AUTHOR GUIDELINES
Final Submission Checklist
Authors submitting manuscripts to the Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) are required to ensure that their work complies with the following criteria. Submissions not meeting these standards may be returned for revision before review.
(Just put a tick in the box.)
 | Originality | The manuscript is original, has not been published previously, and is not under consideration by another journal. If exceptions apply, these are explained in “Comments to the Editor.” |
| File Format | The manuscript file is submitted in Microsoft Word, WPS Office, or PDF format. |
| Formatting | The text is single-spaced, uses a 12-point font, and applies italics instead of underlining (except for URLs). All figures and tables are inserted within the text at the appropriate locations rather than placed at the end. |
| Style and References | The manuscript follows the stylistic, formatting, and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines. |
| Peer Review Compliance | For submissions to peer-reviewed sections, the manuscript has been prepared in accordance with the instructions under “Ensuring a Blind Review.” |
Download JMCSJ Manuscript Template
Click Here Download JMCSJ Manuscript TemplateAUTHOR GUIDELINES
The Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) considers the following categories of manuscripts for publication:
| Type of Paper | Description | Structure & Requirements | Word Limit | Display Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Article | Empirical studies of scientific quality relevant to the journal’s readership. | Must include an abstract, introduction, methods/approach, results, discussion, and conclusion. Appropriate details should be provided to support conclusions. | Minimum 5,000 words; Maximum 7,500 words (including abstract, text, tables, annexures, and references) | No more than 7 display items (tables/figures) |
| Case Study | Reports on specific cases (individuals or communities) that are unique, current, and contribute meaningfully to the field. | Should include abstract, introduction, case description/report, and discussion. | Minimum 3,000 words; Maximum 6,000 words. | Not specifically limited, but should be concise and relevant. |
| Review Article | Critical overviews summarizing and synthesizing current knowledge in a field. | Must include an abstract and main text. Review submissions are considered from reputable authors with a strong track record in the subject area. | Minimum 3,000 words; Maximum 5,000 words (excluding references, tables, and figures). | Flexible, but should support the narrative. |
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR MANUSCRIPT
Authors are requested to carefully review and comply with the following requirements prior to submission. Manuscripts that do not follow these guidelines may be returned for revision.
File Format
Manuscripts should be submitted in Microsoft Word, WPS Office,or PDF
Text Formatting
Use single spacing throughout the manuscript.
Employ a 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar, unless otherwise specified).
Use italics for emphasis instead of underlining (except in URLs).
Insert all illustrations, figures, and tables within the text at the appropriate points, not at the end of the manuscript.
Title Page Requirements
The title page must contain the following elements:
I. Title: Concise, informative, and free from abbreviations or formulas wherever possible.
II. Author Names and Affiliations: Clearly state the first (given) name and family name of each author. Affiliations should be indicated using superscript letters, placed after the author’s name and before the corresponding institution. Each affiliation must include the institution name, country, and the author’s email address.
III. Corresponding Author: Identify the author responsible for all correspondence during submission, review, publication, and post-publication. The corresponding author must provide a valid and current email address.
IV. Authorship Integrity: Only individuals who have made a genuine contribution to the research should be listed as authors. Do not include anyone who has not contributed or does not wish to be associated with the work.
| Section | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Abstract & Keywords | Every submission must include a clear and factual abstract (maximum 200 words). It should briefly describe the purpose, design/methodology, findings, implications, and originality. Authors must also provide 4–6 keywords related to the paper. |
| Headings | Use concise headings to indicate hierarchy clearly. Format: First-level headings in bold, subsequent sub-headings in medium italics. |
| Footnotes | Use sparingly and number consecutively throughout the article. Footnotes can be created automatically by-word processors or listed separately at the end of the manuscript. Do not include footnotes in the reference list. |
| Figures | Figures (charts, diagrams, drawings, screenshots, or photographs) must be submitted electronically. Acceptable formats: TIFF, JPEG, PNG, EPS, or high-resolution PDF. Ensure correct resolution (minimum 300 dpi). |
| Tables | Insert tables within the main body of the manuscript. Number tables consecutively, provide a brief descriptive title, and place any notes directly below the table. |
| Mathematical Formula | Submit equations as editable text, not as images. Simple formulae should appear in line with the text, using the solidus (/) for fractions (e.g., X/Y). Variables must be italicized. Use “exp” for powers of e. Number equations consecutively if referenced separately in the text. |
| References | All references must follow a recognized APA style format. Authors should consult the APA Referencing Guide: A manuscript template is also available for download to ensure correct formatting.APA Referencing Guide. |
RESEARCH DATA
Authors are encouraged to share supporting data relevant to their research publication, where appropriate. Research data refers to results of observations or experimentation that validate research findings. Data may be interlinked with published articles to enhance transparency and reproducibility
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, RESEARCH FUNDING, AND AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS
All acknowledgments should be placed in a separate section at the end of the manuscript, immediately before the reference list. Authors should not include acknowledgments on the title page, within footnotes, or in any other part of the manuscript. This section should briefly recognize individuals, institutions, or organizations that contributed to the work but who do not meet the criteria for authorship.
