Research Landscape of Islamic Feminism and Its Relevance to the SDGs: A Keyword Co-occurrence Analysis of Key Issues and Theoretical Debates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23917/profetika.v27i02.14315Keywords:
islamic feminism, bibliometric analysis, keyword co-occurrence, sustainable development goals (sdgs), gender justiceAbstract
Objective: This study aims to (1) examine the growth and publication trends of Islamic feminism research between 2019 and 2025, (2) identify the principal thematic clusters through keyword co-occurrence analysis, and (3) explore the relationship between emerging research themes and the SDGs, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Islamic feminism has developed from a theological discourse advocating gender justice into a multidisciplinary field engaging with social, legal, political, and cultural issues. Nevertheless, the intellectual landscape of this scholarship remains fragmented, and limited studies have systematically examined its thematic evolution and relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Theoretical framework: Grounded in feminist hermeneutics, intersectionality theory, and the SDGs framework. Literature review: Previous studies have primarily emphasized conceptual, historical, or qualitative discussions, while comprehensive bibliometric mapping of the field remains scarce. Method: This research employs a quantitative bibliometric approach using VOSviewer to analyze 434 Scopus-indexed publications retrieved through search terms related to Islamic feminism, Muslim feminism, and gender in Islam. Results: The findings demonstrate a consistent increase in scholarly output, reaching its highest level in 2023, reflecting expanding international academic attention. Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals three dominant thematic clusters comprising theological reinterpretation and Qur'anic hermeneutics, socio-legal activism and gender justice, and decolonial and intersectional perspectives. Emerging topics, including migration, mental health, digital activism, and decoloniality, indicate a shift from foundational theological debates toward broader contemporary social challenges closely aligned with the SDGs agenda. The geographical distribution highlights substantial contributions from both Global South countries, particularly Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey, and Western academic institutions, demonstrating increasing international collaboration. Implications: These findings imply that Islamic feminism has become an important intellectual framework for advancing inclusive development, social justice, and gender equality. Novelty: The study's novelty lies in integrating bibliometric keyword co-occurrence analysis with the SDGs framework, providing a comprehensive evidence-based mapping of theoretical debates, research trajectories, and future directions within contemporary Islamic feminism scholarship.
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