Women's studies in the Latin American context: a bibliometric approach

1.1 Subtitle

Women’s studies in Latin America is a constantly growing field of research that seeks to understand and address the various dimensions of gender inequality in the region. These studies focus on analyzing the experiences, social roles, cultural practices, public policies and empowerment processes of Latin American women. Through the analysis of these issues, it seeks to generate knowledge that contributes to the promotion of gender equality and the improvement of the living conditions of women in the region.

There is a relationship between gender inequality, women’s empowerment and adolescent pregnancy rates in Latin American cities (Braverman-Bronstein et al., 2023). Her research shows the importance of addressing gender inequality as a key variable in understanding and addressing the high rates of teen pregnancy in the region. In addition, another study highlights the importance of public service campaigns on violence against women in Latin America (Mensa and Grow, 2023). Their study analyzes how these campaigns can contribute to the awareness and prevention of gender violence in the region. The work highlights the crucial role of education and public awareness to face this serious social problem.

On the other hand, the empowerment of women and the fight against violence in Latin America are addressed. This research highlights the importance of strengthening the political and social participation of women as a means to combat gender violence (Sanín, 2023). The article proposes strategies and recommendations to promote gender equality and the security of women in the region. Regarding violence against women in politics, the process of criminalization of this violence is explored, analyzing its innovation, diffusion and transformation (Sanín, 2022). The study highlights the challenges and advances in the protection of women politicians against gender violence, and highlights the importance of addressing this problem from a legal and political perspective.

The following article focuses on the role of women in the continuity of family businesses in rural areas of Honduras. Research shows the significant contribution of women as entrepreneurs and managers in the sustainability and success of family businesses in rural settings (Cruz et al., 2022). The study highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the participation of women in the rural economy.

These investigations have become a fundamental tool to understand and address the challenges faced by women in the region, as well as to promote gender equality and female empowerment. In this sense, the need to analyze the role of women in the academy and the care practices they perform is highlighted (Castelao-Huerta, 2023). These studies allow us to understand how women academics face specific challenges and how policies and institutional changes can be implemented to guarantee equal opportunities and gender inclusion in the academic field.

In turn, this article highlights the contribution of Argentine women to the knowledge of India in Latin America, highlighting the importance of recognizing and making visible the contributions of women in the generation of knowledge and in the construction of international academic networks (Canzobre, 2022). While, in this other article, the research explores the challenges faced by women in politics and the double glass ceiling they must overcome (Kouba and Dosek, 2023). These studies are essential to understand the barriers and obstacles that prevent the equal representation of women in political processes and to promote the political participation of women in the region.

Despite the substantial expansion of women’s studies in Latin America, significant research gaps persist, underscoring the need for comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this field. For example, the systematic mapping of the literature on Latin American women in computing conducted by Holand and Da Silva (2021) revealed a paucity of studies addressing the specific barriers and challenges they face in this discipline. A similar observation can be made in the study by Malaver-Fonseca et al. (2021), which conducted a systematic review on the role of women in the care economy during the pandemic in Latin America, emphasizing the need for further research in this critical area. These studies underscore the relevance of bibliometric analysis in women’s studies, as it allows for the identification of existing knowledge gaps and the recognition of emerging research areas that require greater scholarly attention. The present study aims to examine thematic and methodological trends in women’s studies research in Latin America through a bibliometric approach. This study makes a significant contribution to the field by mapping research trends in women’s studies in Latin America. It identifies key themes, knowledge gaps, and emerging areas, providing a structured overview of the field’s evolution and offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers. The findings facilitate the prioritization of future research directions and support initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the region, so that, based on this, a research agenda for future studies can be structured, for which, in addition, there are the following research questions:

The article is structured in such a way that it begins with a review of the relevant literature in the field of women’s studies in Latin America. Then, in the methodological section, the study design and the methods used to collect and analyze the data are described in detail, in order to answer the questions posed previously. The findings are presented in the results section, where relevant data and statistics are included, and finally, the results are interpreted and their implications are discussed in the final section of the article.

1.2 Theoretical framework

Women’s studies in Latin America have become a critical field for making visible and addressing the multiple forms of gender inequality that persist throughout the region. This approach enables the analysis of women’s experiences across various dimensions: social roles, political participation, structural violence, cultural practices, and public policies. Research by Braverman-Bronstein et al. (2023) and Sanín (2023) highlights the link between gender inequality and phenomena such as adolescent pregnancy and political violence, underscoring the need for comprehensive policies that foster gender equity.