Authors must also disclose all sources of research funding. This includes grants, institutional support, sponsorships, or any financial assistance that supported the study. The role of the funding agency should be described clearly, outlining its involvement (if any) in the design of the study, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or the preparation and submission of the manuscript. If the funder had no influence on the study process, this must also be stated explicitly for transparency.
In addition, author contributions must be stated clearly. Each author’s role should be described in detail, using their initials to indicate specific contributions. For example: HNP conducted the field research and drafted the manuscript; MF performed the statistical analysis and contributed to data interpretation; DL coordinated the literature review and assisted with editing. Following this statement, authors must confirm that all contributors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript, and that they agree with the listed order of authorship.
This policy ensures integrity, transparency, and accountability in the publication process, and reflects JMCSJ’s commitment to academic rigor and ethical publishing.
COMPETING INTERESTS
Authors must clearly state whether any competing interests exist in relation to their submitted work. Competing interests may include financial, personal, or professional relationships that could influence the research. If no conflicts exist, authors should include the following statement:
“The authors declare that they have no competing interests.”
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION ETHICS
The Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical publishing. All manuscripts submitted to the journal are expected to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout the research and publication process. JMCSJ has developed clear guidelines on research and publication ethics that apply to authors, reviewers, editors, and readers, ensuring that all contributions are ethically sound and trustworthy.
The journal fully supports the advancement and application of consistent ethical practices within the scholarly publishing community. Authors are strongly encouraged to review our Research and Publication Ethics Guidelines prior to submission to avoid any potential issues. These guidelines provide direction on responsibilities, conflicts of interest, plagiarism, data integrity, authorship, peer review, and corrections or retractions when necessary.
AUTHOR RESPONSIBILITIES
By submitting a manuscript to the Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ), authors agree to uphold the following responsibilities:
1. Originality All manuscripts must be original and must not have been previously published in the same or a substantially similar form.
2. Exclusivity Submitted work should not be under review or consideration by another journal or publisher at the same time.
3. Conflicts of Interest Any potential conflicts of interest must be declared at submission to allow the editorial team to make an informed decision on the manuscript.
4. Use of Third-Party Material Authors must secure the necessary permissions for any third-party content (such as figures, tables, or text extracts) included in their work.
Written consent must be obtained from individuals or organizations named in the manuscript.
5. Legal and Ethical Compliance Manuscripts must not contain unlawful, defamatory, or unethical statements.
The submission must not infringe upon existing copyrights.
6. Authorship Integrity Authorship should be determined before submission. No individual should be added as an author without contribution (“gifted authorship”) or excluded despite substantial contribution (“ghost authorship”).
AUTHORSHIP CRITERIA
To qualify as an author of a manuscript submitted to the Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ), an individual must meet all of the following conditions:
1. Substantial Contribution – made significant input into the conception or design of the study, or into the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data.
2. Intellectual Engagement – participated in drafting the manuscript or revising it critically for key intellectual content.
3. Final Approval – reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript prior to submission.
4. Accountability – accepted responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the work, ensuring that questions related to any part of the research are appropriately addressed.
AUTHORSHIP DISPUTES
Authorship disputes may arise in cases of ghost authorship, where eligible contributors are not acknowledged; gift or guest authorship, where individuals without meaningful contribution are listed as authors; or disagreements regarding the order of authorship and the level of contribution. In such instances, authors are encouraged to contact the JMCSJ Editorial Office. The editorial team will address disputes fairly and transparently, in accordance with established ethical publishing standards and best practices.
INFORMED CONSENT
• Written Consent: If a study refers to a specific person, group, or organization, authors must secure written consent prior to submission.
• Case Studies: Authors must inform the editorial team if their work involves individuals or organizations, and provide documented proof of consent where sensitive details are included.
• Product or Service Reviews: Critiques are welcome but must remain constructive and free of malicious intent.
• Retractions: If any published material is found to contain offensive or defamatory content, JMCSJ will issue a retraction notice, and in some cases, withdraw the article entirely when legally required.
• Pending Permissions: Manuscripts with permissions still pending will not proceed to publication.
CITATION ETHICS
• Written Consent: If a study refers to a specific person, group, or organization, authors must secure written consent prior to submission.
• Case Studies: Authors must inform the editorial team if their work involves individuals or organizations, and provide documented proof of consent where sensitive details are included.
