Types of Contribution

The Journal of Practice Theory is organised into the following sections with the following types of contributions:

Research Articles – Full-length research articles that are either based on empirical research or that are conceptual in nature (8,000 – 10,000 words);

Essays –  Shorter pieces that pursue a distinct argument (3,000 – 6,000 words);

Editorials – Introductions and commentaries on the respective journal issue, invited or by the editorial team (2,000 – 3,000 words).

Alternative and Innovative Forms – The journal aims to be adventurous in form. Because of that we are open to proposals for innovative formats. Please propose a form that suits your content and we will consider whether the journal can accommodate it (open format).

Columns – (1,500 – 2,000 words) - Columns are short opinion pieces, whose arguments - if they make any - are not required to systematically marshal evidence or to provide considerations against contending positions. The column is a space where an author can succinctly lay out a particular point of view, issue a reminder, call attention to something, making a connection, or advance a particular theme.

Columns currently fall into one of the following four categories:

  1. Theory Corner
    Notes on key theoretical concepts, topics, or arguments in the field of practice theory.
  2. Methodological Moment
    Reflections on methodological issues and approaches as they relate to theories of practice.
  3. Current Affairs
    Practice-theory-informed takes on contemporary events and pressing issues.
  4. Unexplored Terrain
    Explorations of emerging topics, empirical phenomena, or domains that merit attention from practice theory scholars.

If a proposed column does not fit into any of these categories, the journal welcomes suggestions for new categories that broaden the scope of this section.

Authors interested in contributing a column are encouraged to contact the Columns Section Editor, Ted Schatzki, at schatzki@uky.edu before writing.

Re-views  - The Re-views section revisits key texts in practice theory. Unlike conventional book reviews, re-views bring together a set of short reflective essays (around 800 words each) written by scholars from different fields and backgrounds. The focus may be on newly published work or on articles and books that have shaped the field over time.

Contributors are invited to:

  • briefly summarise the chosen text,

  • reflect on the ideas they have taken from it, and

  • consider its contribution to debates within their own discipline and to practice theory more broadly.

Each re-view assembles several of these reflections, creating a dialogue around a significant text. While the section is not open to unsolicited submissions, we welcome suggestions of texts to feature and expressions of interest in contributing. Please contact the editors at e.shove@lancaster.ac.uk and jenny.rinkinen@lut.fi .