Methodologically, bibliometric studies have proven useful for mapping the growth and thematic evolution of this research field. Tools like VOSviewer and databases such as Scopus and Web of Science have facilitated the visualization of a rapidly expanding body of literature on gender since 2019, reflecting a significant rise in academic interest (Caputo & Kargina, 2022). This type of quantitative analysis has been essential in identifying influential authors, journals, and countries, as evidenced in the work of Deere and León (2001), who emphasize the gender approach to land tenure in Latin America.

In terms of research themes, studies show a wide range of evolving topics. Concepts such as feminism, gender-based violence, political participation, empowerment, neoliberalism, and resistance have become central to recent scholarly production (Lanham et al., 2019; Castaño, 2022). Furthermore, the literature reveals significant research gaps: limited comparative studies between countries, scarce inclusion of indigenous and rural women’s perspectives, and insufficient gender mainstreaming in disciplines like economics, technology, and science (Holand & Da Silva, 2021; Malaver-Fonseca et al., 2021).

The field is grounded in feminist theories, intersectional approaches, and structural critiques, particularly of the neoliberal model that influences public policy across the region. These conceptual frameworks are essential for analyzing how power relations, symbolic violence, and systemic inequalities shape women’s experiences in diverse contexts. For instance, Castelao-Huerta (2022) explores the impact of neoliberalism on women’s academic labor, while Agier and Szafarz (2013) examine how gender biases affect access to financial services in microfinance. These findings emphasize the importance of aligning academic research with public agendas that promote gender equity and social transformation.

2.1 Eligibility criteria

The inclusion criteria for this research are defined by articles that explicitly include keywords such as “women” and “Latin America” in their titles, ensuring consistency with the study’s focus. This deliberate selection accounts for the varied terminology employed in academic literature while maintaining specificity. To enhance the accuracy and reliability of the resulting dataset, a meticulous three-step exclusion process is employed. In the initial stage, records that are indexed incorrectly are eliminated. This includes records that lack clear titles or keywords, or records that lack authors and do not fully fit the scope of the research. This stage ensures that only articles pertinent to the research are considered, thereby avoiding potential bias in the analysis.

The second stage consists of eliminating documents without accessible full text, a step primarily used in systematic reviews. Since bibliometric analysis prioritizes the examination of metadata rather than full textual content, this step was not applied. The third and final exclusion stage involves the elimination of conference proceedings, documents with incomplete indexing, and texts whose thematic focus does not substantially contribute to the objectives of this research. The assessment of marginal relevance is based on a qualitative review of abstracts and keywords, ensuring that selected articles directly align with the core themes of women’s studies in Latin America. This meticulous selection process is pivotal in preserving the accuracy and integrity of the dataset, thereby facilitating a reliable bibliometric analysis that accurately reflects the field’s research landscape. By employing these criteria in a strategic manner, the study ensures the inclusion of only the most pertinent literature, thereby enhancing the validity of the findings.

2.2 Source of information

To carry out the source of information with a bibliometric study on women’s studies in Latin America, the Scopus and Web of Science databases have been selected, which are recognized as the main sources of scientific information today. Scopus is a multidisciplinary database that covers various areas of knowledge, while Web of Science focuses mainly on the natural and social sciences. Both databases offer a wide coverage of scientific journals and conferences, which allows obtaining a complete picture of the scientific production related to the topic of interest. In addition, both databases are widely used and recognized in the academic field, which guarantees the quality and reliability of the data obtained. A relevant study that highlights the importance of combining data from Scopus and Web of Science in bibliometric analysis, the following authors present a simple and useful method to merge data from both databases during bibliometric analysis (Caputo and Kargina, 2022).

2.3 Search strategy

To carry out the search strategy in the databases selected for bibliometrics on women’s studies in Latin America, two specialized search equations were designed, which were adapted to the inclusion criteria and the search characteristics of each database. In the case of the Scopus database, the search equation is the following:

It is important to note that both specialized equations are similar, but the modifications applied in terms of country and research area filters are reflected only in the Scopus database equation, while for the Web of Science equation, the Filters are only displayed in the platform and not in the equation itself.

