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CALL FOR PAPERS

 

Special Issue of the Journal of Comparative Family Studies

Theme: Family Formation in Transition: Determinants, Differentials, and Inequality in South Korea

 

We are pleased to invite manuscript submissions for a forthcoming Special Issue of the Journal of Comparative Family Studies, to be published in 2027.

 

South Korea offers a compelling case for understanding the complexities of contemporary family formation. The country has undergone rapid and far-reaching transformations in family formation—marked by delayed marriage, rising singlehood, and one of the world’s lowest fertility rates. These shifts reflect broader structural and cultural dynamics, including gender inequality, economic precarity, and evolving family values.

 

This Special Issue seeks to advance a comprehensive and innovative understanding of the socioeconomic and cultural contexts that shape family formation in South Korea. Given that delayed marriage, rising singlehood, and declining fertility are common features across many developed economies, the Korean experience provides a critical vantage point for examining the determinants, differentials, and inequalities in family formation in the twenty-first century.

 

We welcome both empirical and theoretical contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

 

• Trends and determinants of singlehood, marriage, cohabitation, childlessness, and nonmarital fertility
• Gender, class, and generational differentials in family attitudes and behaviors
• Regional and spatial inequalities in marriage and fertility, including housing precarity
• The intersections of family and work
• The role of social policy and state intervention in shaping family formation
• Diverse and innovative methodological approaches in studying family change (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, historical, experimental, or AI-based approaches, including large language models)

 

Authors of selected papers will be invited to participate in a Special Issue Workshop at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York on April 17, 2026, with travel support provided. The workshop will offer an opportunity for in-depth discussion and feedback prior to the peer-review process. Participation in the workshop is optional and not required for publication consideration. The guest editor will provide feedback to authors who are unable to attend. 

 

Submission Details:

Please submit either a four- to six-page extended abstract or a full working paper, each accompanied by a short abstract of no more than 250 words. Each submission should also include a cover letter specifying the paper title, author affiliation(s), and degree information. The cover letter should additionally outline the research questions addressed and summarize the methodology used.

 

Submission to the Special Issue does not guarantee inclusion. All manuscripts will be checked using iThenticate and will undergo a double-blind peer review. Please follow the JCFS referencing style and submission guidelines available here:

https://utppublishing.com/journals/jcfs/guidelines-for-authors

 

The Call for Papers is available above or through the link: https://utppublishing.com/journals/jcfs/call-for-papers

 

The timeline is as follows:

 

Submission deadline for abstracts: January 31, 2026

Notification on the acceptability of abstract: February 7, 2026

Special Issue Workshop at SUNY Buffalo: April 17, 2026

Submission deadline for full manuscripts: May 31, 2026

Final submission of revised texts: December 15, 2026

Publication Date: 2027

 

All questions and submissions should be directed to the Guest Editor: Sojung Lim,  sjlim25@buffalo.edu.