This paper presents an analysis of a researcher's academic position when getting published in The Annual Review of Sociology and the Japanese Sociological Review during each academic year from 2001 through 2010. The study examines the general situation of young researchers hoping to get published in these academic journals and tries to identify how often their theses are ultimately published. In particular, it focuses on the peer review system in order to understand the strategic thinking that young researchers employ when submitting their theses. By comparing the two journals, this study identifies the problems faced by young researchers and suggests strategies for solving these problems.