2.4 Data management

In the study of bibliometrics on women’s studies in Latin America, the Microsoft Excel^® tool was used to extract, store, and process the information from each analyzed database. In addition, the free software VOSviewer^®, in its version 1.6.18, was used in conjunction with Microsoft Excel^® to generate graphic representations of the different bibliometric indicators obtained. VOSviewer^® is a network analysis and visualization tool that allows you to explore and visualize the structure of scientific publications. To carry out this research, the APA-style bibliographic reference proposed by several authors who describe the use of VOSviewer in combination with bibliometrics (Arruda et al., 2022) was followed.

2.5 Selection process

According to the PRISMA 2020 statement, highlighted in the article by Page et al. (2021), it is key to mention whether an internal automatic classifier was used to support the selection process, as well as internal or external validation in order to understand the risk of omitted studies or incorrect classifications. In this particular study, Microsoft Excel^® automation tools were used as an internal resource. These tools were developed by all study investigators, who in turn used them independently to apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This was done with the aim of minimizing the risk of omitting relevant studies or misclassifying through convergence of the results obtained.

2.6 Data collection process

In the data collection process, a bibliometric on women’s studies in Latin America was carried out, following the guidelines proposed by Page et al. (2021). To collect the data for the reports, specific methods were used. Each report was reviewed by all study authors, who served as reviewers independently. This confirmed a rigorous validation of the data obtained. In addition, Microsoft Excel^® was used as an automated tool for the data collection process from the two selected databases. This tool facilitated the organization and systematization of the information collected. Subsequently, a collective data confirmation process was carried out, in which all the authors collaborated to achieve absolute convergence in the results. This approach guaranteed the accuracy and reliability of the data collected in the bibliometric study on women’s studies in Latin America.

2.7 Data elements

To carry out the data elements of the bibliometrics on women’s studies in Latin America, specific data searches were carried out in each article. These data include the results obtained in each study, such as measurements, time points, and analyzes performed. We sought to collect all the results compatible with the research objective, using a specialized search equation designed for each database. However, if there was missing or unclear information in any article, it was excluded considering it as irrelevant text, since it did not contribute to understanding the knowledge base on the subject. This was done to ensure consistency with the purpose and scope of the investigation.

2.8 Study risk of bias assessment

In the context of this bibliometric review of women’s studies in Latin America, it is imperative to describe the methods used to assess the risk of bias inherent in the studies included. The term “risk of bias” refers to the potential distortion of study results due to systemic flaws in their design, conduct, or analysis. In particular, the entire cohort of authors involved in this review conducted the data collection process. To ensure the quality and integrity of the results obtained, a risk of bias assessment was meticulously conducted through a four-day analysis using Microsoft Excel^®, a widely used scientific data analysis application.

By choosing an automated tool to assess risk of bias, our goal was to mitigate potential bias due to individual interpretation or reviewer subjectivity. In addition, this approach promotes greater consistency and comparability in the assessment of studies embedded in bibliometrics. It is important to note that the assessment process took into account both the number of reviewers involved in each study and whether they acted independently. These considerations contribute significantly to the reliability of the results, as they introduce multiple perspectives and help to avoid possible individual influences or biases. Importantly, the expedited four-day analysis was instrumental in avoiding prolonged exposure to the data, thereby minimizing the risk of unintentional bias.

2.9 Measures of effect

Bibliometrics is a methodology used to analyze and evaluate scientific production in a given field of study. In the case of research on women’s studies in Latin America, it is important to specify the effect measures used in the synthesis or presentation of the results. These effect measures, such as the risk ratio or the mean difference, are commonly used in primary research to quantify the impact of an intervention or variable on a specific outcome.

However, in this particular investigation, secondary research sources are used, which implies that primary data are not available to calculate these measures of effect directly. Instead, a bibliometric analysis is carried out using Microsoft Excel^® to examine the number of publications and the number of citations related to women’s studies in Latin America. This allows us to have an overview of the scientific production in this field and to evaluate its impact in the academic community.

In addition, VOSviewer^® is used to determine the thematic association between the publications and the keywords used in them. This software allows you to visualize the existing nodes and analyze the relationship and grouping of the key terms. By looking at the timing of each keyword’s usage, trends and changes in research can be identified over time.

