Publication Frequency

• JSP is published Bi-annually (Summer & Fall).
• Special Issues: These may be announced periodically based on emerging themes, conferences, or collaborations.

 Language

• Articles must be written in English with clarity, coherence, and academic tone.

Formatting Requirements

• Font: Times New Roman, Size 12, 2 Line Spacing
• Referencing Style: APA (latest edition)
• Include an Abstract (250 words) and 4–6 Keywords
• Plagiarism below 17% as per HEC guidelines

Submission Method/Process

• Manuscripts are submitted electronically through the journal’s official submission system or designated email address as provided on the journal website jsp@vu.edu.pk. All submissions must comply with the journal’s author guidelines and ethical standards.

Double-Blind Peer Review

All submissions undergo a double-blind peer review process by at least two independent reviewers.

Review Timeline

• Initial editorial screening: 1–2 weeks
• Peer review: 4–6 weeks
• Final decision: Within 10 weeks of submission

Review Criteria

1. Originality and Relevance of Topic
 Manuscripts should present novel ideas, perspectives, or data that contribute meaningfully to the field. The topic must be timely, address a significant issue within the discipline, and reflect current academic or practical concerns relevant to the journal’s scope.

2. Clarity of Research Problem and Objectives
 The research problem should be well-defined and articulated. Objectives must be specific, measurable, and logically aligned with the overall research aim. The purpose of the study should be evident and coherent throughout the manuscript.

3. Methodological Rigour
 Submissions should demonstrate a sound research design appropriate to the study's aims. The methodology must be described in detail to ensure reproducibility and validity. For qualitative and quantitative studies alike, data collection and analysis processes should be robust, transparent, and ethically sound.

4. Coherence of Argument and Analysis
 Arguments should be logically developed, well-structured, and supported by relevant evidence. The manuscript must display a critical engagement with literature and a clear analytical framework. Findings should be interpreted rigorously and consistently.

5. Contribution to the Discipline
 The manuscript should advance knowledge within its field, either by filling a research gap, challenging existing theories, or offering new insights. It should have implications for policy, practice, or future research, demonstrating significance beyond the study itself

Decision Categories

Accept
 The manuscript meets all the journal’s standards and is ready for publication without any revisions.

Minor Revisions
 The manuscript is strong but requires slight improvements in clarity, formatting, or reference citations. These changes do not affect the core research outcomes.

Major Revisions
 Substantial changes are needed, such as refining the methodology, expanding the literature review, or restructuring the argument. The paper will require re-evaluation after revision.

Reject
 The manuscript does not meet the standards of originality, methodological rigor, or relevance, and is not suitable for publication in its current form.

Editorial Responsibilities

1. Maintain Confidentiality of Submissions
 Editors must protect the confidentiality of all submitted manuscripts and the identity of reviewers. Manuscripts must not be shared or discussed with others outside the review process.

2. Ensure Fairness and Impartiality
 Editors should evaluate manuscripts solely on academic merit without discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, institutional affiliation, or other personal factors.

3. Avoid Conflict of Interest
 Editors must avoid handling manuscripts in which they have a personal, professional, or financial conflict of interest. In such cases, editorial responsibility should be reassigned.

4. Promote Academic Integrity
 Editors must actively discourage unethical practices such as plagiarism, data fabrication, or duplicate publication. They should verify the authenticity of submissions using appropriate tools.

5. Communicate with Authors and Reviewers Promptly
 Editors should ensure a timely, transparent, and respectful review process. They must respond to inquiries from authors and reviewers without undue delay.

Author Responsibilities

1. Ensure Originality and Avoid Plagiarism
 Authors must submit only original work and appropriately cite the work and ideas of others. Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable.

2. Disclose All Sources and Conflicts of Interest
 Authors must acknowledge funding sources, institutional support, and any personal or financial conflicts of interest that may influence the research.

3. Obtain Ethical Clearance Where Applicable
 If the research involves human or animal subjects, authors must provide ethical approval from a recognised institutional review board or ethics committee.

4. Respond to Reviewers’ Feedback Constructively
 Authors are expected to address reviewers’ comments with professionalism and revise their manuscripts accordingly. Responses should be clear, detailed, and respectful.

5. Assign Authorship Responsibly
 Only individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the research and writing process should be listed as authors. All authors must approve the final version of the manuscript.

Ethical Considerations

The journal strictly adheres to the Higher Education Commission guidelines. Authors, editors, and reviewers are expected to adhere to ethical standards to uphold scholarly integrity.

Misconduct Includes:

• Plagiarism
• Data fabrication or falsification
• Improper authorship or ghostwriting
• Duplicate submissions

 Open Access Policy

JSP follows an open-access model, making all content freely available online without subscription charges. Authors retain copyright but grant JSP the right to publish.

Access to the Content

The Journal of Social Practices is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License.

Publication Charges

Currently, no publication fees are charged. However, this may be reviewed in the future with prior notice to contributors.

Conflict of Interest Declaration

All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the content or review of the manuscript.

Retraction and Corrections

• Articles may be retracted in cases of serious misconduct.
• Corrections or errata may be issued post-publication for minor errors.

Click here for detailed Policy Document.

Contact Information

Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Social Practices
Department of Sociology
Virtual University of Pakistan
Email: JSP@vu.edu.pk