Paradigm Publishers was an academic publishing house based in Boulder, Colorado, United States, specializing in books across the social sciences and humanities. Founded in 2002, it quickly established itself as a significant independent publisher in these fields, known for its rigorous scholarship and engagement with contemporary issues.
History
Paradigm Publishers was founded in 2002 by Jennifer Knerr and Mel Kohl, both veterans of the academic publishing industry. Their goal was to create a publisher dedicated to high-quality academic texts that could also reach a broader readership beyond traditional university circles. Over the next decade, Paradigm developed a strong reputation for publishing innovative and often critical scholarship, particularly in areas like political science, sociology, international relations, economics, and cultural studies.In 2011, Paradigm Publishers was acquired by Taylor & Francis Group, a subsidiary of Informa, which also owns Routledge. Following the acquisition, the Paradigm Publishers imprint and its entire backlist were integrated into Routledge, becoming part of its extensive portfolio in the social sciences and humanities.
Focus and Scope
Paradigm Publishers focused on publishing scholarly monographs, edited collections, and textbooks primarily for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for researchers and professionals. Key subject areas included:- Political Science
- International Relations
- Sociology
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
- Media Studies
- Education
The publisher was known for its commitment to diverse perspectives and often published works that challenged conventional wisdom or explored alternative approaches within its core disciplines.