2.10 Synthesis methods

In the present study on women’s studies in Latin America, several processes were used to determine which studies were eligible for inclusion in the synthesis. These processes included the tabulation of the intervention characteristics of each study and their comparison with the groups planned for each synthesis. In addition, methods were used to prepare the data prior to presentation or synthesis, which involved handling missing summary statistics and necessary data conversions. To tabulate or visually display the results of individual studies and syntheses, specific methods were used.

In this study, bibliometric indicators of quantity, quality and structure were also carried out (Durieux and Gevenois, 2010), which were applied automatically using Microsoft Excel^® to all those documents that passed the three exclusion phases. In this way, it was possible to obtain a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of women’s studies in Latin America, allowing a more complete and rigorous analysis of the subject.

2.11 Assessment of reporting bias

In this study, the possibility of a bias towards certain synonyms found in thesauri such as the IEEE is recognized, which may manifest itself in the inclusion criteria, search strategy and data collection. In addition, since these are conference proceedings, documents with incomplete indexing and irrelevant texts as exclusion criteria, it may result in the omission of valuable information for the construction of knowledge on the subject. Therefore, it is critical to approach these methodological challenges with caution and seek complementary approaches to minimize the risk of bias in bibliometrics results.

2.12 Certainty assessment

In this bibliometric investigation of women’s studies in Latin America, an approach is used to assess the certainty or confidence in the body of evidence for a result. Unlike primary studies that assess certainty individually, in this case it is assessed in a general way through the independent application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the definition of bibliometric indicators. In addition, possible defined biases in the methodological design are reported, and limitations of the study are mentioned in the discussion phase. This approach allows us to have a global vision of the certainty in the body of evidence and highlight its strengths and weaknesses. Subsequently, to summarize the methodological design, there is the following flowchart which is in Figure 1.

Figure 1. PRISMA flow chart.

Own elaboration from Scopus and Web of Science.

Figure 2. Publications by year.

Own elaboration from Scopus and Web of Science.

The initial phase of identification of articles resulting from the application of the search strategy for each source of information is identified, as well as the exclusion of all duplicate documents, subsequently there are the three phases or consecutive stages of exclusion defined in the eligibility criteria. and finally, there are the 309 articles, between 1974 and 2023, that will be analyzed in the present bibliometrics on women’s studies in Latin America.

4.1 Discussion of results

This bibliometric analysis reveals a remarkable growth in the annual scientific production on women’s studies in Latin America, especially between the years 2019 and 2022. These results reflect a significant increase in interest and recognition of the importance of research in this area in recent decades. The literature reviewed supports this trend, showing an increase in publications on different topics related to women’s experiences in the region.

A noteworthy aspect of the discussion is the diversity of topics addressed in different years. In 2019, the focus was on issues such as gender-based violence, especially against transgender women, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address this issue (Lanham et al., 2019). In 2020, the relationship between corruption and innovation in the private sector and political violence against women was an area of research, highlighting the importance of considering gender in this type of analysis (Wellalage et al., 2020; Sanín, 2020).

The year 2021 stands out for research on public dissatisfaction with legislative nominations and the review of literature on the role of women in the care economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. These studies link to existing literature on women’s political representation and the valuation of care work in crisis situations (Funk et al., 2019; Malaver-Fonseca et al., 2021). The following year, 2022, addresses contemporary issues such as the impact of automation in Latin America and the experiences of women teachers in neoliberal times. These studies contribute to the existing literature by highlighting the need to consider the gender implications of technological advances and educational environments (Egana-delSol et al., 2022; Castelao-Huerta, 2022).

The period between 1974 and 2000 has seen a remarkable emergence and development of research in women’s studies in Latin America. During these decades, different cultures and research systems have played a crucial role in shaping the direction and focus of these studies. Initially, an incipient attention can be observed in 1974, which over time is transformed into an exponential growth of 99.5% in the annual production of scholarly articles on the subject. It is particularly relevant to highlight the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 as the culminating moments with the highest production, highlighting a constantly growing interest and recognition. This increase reflects not only the greater attention given to gender studies, but also the diversification of the topics addressed.

The influence of different cultures and research systems is evident in the variety of topics addressed over these years. From pioneering research on the experiences of gender violence faced by transgender women in different contexts (Lanham et al., 2019) to more recent analyses examining the impact of automation in Latin America (Egana-delSol et al., 2022), the diversity of approaches and concerns is evident. Similarly, the intersectionality of the studies is highlighted, with gender issues intertwined with cultural, economic, and political factors, highlighting the complexity of women’s experiences in the region.

