Social scientists’ abandonment of book publishing laid bare

A shift from book to journal publishing is a result of 'publish or perish' and targets, but I do not agree that journal papers need to be written using advanced statistical tools, as Paul Basken seems to claim. There are many excellent journals that welcome in-depth qualitative research, certainly in our field of hospitality studies and management.

I fully support Erwin's comment above - many excellent qualitative papers in top journals in my discipline. Perhaps the other reason for the decline in book publishing is the pitiful rewards. It isn't just about the money (what money?).... Books aren't valued by our employers (in the UK), nor are book chapters (in my discipline) no matter how respected. On the other hand, in a book or book chapter it is easier to publish what you want to say, your own voice, without the dreaded hand of 'reviewer 2'