Katherine R. Allen, Ph.D., Editor
Caroline Sanner, Ph.D., Deputy Editor

Toward the mission of nurturing the contributions of emerging family scholars, NCFR's Journal of Family Theory & Review (JFTR) introduces a new genre of submissions titled Emerging Voices. Building on the legacy of the Original Voices feature of JFTR, where prominent scholars analyze the theoretical implications of their work, Emerging Voices will offer brief and timely theoretical commentaries (10-15 manuscript pages) from students and new professionals about current topics and ideas that they would like to bring to the Family Science discipline.

We invite submissions that demonstrate innovative theoretical thinking on topics that resonate with the new generations of scholars. For example, submissions could: (a) consider how interdisciplinary perspectives (including on topics not directly related to family life) can bring new theoretical insights to the study of families and close relationships, (b) comment on missing perspectives in family theory curricula, (c) illustrate critical and contemporary applications of existing theory, (d) discuss the implications of new theorizing for their own areas of research or practice, (e) explore professional topics from emerging scholars’ perspectives (e.g., navigating hierarchical and peer collaborations in graduate school), or (f) address how scholars can engage with non-academic sources (e.g., social media content, community discourses) to enhance their theorizing when academic literature on emergent topics is lacking.

The purpose of Emerging Voices is to encourage theoretical creativity, both in content and in structure. That is, in addition to traditional academic papers, scholars can consider alternative methods of presentation if it enhances the delivery of their message. For example, submissions about theoretical tensions in Family Science could illustrate family scholars in dialogue. Two emerging scholars with varying positions around a particular issue in Family Science might engage with how they diverge and coalesce in their positioning. Alternatively, emerging scholars might dialogue with their (former) advisor or teacher on emergent topics in their field, potentially from diverging generational standpoints as a way to enrich critical analysis of their topic (think Emerging Voice meets Original Voice). The possibilities are many. We encourage emerging scholars to get creative as they consider what to voice and how to voice it. 

Those who are interested in submitting to Emerging Voices should reach out to Deputy Editor Caroline Sanner ([email protected]). Submissions will be reviewed by the deputy editor and at least one anonymous reviewer. We will work with interested authors in developing their manuscript to its fullest potential. With this new genre of submissions, JFTR aims to (a) amplify the voices of emerging family scholars, (b) advance creative, bold, and exciting approaches to family theorizing, and (c) expand JFTR’s repertoire of “go to” sources for innovative thinking and meaningful practice.

JFTR seeks to encourage integration and growth in the multidisciplinary and international domains of inquiry that define contemporary Family Science. The journal publishes original contributions in all areas of family theory, including new advances in theory development, reviews of existing theory, and analyses of the interface of theory and method, as well as integrative and theory-based reviews of content areas, and book reviews. Read more.