Moreover, attention to issues such as gender equality in science (Lopez-Aguirre, 2019), women’s political participation (Funk et al., 2019), and the systematic review of the literature on the role of women in the care economy during the COVID-19 pandemic (Malaver-Fonseca et al., 2021) shows how different cultures and research systems have contributed to the formation of a comprehensive and multidimensional perspective of women’s studies in Latin America. In this sense, the emerging research landscape reflects not only a quantitative increase, but also a qualitative evolution, in which the dynamic interaction between cultures and research systems has enriched the understanding of the complexity of the experiences and challenges faced by women in the region.

In reviewing research references on Latin America, the significant contributions of researchers such as Safa, Deere, Szafarz and Agier stand out, as well as the relevance of scientific journals such as World Development and Social Science and Medicine. These contributions reflect a diversity of approaches and key issues in gender studies in the region. Safa’s work on women’s social movements and Deere’s research on land tenure from a gender perspective offer critical visions that have enriched the understanding of social and economic dynamics in Latin America (Safa, 1990, 1996; Deere & León, 2001, 2005). These perspectives, contextualized in their respective years of publication, reflect an ongoing commitment to exploring challenges and progress in the region.

Szafarz and Agier’s research in microfinance highlights the importance of addressing gender inequalities in access to financial resources, with their study revealing the phenomenon of the “glass ceiling” in lending to women in microfinance (Agier & Szafarz, 2013). These findings have driven debates and policies in the field of financial inclusion, highlighting the need to take gender into account when designing economic strategies.

The journals World Development and Social Science and Medicine have provided important platforms for knowledge dissemination by addressing issues such as microfinance, health, and women’s decision-making. These studies, such as the analysis of the impact of the Bolsa Família program on women’s decisions (De Brauw et al., 2014), contribute to a broader understanding of gender and health dynamics in Latin America and highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. In the political sphere, research on women’s career trajectories and the impact of gender quotas and electoral laws provides valuable insights into women’s political participation in the region (Escobar-Lemmon & Taylor-Robinson, 2009; Jones, 2009). These studies point to the need for inclusive policies to promote equitable representation in the political sphere.

The recognition of the United States and Canada for their contributions underscores the global relevance of gender studies in Latin America. Research on the role of the United States in promoting gender quotas and electoral laws in the region underscores its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment (Jones, 2009). Similarly, Canada’s comparative study of cities in Latin America and the Caribbean on health disparities between men and women underscores its commitment to research on gender inequalities and their impact in the region (Zunzunegui et al., 2009).

Over time, there has been a significant shift in the focus of studies on women in Latin America, as evidenced by the thematic evolution (see Figure 6). Initially, the focus was on the concept of the “household”, exploring the internal dynamics and gender inequalities in the domestic sphere, as exemplified by Fletschner’s research on rural women’s access to credit (Fletschner, 2009). This pioneering approach highlighted how family structures affect women’s economic empowerment.

Over time, the concept of gender has gained prominence, highlighting its importance for gender equality and women’s entrepreneurship in Latin America (Ruiz-Martínez, Kuschel & Pastor, 2021). Research highlights how understanding gender is fundamental to achieving equality in different sectors of society, as reflected in the analysis of the care practices of female teachers in a neoliberal academic environment (Castelao-Huerta, 2023).

Gender equality is emerging as an essential concept in the fight for women’s rights, addressing everything from journalistic ethics in the face of gender violence to work inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic (Edo & Zurbano-Berenguer, 2019; Berniell et al., 2023). These studies highlight the need to promote gender equality in all spheres of life. On the other hand, in the area of violence against women, a study that examines the role of local governments in preventing violence during the pandemic stands out (Lima, 2020). This work underscores the importance of addressing gender-based violence and highlights the crucial role of local authorities in protecting women’s rights in times of crisis.

The graphic representation of the themes, grouped into thematic clusters (see Figure 7), shows a focus on political participation, gender in institutions and women’s political representation (yellow), as well as an emphasis on feminisms, gender-based violence, women’s movements and resistance (red). These thematic groups highlight the diversity of aspects addressed by gender studies in Latin America, from the political sphere to feminist resistance and the fight against gender violence. Specific research, such as the analysis of the criminalization of political violence against women and decolonial portraits of the situation in Brazil, support these thematic approaches (Sanín, 2022; Maso et al., 2022). This panorama highlights the breadth and complexity of issues related to gender studies in the region.