• Product or Service Reviews: Critiques are welcome but must remain constructive and free of malicious intent.
• Retractions: If any published material is found to contain offensive or defamatory content, JMCSJ will issue a retraction notice, and in some cases, withdraw the article entirely when legally required.
• Pending Permissions: Manuscripts with permissions still pending will not proceed to publication.
CITATION ETHICS
Proper citation is essential to scholarly integrity. Authors should avoid unethical practices such as:
• Self-Citation: Excessive citation of one’s own previous work to inflate impact.
• Coercive Citation: Including citations at the request of editors or reviewers when they are irrelevant.
• Citation Pushing: Over-citing a specific group, journal, or author for purposes unrelated to the manuscript’s content. JMCSJ upholds responsible citation practices to maintain the credibility and reliability of published research
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism can take many forms, including verbatim copying, close paraphrasing, reuse of material without proper attribution, text recycling, and self-plagiarism. The Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) requires all submissions to be the original work of the authors, clearly expressed in their own words and supported with appropriate citations where relevant. Any failure to acknowledge sources will be considered plagiarism. To maintain academic integrity, JMCSJ uses plagiarism detection software (Turnitin) along with expert evaluation from reviewers and the editorial team. Manuscripts found to contain plagiarism will be rejected or retracted in accordance with ethical guidelines.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) USE POLICY
The Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used responsibly to support certain aspects of academic writing and research preparation. However, AI tools must not replace the intellectual contribution, critical analysis, ethical judgment, or scholarly responsibility of the author(s).
Authors may use AI-assisted tools for limited and supportive purposes, including language improvement, grammar correction, spelling checks, formatting assistance, reference organization, translation support, summarizing non-substantive notes, or improving the clarity and readability of the manuscript. AI tools may also be used to assist with brainstorming, outlining, or organizing ideas, provided that the final argument, analysis, interpretation, and scholarly contribution remain entirely the responsibility of the author(s).
AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors, as they cannot take responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, originality, or ethical compliance of the submitted work. Authorship is limited to individuals who have made substantial intellectual contributions and who can accept full accountability for the manuscript.
Authors must disclose any use of AI tools in the preparation of the manuscript. This disclosure must be included in a separate section titled “Declaration of AI Use”, placed at the end of the manuscript, immediately before the reference list. The declaration should clearly state the name of the AI tool used, the purpose for which it was used, and the extent of its involvement.
Authors are fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality, validity, and appropriateness of any AI-assisted content. AI-generated or AI-assisted text must be carefully reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by the author(s). Authors must ensure that AI use does not result in plagiarism, fabricated citations, inaccurate data, misleading interpretations, copyright infringement, breach of confidentiality, or unethical representation of research findings.
AI tools must not be used to generate, manipulate, or fabricate data, results, images, figures, participant responses, interview transcripts, field notes, statistical outputs, or any other research evidence. The use of AI to create false, misleading, or unverifiable research material is considered a serious breach of research integrity and may result in rejection, withdrawal, or retraction of the manuscript.
Authors must not upload confidential, sensitive, personal, or identifiable research data into AI tools unless they have appropriate consent, legal permission, and ethical clearance to do so. This is especially important for manuscripts involving marginalized communities, vulnerable groups, personal narratives, case studies, institutional information, or culturally sensitive knowledge.
Failure to disclose AI use, or the inappropriate use of AI in manuscript preparation, may be treated as a breach of publication ethics. JMCSJ reserves the right to request clarification from authors regarding AI use at any stage of submission, review, or publication.
Declaration of AI Use
Authors must include one of the following statements before the reference list:
If AI tools were used:
“The author(s) declare that AI-assisted tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript. Specifically, [name of AI tool] was used for [state purpose, e.g., language editing, grammar correction, formatting support, or improving readability]. The author(s) have reviewed, edited, verified, and approved all AI-assisted content and take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and ethical compliance of the manuscript.”
If AI tools were not used:
“The author(s) declare that no AI-assisted tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript.”
RESEARCH INTEGRITY POLICIES
The Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) upholds strict standards of research integrity. Authors must adhere to the following principles:
1. Data, Figures, and Images
• Manipulation of data or images is considered a serious breach of research ethics.
• Figures must not be altered beyond minimal adjustments (e.g., brightness, contrast) necessary for clarity.
• Adding, removing, or modifying elements to misrepresent results is prohibited.
• Editors may request original data files at any time for verification.
• If intentional manipulation is confirmed, the manuscript will be rejected or, if published, retracted.
2. Dual or Simultaneous Submission
• Manuscripts must not be submitted to more than one journal at the same time.
• Authors are expected to await the final decision from JMCSJ before submitting the work elsewhere.
