Call for papers for a special issue in Historical Social Research, edited by Marie Labussière (Sciences Po), Daniel Mayerhoffer (University of Amsterdam), and Rens Wilderom (University of Amsterdam).
Over the past decade, the field of computational social sciences (CSS) has flourished, driven by the growing use of novel digital data and methods such as machine learning, system dynamics, agent-based simulations, network analysis, natural language processing, and generative AI, offering new opportunities to revisit long-standing sociological questions from fresh perspectives. Computational approaches can support the development and testing of new hypotheses, enhance the operationalisation and measurement of both established and emerging concepts, and help assess the robustness of existing findings. Despite this potential, the application of CSS to the study of inequality and stratification remains fragmented and underdeveloped, as digital data introduce significant challenges, including new forms of bias and ethical concerns, while computational methods may entail distinct epistemic assumptions, challenge established research practices, and involve substantial implementation costs, leaving it unclear how far these approaches can be leveraged to generate genuinely new theoretical insights, particularly in relation to inequality.
With this HSR Special Issue, we aim to bring together a diverse set of contributions that advance the integration of CSS and take stock of whether, and how, these approaches can help move the field forward. We invite papers that apply, develop, or test CSS data, tools, and techniques in the study of social inequalities. In this context, we deliberately adopt a broad definition of social inequalities that encompasses economic, cultural, racial, and gender inequalities, as well as their intersections. In addition to reporting empirical findings, contributors are encouraged to critically reflect on the opportunities and challenges presented by their computational approach and to provide guidance for future research.
For the Full Call for Papers: CfP PDF Download (325 kB).
Important Dates and Path to Publication in the Special Issue
● May 15, 2026: Submission of extended abstracts
● June 15, 2026: Decision on extended abstracts
● September 25, 2026: Submission of manuscripts
● October-November 2026: Reviews – round 1
● December 2026: Hybrid authors' workshop in Paris and online
● January-March 2027: Reviews and revisions – round 2
● April-May 2027: Reviews and revisions – round 3
● July 2027: Publication of the Special Issue
By submitting, you agree to serve as a reviewer (and discussant at the authors’ workshop) for one other paper. In addition to this cross-review, all papers will receive a double-blind external review.
How to Submit
Extended abstracts (max 1,000 words) and manuscripts should be prepared according to the HSR's submission guidelines and submitted via this form.
Should you not have a Google account, please e-mail marie.labussiere[at]sciencespo.fr.