Coppélie Cocq joins editorial team for Journal of American Folklore

Founded in 1888, the Journal of American Folklore (JAF) has played a central role in folklore studies and is one of the most prestigious journals in the field. The new editorial structure involves a group of editors from various institutions and countries sharing the responsibility, marking the first time an editor outside North America is involved. This milestone aims to continue the the American Folklore Society´s (AFS) vision of making the journal more diverse and equitable by including more voices and perspectives.

– I am honored to be part of this milestone, says Coppélie Cocq. This conveys an important message to researchers in Europe and other parts of the world, indicating our commitment to greater diversity and inclusivity.

The editorial collective also includes members from Trinity University, Texas; University of British Columbia, Canada; Utah State University; University of Louisiana in Lafayette; and the Association for Cultural Equity, New York.

Other important matters that the new editorial collective will focus on include the role of generative AI in scientific processes and expanding the journal’s presence on social media to reach a broader readership.

– I am extremely grateful to have been contacted by AFS. This role is of great importance for our field, and I look forward to sharing this responsibility with such a competent group of colleagues, adds Coppélie Cocq.

This appointment is particularly significant as folklore studies in Sweden is not a distinct field, but part of Ethnology or Cultural Studies. Despite this, the field has a long history both internationally and in the Nordic countries.

The American Folklore Society has selected new editors for its flagship journal, the Journal of American Folklore.

ImageAmerican Folklore Society