The Legacy and Future of the European Sociological Review: An Editorial Comment

Abstract

As of 2012 I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the European Sociological Review. ESR is the flagship journal of the European Consortium of Sociological Research (ECSR, http://www.ecsrnet.eu/). The first issue of ESR appeared in May 1985 with Karl Ulrich Mayer as Editor, joined by Associate Editors John Goldthorpe and Stein Ringen. In their first Editorial, they envisioned the journal as one that would bring together European sociologists with a common commitment to empirical research and comparative studies. Almost 30 years later many of the original objectives remain such as ‘priority to work based on empirical research, conducted to high methodological standards, and addressed to major substantive issues’ (Mayer et al., 1985. p: i). The focus on cross-national comparative work and representation of studies from Europe and beyond remains as an important trademark of the journal. ESR has continued to publish highly original research in the discipline of sociology, including new theoretical developments, methodological innovations, and a focus on understanding fundamental mechanisms, social processes, and topics that have a direct relevance for sociological research and society. ESR has likewise managed to evolve and integrate new generations of young researchers by publishing the most innovative topics within theory-driven empirical research.