In terms of the analysis of the frequency and validity of keywords, within the second quadrant of our bibliometric analysis on women’s studies in Latin America, emerging concepts stand out that have become increasingly relevant in the scholarly field on this topic (see Figure 8). Three important keywords in this quadrant are: Neoliberalism, Violence against Women in Politics, and Women’s Empowerment. These concepts are of great importance today and are expected to remain relevant in the near future, as they reflect key challenges and opportunities for the advancement of rights and gender equality.

The concept of neoliberalism highlights the influence of this trend in contemporary society and, more specifically, in women’s experiences. A relevant study to understand this dynamic is research that examines the subtle mechanisms of violence experienced by women teachers in neoliberal times (Castelao-Huerta, 2022). The article offers a critical perspective on how neoliberal policies and practices can perpetuate gender inequality and symbolic violence, highlighting the importance of analyzing broader social structures in the struggle for gender equality.

On the other hand, the issue of violence against women in politics has become increasingly relevant in the Latin American context (see Figure 7). A study of pioneering legislation in Bolivia that addresses violence against women in politics is presented as an important example. This work highlights the importance of promoting gender equality policies that protect women from violence and encourage their participation in the political sphere (Castaño, 2022). By highlighting this issue, it seeks to ensure that women have equal opportunities and meaningful representation in political processes.

Furthermore, the concept of women’s empowerment is fundamental to the promotion of gender equality in Latin America. One study analyzes how women’s property ownership can influence the reduction of domestic violence in the region (Gahramanov, Gaibulloev, & Younas, 2022). The results suggest that women’s economic empowerment through property can contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence. This highlights the importance of promoting policies and programs that strengthen women’s economic autonomy as an effective strategy to combat gender violence and promote gender equality.

The first quadrant, which includes emerging, prominent and consolidated concepts in research (see Figure 7), is of great importance in the study of gender. The term “gender” encompasses a wide range of research and theories that examine how gender characteristics and roles influence society. In this sense, the article entitled “Dynamic stereotypes about women and men in Latin America and the United States” offers an interesting perspective on gender stereotypes in different cultures (Diekman, Eagly, Mladinic & Ferreira, 2005). This study analyzes gender stereotypes in Latin America and the United States and how these stereotypes can change and evolve in different contexts. The authors argue that gender stereotypes are dynamic and influenced by cultural and social factors. Through surveys and comparative analysis, the researchers show that gender stereotypes vary between Latin American and American cultures, suggesting the importance of considering cultural context in the study of gender.

The relevance of these concepts today lies in the need to understand and address persistent gender inequalities in our societies. By examining gender stereotypes, we can question and challenge long-held beliefs that limit people’s potential and opportunities based on their gender. Furthermore, by understanding how these stereotypes evolve and change across cultures, we can develop more effective strategies to promote gender equality globally.

4.2 Classification of keywords about Latin America according to their function

After analyzing the performance of the keywords in the present bibliometrics around thematic evolution, thematic clusters and recognition of frequency and validity, Table 1 is presented, which allows classifying the fundamental keywords in the context of studies of the women in Latin America based on their function.

The previous classification is based on the emerging keywords in the subject of study, such as Neoliberalism, Violence Against, Women in Politics, Women Empowerment, Femicide and Gender, this classification is used as a key analysis instrument for future research to support its contributions from them.

4.3 Limitations

This research on women’s studies in Latin America is carried out based on the PRISMA-2020 methodology and uses the Scopus and Web of Science databases, some important limitations are found to take into account. First of all, it should be considered that the selection of the databases used may have generated a bias in the inclusion of studies, since there are other relevant sources of information in the field that might not have been considered; In addition, although tools such as Microsoft Excel^® and VOSviewer^® were used to analyze the bibliometric data, it is necessary to recognize that these programs have limitations in terms of their ability to capture and analyze the complexity and diversity of studies on women in Latin America.

