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JANA is the peer-reviewed publication of the Society for the Anthropology of North America. We welcome manuscripts concerned with the anthropology of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While elements of this research tradition are addressed by applied, medical, educational, political, and urban anthropology, among others, JANA focuses upon this region as an “area” by placing research findings in historical perspective and theoretical conversation. JANA is particularly committed to featuring work from diversely situated scholars that builds on critiques of inequality and violence to further envision, imagine, investigate, and enact actual alternatives to the ‘-isms’ of our time. We aim to publish manuscripts that anchor theory-building in compelling ethnographic grounding, and we are particularly insistent that our authors avoid the temptation of simply processing a case study through a given theoretical lens. Going further, we want to invite (and challenge) authors to bring out the reflexive and ethical dimension of their work: the what is to be done?
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The Journal for the Anthropology of North America (JANA) welcomes manuscripts concerned with the anthropology of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While elements of this research tradition are addressed by applied, medical, educational, political, and urban anthropology, among others, JANA focuses upon this region as an “area” by placing research findings in historical perspective and theoretical conversation. JANA is particularly focused on analyses situated within broad frameworks such as ethnicity, race, class, gender, and structured inequality.
We currently accept three types of manuscripts. Research articles present findings from original fieldwork and make explicit contributions to contemporary dialogues in the study of North America. Coming to Terms are short, non-peer-reviewed pieces that engage with language critical to our work as anthropologists in order to provoke further dialogue and reflection. Snapshots are single image-based short essays documenting key moments in contributors’ fieldwork. We also publish book and film reviews.
Word Counts:
Abstract: maximum 250 words
Article: maximum 8000 words, including all citations and endnotes
Research articles for JANA should make original theoretical contributions based on ethnographic or archaeological evidence. While we recognize the value of historical and textual work and cultural criticism, we remain committed to foregrounding long-term ethnographic engagements in North America. As such, all articles submitted should show clear evidence of engagement with relevant area literatures, both topical and theoretical. However, we strongly encourage authors to avoid the temptation of simply processing an ethnographic case study through a given theoretical lens–rather, we are interested in work that pushes our boundaries of understanding.
As a general stylistic note, we seek to avoid jargon-laden prose and strive to publish work that is accessible to non-specialist readers; at the same time, we recognize the shorthand value of some theoretical language. Our general principle is, use only as much jargon as is absolutely necessary. Strive for clear and concise writing and manageable sentences.
Finally, we want to invite authors to highlight the reflexive and ethical dimensions of their work: what is to be done? How might your work show us ways forward rather than simply chronicle injustice or suffering? What are the people you engage with already doing and how can we learn from that? What does it mean to do this work in North America in the terms of our disciplinary or regional history?
Abstracts for research articles should clearly state the main argument, context, and evidence of the piece, while avoiding as much as possible metadiscursive framing language (“This article argues…”). This type of language should also be limited within the article.
Please include up to five keywords at the bottom of your abstract that will serve both to suggest relevant reviewers and to make your article more searchable.
The JANA editorial team will desk review all submitted manuscripts within two weeks of submission to determine appropriateness for peer review. In cases where an article does not meet our standards for peer review, authors will be notified as quickly as possible with alternative suggestions. Articles that are accepted for peer review can expect a decision on acceptance within six months.
For further advice on writing and submitting research articles, please see these excellent resources:
Word Count: 1000 to 1,500 words, including references.
Coming to Terms features short reflective pieces on words or ideas central to the anthropology of North America in its present moment. These pieces can interrogate a particular word or phrase or highlight a contemporary idea that captures something of our academic, political, or cultural moment.
Word Counts: 400 to 500 words, including references.
Snapshots features one appropriately formatted photograph taken (of or) by the author, accompanied by a short reflexive commentary. This should describe and explain the picture, including geographic location as well as its significance in your research and/or the anthropology of North America.
Word Count: 800 to 1,000 words, including references.
We welcome reviews of books or films which were released in the past three years. Relevant unsolicited or volunteered reviews are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All reviewers must not be affiliated with the book or film reviewed in any capacity. A review requires more than a summary or synopsis. The appropriate submission will analyze, comment on, and evaluate the work and its relevance for North American anthropology which could include as a teaching resource, for praxis, or new cultural insights (broadly defined).
The title of your review must follow the Chicago Manual of Style as follows:
“Book Title by Book Author(s), Publisher Name, Date of Publication”
“Book Title. Edited by Editor(s), Publisher Name, Date of Publication”
“Film Title. Directed by Director, Date of Film, Length.”
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