[open] Call for Papers - Epistemology, Methodology, Data Sciences and Social Research: Problematizing Data, Society, and Sustainability Issue in a Digital World

12-02-2025

Call for papers

Epistemology, Methodology, Data Sciences and Social Research: Problematizing Data, Society, and Sustainability Issue in a Digital World

Guest Editors: Marina Marino and Gabriella Punziano – University of Naples Federico II

 

Special Issue (SI)

Conference contribution from: Data Science & Social Research, 4th International Conference, Naples (Italy) on 25th-27th March 2024 – Proposals on the sidelines of the conference but well centred on the topics covered by this call will also be welcome!

Journal: Fuori Luogo Journal of Sociology of Territory, Tourism, and Technology

Language: English

Instructions for Authors: http://www.serena.unina.it/index.php/fuoriluogo/about/submissions

Attention: It is essential that texts submitted, including notes and bibliographical references, do not exceed 8,000 words. Authors are kindly requested to strictly adhere to the editorial guidelines, which can be consulted in the file available in the “Files” section of the journal’s website. If the submitted files do not comply with these guidelines, a revision of the document will be required.

Deadline for Submissions: June 1st, 2025

Review practice: double blind peer review, two reviewers two rounds of review, unless there are disagreements between reviewers or need for further review. You may suggest separately to the Guest Editors a shortlist of up to four names of experts who could possibly be contacted for review

Notification of Final Acceptance: July 30th, 2025

Submission of final work accepted for publication: September 21st, 2025

Release forecast: first issue of 2026

 

Overview of the Issue

In an era increasingly shaped by digital technologies, the interface between data science and social research has opened new epistemological and methodological horizons. From the rise of digital social research to the challenges of ensuring data quality, the role of digital tools in shaping societal trends is both profound and complex. As researchers, practitioners, and policymakers grapple with the integration of these technologies into the social fabric, critical reflection on methods, data integrity, and societal impact is urgently needed.

This Call for Papers seeks contributions that explore the confluence of digital technologies, social research, and societal transformation. In particular, we invite interdisciplinary work that bridges data science and social sciences, addressing the challenges, opportunities, and criticalities posed by digitalization in social research and its broader societal applications.

 

Topics of Interest

We invite theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented papers on the following key themes:

  1. Epistemological and Methodological Issues in Digital Social Research: how is the digital turn reshaping the epistemological foundations of social research? What are the challenges and opportunities for traditional and novel methodologies in the age of big data and algorithmic analysis?
  2. Digital Data Quality, Challenges and Pitfalls: with the explosion of digital data comes the challenge of ensuring its quality. How can researchers navigate issues such as bias, misrepresentation, and data privacy in digital datasets? What are the implications for the validity of social research?
  3. The Role of Digital Technology in Society and Social Research: New Perspectives and Criticalities: how are digital technologies transforming societal processes and structures? What new perspectives do they offer for understanding social behaviour, and what critical issues arise from their pervasive use in shaping public discourse, governance, and everyday life?
  4. Transitioning toward a Sustainable Tourism: Data, Sources, and Policy Indications as Special focus: what role can digital data and technologies play in fostering more sustainable tourism practices? How can digital sources be leveraged to inform policy recommendations and promote socio-environmental sustainability in the tourism sector?
  5. Data Integration for Social Studies in Official Statistics: How can the integration of various data sources improve the accuracy of official statistics? What role do advanced analytical techniques play in enhancing spatial analysis and understanding demographic trends?

 

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please contact the Guest Editors at: gabriella.punziano@unina.it and marina.marino@unina.it

For any other information you can contact the journal at the email redazione@fuoriluogo.info