Communication Research Inequalities and the Prestige Dilemma: Negotiating International Recognition and Local Representation in Global South Journals

Francisco Paulo Jamil Marques; Manfred Asuman; Meghan Sobel Cohen; Brian Ekdale; Abubakar Ibrahim

doi:10.1177/10776990261439160

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Communication Research Inequalities and the Prestige Dilemma: Negotiating International Recognition and Local Representation in Global South Journals

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Communication Research Inequalities and the Prestige Dilemma: Negotiating International Recognition and Local Representation in Global South Journals

Francisco Paulo Jamil Marques, Manfred Asuman, Meghan Sobel Cohen, Brian Ekdale and Abubakar Ibrahim

Journalism & mass communication quarterly

04/26/2026

DOI: 10.1177/10776990261439160

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Abstract

This article examines the editorial policies and structural characteristics of Global South-based communication, media, and journalism academic journals, analyzing how they balance the tension between seeking international recognition and addressing the needs of local audiences. Using two datasets—one detailing journal attributes and another mapping editorial board members—we investigated the websites of 71 SCImago Journal & Country Rank-indexed journals published across 27 non-Western countries. Findings reveal a prevailing adherence to Global North academic standards, which might constrain de-Westernization efforts and South-South collaboration. The strategies and challenges these outlets face underscore persistent inequalities in global knowledge production and visibility.

Journalism

Mass Communication

academic journals

de-westernization

global south

inequalities

knowledge production

media studies

Details

Title: Subtitle: Communication Research Inequalities and the Prestige Dilemma: Negotiating International Recognition and Local Representation in Global South Journals
Creators: Francisco Paulo Jamil Marques - University of Iowa
Manfred Asuman - Western University
Meghan Sobel Cohen - Regis University
Brian Ekdale - University of Iowa
Abubakar Ibrahim - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journalism & mass communication quarterly
DOI: 10.1177/10776990261439160
ISSN: 1077-6990
eISSN: 2161-430X
Publisher: Sage
Grant note: Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Sovereignty: 406504/2022-9
The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Francisco Paulo Jamil Marques is associated with the Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Sovereignty and Informational Disputes (CNPq process #406504/2022-9).
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 04/26/2026
Academic Unit: Center for Social Science Innovation; School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Record Identifier: 9985157607702771

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