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Ethics and Law Journal: Business and Notary
article
DOI: 10.61292/eljbn.278
Published: 2024-06-30

Mapping the Evolution of Digital Activism in Global South Societies: A Bibliometric Analysis (2014–2024)

Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
digital activism Global South data analysis digital policy

Abstract

The rise of digital activism in the Global South has emerged as a key research focus over the past decade, paralleling the growing use of social media for social, political, and environmental advocacy. However, academic literature remains fragmented, dominated by health-related studies and quantitative approaches that overlook socio-political dimensions. This study employs bibliometric analysis of 506 Scopus-indexed publications (2014–2024) to map the evolution of digital activism in the Global South. The results identify two main clusters: (1) the Red Cluster, centered on public health issues in the Middle East and North Africa using macro-quantitative approaches (e.g., Murray CJ, 2020); and (2) the Green Cluster, which explores child health data analysis through statistical techniques (e.g., Global Burden of Disease, 2020). Both clusters exhibit significant limitations, including geographic bias, overgeneralization, and reliance on pre-2020 data. Co-citation analysis reveals a lack of interdisciplinary perspectives and qualitative methods to capture local nuances. To address these gaps, this study proposes two future agendas: (1) comparative cross-regional mapping (Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Pacific) using mixed methods, and (2) the development of a collaborative platform ("Global South Digital Activism Observatory") as an open-data and policy analysis hub. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches in studying Global South digital activism.

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How to Cite

Putri, A. A., Susiyanto, Ledyawati, & Pakpahan , F. N. (2024). Mapping the Evolution of Digital Activism in Global South Societies: A Bibliometric Analysis (2014–2024). Ethics and Law Journal: Business and Notary, 2(2), 237–245. https://doi.org/10.61292/eljbn.278