History and Mission
Sociological Insight was created in July 2008 at The University of Texas at Austin with the goal of promoting original and high-quality undergraduate research in the social sciences. As the only fully refereed national undergraduate social science journal in the United States, Sociological Insight was founded on the conviction that engaging young scholars in academic research is not only crucial to their personal intellectual and professional development, but also to the social progress of the United States. Undergraduates can bring unique perspectives to understanding society and can recognize and appreciate social trends that sometimes escape even the most veteran of academics. As such, undergraduates who have strong training in theory and methods can bring vibrant new ideas to academic discourse, essential to the functioning of a healthy democracy capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
On this premise, Sociological Insight seeks to publish recent, theory-driven, methodologically sound, professionally written academic articles which make important and relevant research findings. To ensure that all of its published articles meet professional academic standards, Sociological Insight subjects each article considered for publication to a rigorous review process, involving one faculty and one graduate reviewer (specialized in the paper's substantive focus), as well as one undergraduate with sufficient qualifications. Thus, each article is anonymously reviewed by at least three reviewers.
Sociological Insight also features research notes and reviews of recent books in the social sciences. Book review submissions are open to graduate students and faculty.
We believe Insight will help to professionalize undergraduate research by providing an important service currently unavailable to undergraduate students. By engaging undergraduates in a professional peer-review process and encouraging critical thinking and scholarly excellence, Sociological Insight has become a practical stepping-stone for students aspiring to publish their work in the top sociological journals.
The first issue of Sociological Insight , Volume 1, Issue 1, was published in May 2009. During fall 2008 and spring 2009, Sociological Insight received 52 submissions from 33 universities, and employed 28 faculty, 42 graduate, and 36 undergraduate reviewers, from around the United States. The 52 submissions were from:
American University, Augusta State University, Beloit College, Bethune-Cookman College, Davidson College, Fisk University, Harvard University, Loyola University Chicago, Macalester College, New York University, Pennsylvania State University, Presbyterian College, Princeton University, Rice University, Sonoma University, Southwestern University, Spelman College, Syracuse University, Texas State University, Truman University, University of California Santa Cruz, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Chicago, University of Alabama-Birmingham, University of Iowa, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Texas at Austin, Vanderbilt University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Wake Forest University.
