1. Aims and scope
   The Intercontinental Journal of Social Sciences (IJSS) publishes theoretically grounded and methodologically sound research across the social sciences. The journal prioritises studies that advance scholarly understanding of social phenomena through rigorous empirical investigation, critical analysis, or well-argued conceptual engagement.

IJSS welcomes research situated in, but not limited to, the following areas: sociology, education, linguistics, psychology, anthropology, political science, international relations, economics, development studies, media and communication studies, and interdisciplinary social science research.

Submissions must demonstrate:

A clear and coherent focus on a social issue, process, or phenomenon of scholarly relevance

Strong theoretical positioning within an established or emerging social science framework

Methodological transparency and analytical rigour appropriate to the research design

Engagement with current and internationally relevant scholarship

A contribution that extends beyond a single local or purely descriptive context

While IJSS values theoretical and conceptual scholarship, such submissions must demonstrate analytical depth and a clear contribution to social science knowledge rather than purely speculative or descriptive discussion.

2. Manuscript types
   IJSS accepts the following types of submissions:

Research articles (5,000–8,000 words, excluding references):
Empirical qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies that address significant questions in the social sciences.

Review articles (4,000–7,000 words):
Systematic, scoping, or critical reviews that synthesise international literature and identify conceptual, methodological, or empirical gaps.

Short reports (2,000–4,000 words):
Focused empirical studies, pilot investigations, or theoretically informed analyses with clear scholarly relevance.

Book reviews (1,500–3,000 words):
Critical reviews of recent publications relevant to social science research and scholarship.

Purely descriptive manuscripts or opinion pieces without sufficient analytical grounding are not considered.

3. Mandatory scholarly criteria for consideration
   To be considered for peer review, all submissions must meet the following minimum scholarly requirements:

Clearly articulated research aims, questions, or analytical objectives

A methodology or analytical framework appropriate to the study design

Critical engagement with recent and relevant international literature

Analytical depth that goes beyond summary or description

A clearly stated contribution to social science theory, methodology, or empirical knowledge

Manuscripts that fail to meet these criteria may be desk-rejected prior to peer review.

4. Manuscript submission
   Manuscripts must be submitted electronically via the journal’s online submission system or via email at ijss@pierreonline.uk.
   Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.

The manuscript file should include the title page, abstract, main text, tables and figures (if any), and references.

5. Formatting and structure

5.1 General formatting
Language: British English
Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
Line spacing: Double-spaced
Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
Citation style: APA 7th edition

5.2 Title page
Concise and informative title
Author(s)’ name(s) and institutional affiliation(s)
Corresponding author’s email address

5.3 Abstract and keywords
Abstract: 200–250 words summarising the study’s aim, methodology or analytical approach, key findings, and scholarly significance

Keywords: 4–6 keywords, written in lowercase and separated by commas

5.4 Main sections for research articles
Title

Abstract (200–250 words)

Introduction (approximately 500–1,000 words)

Literature review or theoretical framework (approximately 800–1,500 words)

Methodology or analytical approach (approximately 800 words)

Findings or analysis (approximately 800–1,200 words)

Discussion (approximately 1,000–1,500 words)

Conclusion (approximately 500 words)

References (APA 7 format)

The methodology or analytical approach section must clearly explain the research design, data sources, data collection procedures, and analytical methods. For qualitative or conceptual studies, the interpretive framework and analytical logic must be explicitly articulated.

The discussion section must critically relate findings or arguments to existing international scholarship, demonstrating how the study advances understanding within the social sciences.

5.5 Tables and figures
Number all tables and figures sequentially (e.g., Table 1, Figure 1)

Provide clear titles and sources for all tables and figures

Tables must be submitted in editable format (Word or Excel, not images)

6. Ethical considerations
   Authors must adhere to recognised ethical research standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and responsible data handling where applicable. Studies involving human participants must include a clear ethics approval statement.

All submissions are screened for plagiarism using detection software.

7. Peer review process
   All submissions undergo double-blind peer review.
   The review process typically takes approximately 3–6 weeks.

Editorial decisions are based on reviewer reports as well as the manuscript’s scholarly quality, methodological soundness, and alignment with the journal’s scope. Authors may be required to revise and resubmit their manuscripts in response to reviewer and editorial feedback.

8. Publication fees
   IJSS does not charge submission or publication fees.
   The journal is committed to providing free and open access to high-quality social science research.

9. Copyright and open access
   IJSS is an open-access journal.
   Authors retain copyright while granting IJSS the right to publish their work under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence.

10. Language and academic clarity
    Manuscripts must be written in clear, academically appropriate British English and demonstrate coherence, precision, and argumentative clarity. Submissions with persistent language or structural issues that obscure meaning may be returned to authors or rejected prior to peer review.

The journal does not provide language editing services. Authors are responsible for ensuring the clarity and accuracy of their manuscripts before submission.

11. Contact information
    For all inquiries, please contact:
    Email: ijss@pierreonline.uk