Onipresen a nos Conselhos Editoriais: Prestígio e Cerimonialismo na Atividade Científica

s paper investigates the notion of prestige in editorial boards of Brazilian academic journals. It considers the ubiquity underlying the stratification characteristics of the scientific field. The sample included 41 journals in the business area, listed on the Brazilian system of journal classification (Qualis/Capes). We consider researchers’ multiple memberships on editorial boards in order to map out the network among journals. Hence, by the means of network indicators we explore their relations with journal impact factor and quality certified by the Qualis system. The results showed a significant relationship between the position of editorial boards in the network structure and the ranking classification as measured by impact factor and Qualis systems. We conclude discussing the ceremonial aspects of editorial board. We argue that the role they played by editorial boards goes beyond the technical function of publishing, to be linked to their action as science gatekeepers.