Continuities and Changes: A Trend Analysis of Historical Sociology in the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of historical sociology from 2005 to 2025, identifying key trends and challenges within the discipline. Despite a modest annual growth rate of 10.59% and increased publication rates, a significant decline in average citations per document raises concerns about the field's impact and recognition. The authorship landscape is characterized by a predominance of single-authored works and limited international collaboration, predominantly within national contexts, with the USA and UK as leading contributors. Thematic evolution indicates a shift toward emerging topics, such as political sociology and nationalism, whereas traditional concepts appear to be waning. Influential articles addressing critical themes, such as international relations and the sociology of knowledge, highlight ongoing and relevant discussions. A notable transition from a European-centric focus to a broader examination of Asian, Oceanian, and African contexts presents new research opportunities, particularly in digital humanities and education. Methodological advancements, including quantitative methodologies and synthesis analysis techniques, enhance the discipline's adaptability. However, the study's reliance on the Scopus database limits its findings, suggesting that future research should incorporate additional databases for a more comprehensive perspective. The analysis also indicates areas for further exploration, particularly regarding the roles of countries, institutions, journals, and authors in shaping the field.