journal,” and consider the challenges and opportunities presented by the broad and expanding landscape of scholarly publishing in the humanities.

Defining Humanities Journals

Before we can estimate the number of humanities journals, it’s important first to clarify what qualifies as one. Humanities journals focus on research and scholarship in human culture, history, language, and philosophy. These journals often feature a wide variety of content, including research articles, book reviews, essays, and critical analyses. Each journal may have its niche, focusing on specific historical periods, geographical regions, or theoretical frameworks.

Their methodological approach sets humanities journals apart from those in the sciences or social sciences. While scientific journals typically publish data-driven, empirical research, humanities journals focus on interpretation, analysis, and critical thinking. Their papers may deal with everything from dissecting a Shakespearean sonnet to exploring the historical impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.

Estimating the Number of Humanities Journals

Determining the exact number of journals can be tricky given the humanities’ wide-ranging nature. However, data from various academic databases and journal directories can help us get a clearer picture.

• Scopus indexes over 40,000 academic journals, while Web of Science indexes over 20,000 across all major disciplines. The exact numbers fluctuate as new journals are added, and some are removed to maintain quality standards.
• Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), a widely respected database indexes high-quality, peer-reviewed, open-access journals. It lists over 17,000 journals across all disciplines, with a substantial portion dedicated to the humanities. Approximately 5,000 journals are listed within the humanities category, although this number fluctuates as new journals are added or discontinued.
• Scimago Journal and Country Rank (SJR): Scimago offers another way to assess the academic publishing landscape. A useful metric is the classification of journals under specific disciplines. The humanities journals span various fields, from classical studies to modern digital humanities.
• ERIC and JSTOR: Other well-known academic databases such as ERIC (focused more on education) and JSTOR provide access to thousands of journals, many of which focus on various humanities disciplines.

Taking many indices in consideration, at least 16,000 to 19,000 active journals publish humanities research across databases and indexes. However, the true number may be higher when smaller, niche, or less visible publications are considered.

Factors Influencing the Growth of Humanities Journals

The number of humanities journals has been on the rise for several reasons, and understanding these factors gives us insight into why so many journals exist and what the future may hold.

1. Interdisciplinary Research: The boundaries between disciplines in the humanities are becoming more fluid. For example, journals now cover digital humanities, environmental humanities, and medical humanities, which blend traditional humanities research with emerging technologies or scientific approaches. This cross-pollination between fields has driven the creation of new journals to cater to interdisciplinary scholars.
2. Specialization: Scholars today are becoming increasingly specialized, focusing on narrow topics within their fields. As a result, journals that cater to these specific niches have emerged. For instance, instead of just one broad journal covering literature, numerous specialized ones focus on feminist literary theory, postcolonial literature, or medieval texts.
3. Open Access Movement: The rise of open access publishing has also contributed to the growing number of journals. An open access journal allows scholars to publish their research without paywalls, making their work accessible to a global audience. Many new humanities journals have embraced this model, enabling more inclusive participation in academic discourse.
4. Digital Platforms: The digital transformation in academic publishing has lowered barriers to entry in academia. It’s easier and cheaper to launch a digital journal today than it was to start a print journal in the past. Many universities, scholarly societies, and independent scholars have started their academic journals, especially as online platforms have become more user-friendly and accessible.

The Impact of So Many Journals

With such many journals available, what does this mean for the academic community, particularly for humanities scholars? The sheer volume of journals presents advantages and challenges.

1. Increased Opportunities for Publication

One obvious benefit of having many humanities journals is that scholars have more opportunities to publish their work. Whether you’re a seasoned academic or an early-career researcher, there are a variety of platforms where you can submit your articles. Specialized journals offer space for niche research that may not fit into more generalized publications, giving scholars a broader range of potential homes for their work.

2. Fragmentation of Research

Conversely, the vast number of journals can lead to fragmentation. It can be challenging for scholars to keep track of the most relevant publications in their field, particularly as new journals are continually being launched. This makes it harder to stay on top of the latest research, and important conversations can become siloed across different publications.

3. Variations in Quality

Not all journals are created equal, which is another challenge arising from having such a large pool of publications. While many humanities journals are peer-reviewed and maintain high academic standards, others may lack rigorous peer review processes. This can make it difficult for readers to discern which journals are reliable and which may be less credible. The rise of predatory journals—publications that charge authors to publish without proper peer review—further complicates this issue.

4. Pressure on Scholars to Publish

The “publish or perish” culture in academia has added pressure on humanities scholars to get their work published, sometimes leading to a race to publish in as many journals as possible. While this boosts the quantity of published research, it can also impact the quality. Scholars might feel pressured to submit work prematurely or to spread their research thin across multiple publications.

Conclusion: The Expanding World of Humanities Journals

Estimating the exact number of humanities journals is no easy task. Still, with at least 16,000 to 19,000 active publications, it’s clear that the field offers a wealth of opportunities for established scholars and newcomers. This expansion reflects the vibrancy and diversity of research in the humanities and the increasing importance of interdisciplinary work.

However, the sheer volume of journals also brings its own set of challenges. From ensuring quality control to avoiding research fragmentation, publishers and scholars must navigate this complex landscape carefully. Ultimately, the broad range of journals is a testament to the continuing importance of humanities scholarship in our understanding of the human experience.

As we progress, academic publishing in the humanities will likely keep evolving. With the rise of open access journals, the integration of digital platforms, and the growth of interdisciplinary research, the number of humanities journals is set to grow. For those engaged in humanities research, this ever-expanding universe provides challenges to overcome and opportunities to seize.