• Breach of this policy may lead to rejection and reporting of misconduct.
3. Attribution and Prior Work
• Authors must properly cite any previous dissemination of their work, including conference papers, abstracts, or extended abstracts.
• Clear attribution ensures transparency and provides a documented history of the research.
• Failure to acknowledge earlier versions may be treated as academic misconduct.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A conflict of interest arises when authors, reviewers, or editors have interests that are not fully transparent yet may influence their judgment or decision-making in the publication process. To maintain integrity and trust, all parties involved in submission and review are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
For authors, conflicts may include, but are not limited to:
• Previous personal or professional relationships with editors or reviewers.
• Financial or personal interests that could affect research outcomes.
• Undisclosed financial sponsorship or funding from third parties with vested interests.
• Financial or personal motives to suppress or influence research findings.
• Pending patents or intellectual property related to the submitted work. When submitting a manuscript, authors must provide a declaration outlining any thirdparty funding and clearly identifying other possible conflicts of interest.
If an editor or reviewer is found to have a conflict of interest regarding a submission, they will be removed from handling that manuscript. Authors who suspect potential conflicts in the review process should contact the Editor-in-Chief of JMCSJ immediately.
This policy ensures transparency, fairness, and impartiality in the editorial and peerreview processes.
JOURNAL MANAGEMENT AND VISIBILITY
The Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) is managed using Journal Website -
This platform provides a reliable and transparent workflow for manuscript submission, peer review, editorial decision-making, and publication. The system is designed to support open access publishing and complies with international standards for academic journal management.
To enhance the visibility and impact of published research, JMCSJ strongly encourages authors to engage in post-publication dissemination. Authors may share their work through recognized academic networking platforms such as ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Academia.edu, as well as institutional repositories, in accordance with the journal’s licensing policy under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are properly cited.
For further inquiries regarding our publication ethics policies or journal management practices, authors are welcome to contact the editorial office at:
THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHT PERMISSIONS
Before submitting a manuscript to the Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ), authors must obtain written permission to use any material created by a third party. Articles with permissions still pending will not be accepted for publication. The required permissions include:
• Non-exclusive rights to reproduce the material in the submitted article or book chapter.
• Print and electronic rights to cover all publication formats.
• Worldwide English-language rights for full distribution. It is the author’s responsibility to secure and provide evidence of these permissions at the time of submission.
ONLINE SUBMISSION
To ensure a smooth submission process, authors are responsible for carefully reviewing their manuscript before uploading. Submissions must be complete, grammatically correct, and free from spelling or typographical errors. Only manuscripts that meet the formatting and ethical requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines will proceed to peer review.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
A duly completed electronic copy of your manuscript can be forwarded to jmcsj.com
The Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) is a semiannual publication, accepting manuscript submissions year-round for consideration in its biannual issues.
REVIEW AND DECISION PROCESS
All submissions to the Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) are first assessed by the Editor. At this stage, manuscripts may be declined if they fall outside the journal’s aims and scope, or if the language and overall quality are below the required standard. Suitable manuscripts are then sent for double-blind peer review by at least two independent reviewers. Based on their feedback, the Editor will decide whether to accept the manuscript, request minor or major revisions, or reject the submission. Throughout the process, authors receive updates via email, including the manuscript number assigned at submission, ensuring transparency and effective communication during review and editorial decision-making.
POST-ACCEPTANCE PROCESS
Once a manuscript is accepted for publication in the Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ), authors must submit the final, revised version in MS Word format to submissions@jmcsj.com. After this stage, the same manuscript cannot be submitted to another journal unless official withdrawal permission is granted by the Chief Editors.
All accepted authors will receive a copyright form via email. This form must be reviewed carefully to confirm that all names, contact details, and affiliations are accurate, then returned electronically. The manuscript cannot move forward until copyright forms are received from every author.
Following submission of the copyright form, authors are responsible for arranging language editing through professional editing services. JMCSJ can provide recommendations on request. The manuscript then enters the production stage, which includes editorial checks, copyediting, and typesetting. Proofs will be sent to the corresponding author, offering a final opportunity to correct author details or minor errors.
Once proof corrections are approved, the article is published online as an Early Cite version. Early Cite articles are fully formatted, assigned a DOI, and available for citation, even before they are allocated to a specific volume or issue. Articles will later be compiled into issues in line with the journal’s publication schedule.
COPYRIGHT AND PRIVACY POLICY
Authors retain copyright of their published articles. Articles published in the Journal of Marginalized Communities and Social Justice (JMCSJ) are made available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are properly cited.
The names, contact information, and email addresses provided to JMCSJ will be used solely for journal operations, including communication, peer review, editorial decision-making, and publication processes. This information will remain confidential and will not be shared with third parties or used for unrelated purposes.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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