Unraveling the complexities of social work research in China: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Summary

This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to examine the social work landscape in China by analyzing 2,168 articles drawing on multiple bibliographic databases. The tools R-Bibliometrix and CiteSpace were used to conduct thorough analyses of the intellectual structure of social work research in China.

Findings

Our findings reveal high-impact journals, frequently cited documents, and prominent research clusters, providing a detailed overview of the multifaceted nature of social work research in China. The interpretation of research clusters unravels the complexities of contemporary Chinese society amidst rapid social and economic transformations, demanding a holistic approach that incorporates critical engagement with varied perspectives. The study is intended to provide a meso-level perspective enabling an in-depth examination of intermediate structures in social work research, with a focus on the complexities of Chinese society. These complexities include internal socioeconomic and cultural diversities, the distinctive relationship between central and local governments, and the methodological challenges faced by researchers.

Applications

This analysis empowers contemporary scholars and practitioners with an inclusive understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of social work in China. Researchers can leverage the identified high-impact journals and documents as references to advance social work knowledge in China. Practitioners can draw insights from the prominent research clusters to gain a deeper understanding of key areas of focus within the field. This knowledge serves to inform and guide both research and professional practice, thereby facilitating improved outcomes in the field of social work in China.