A second important limitation lies in the choice of the bibliometric indicators used to assess the quantity, quality, and structure of the publications. Although these indicators can provide an overview of the scientific production, they do not necessarily capture the intrinsic quality of the studies nor do they fully reflect the thematic evolution and the contributions of the main referents in the field; Likewise, it is possible that the selection of keywords and the co-occurrence analysis do not cover all the relevant dimensions of women’s studies in Latin America, which could limit the representativeness and exhaustiveness of the results obtained. In summary, while this bibliometrics offers an overview of research in the field, it is essential to consider these limitations and complement it with more detailed and contextual analysis to obtain a full understanding of women’s studies in Latin America.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the statement regarding the implications of keywords and topic groups for practice. While these elements are said to have significant implications, the review does not delve into any specific topic that could provide substantial information to guide practice. The analysis’s lack of detailed development of specific themes can substantially limit practical application, as it requires a deeper and more contextualized understanding of key elements. To ensure that statements about the implications of keywords and clusters are supported by thorough analysis and applicable to specific situations, this gap needs to be addressed.

One limitation of this study is the use of the term ‘Latin America’ in the search strategy. While this allows for a broad overview of women’s studies in the region, some documents may be indexed under specific country names (e.g., Mexico, Brazil) without being associated with the ‘Latin America’ descriptor. Including these country-specific terms in the search could have increased the volume of data retrieved but also introduced methodological challenges in data cleaning and analysis.

A key limitation in the search strategy lies in the exclusive use of the term “Latin America.” While this allows for a broad regional overview, it may have excluded documents indexed under specific country names (e.g., “Mexico,” “Brazil,” “Colombia,” etc.) that are not explicitly tagged with the regional label. Including country-specific terms could have increased the scope and depth of the dataset, offering a more granular understanding of national research dynamics. However, this adjustment would also introduce methodological challenges, such as increased noise and complexity in the cleaning and classification of data. Future studies should consider expanding the search vocabulary to capture localized contributions more effectively.

Another important limitation involves the selection of bibliometric indicators used to evaluate quantity, quality, and structure. While these provide a general overview, they do not necessarily reflect the intrinsic quality or contextual richness of individual studies. Additionally, keyword co-occurrence analyses may not capture all relevant dimensions of women’s studies, limiting the representativeness of the results.

4.4 Investigative gaps

Considering the results obtained and the corresponding discussion and analysis, Table 2 is presented, which identifies a series of research gaps or conceptual gaps in the scientific field on the subject of gender studies in Latin America. This table provides a rationale and raises future questions that could address each of these identified gaps.

The identification of seven key research gaps classified into thematic, geographic, interdisciplinary, and temporal categories highlights the complexity and multidimensionality of gender studies in Latin America. Thematic gaps reveal an urgent need for more in-depth research on gender violence and the representation of women in the media. These areas remain underexplored despite their significant influence on societal attitudes, public policy, and the lived experiences of women. Gender-based violence continues to be a persistent issue, and understanding its diverse manifestations, causes, and effective responses is essential. Likewise, the media’s role in shaping gender norms warrants critical examination, particularly in how it reinforces or challenges stereotypes and influences public perception.

Geographic gaps underscore the uneven distribution of academic attention across different regions of Latin America. Most gender research tends to focus on urban areas or specific countries with stronger academic infrastructures, often neglecting the realities of women in rural and indigenous communities. This omission perpetuates a fragmented understanding of gender inequality in the region. Comparative studies across countries and contexts are also scarce, limiting the capacity to generalize findings or identify region-wide patterns. Expanding the geographic scope of research is vital for generating more inclusive and representative knowledge that can inform both localized and regional policy interventions.

Interdisciplinary and temporal gaps further emphasize the need for more integrative and longitudinal approaches in gender studies. While the field has gained traction in disciplines such as sociology and education, it remains insufficiently embedded in others like economics, political science, and natural sciences, where gender dynamics also play a critical role. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to more holistic analyses and innovative solutions. Additionally, the scarcity of longitudinal studies hampers the ability to trace progress and setbacks in gender equality over time. Understanding how structural conditions and policy interventions have shaped women’s positions historically is crucial for designing more effective and sustainable gender policies moving forward.

4.5 Research agenda

Finally, the present bibliometric analysis on women’s studies proposes a fundamental research agenda based on the compilation of the outstanding concepts in the scientific literature in different periods of time, as observed in Figure 9, whose prominence is reflected in terms of consolidated, emerging and decreasing concepts and some others that, in light of the results and their analyses, account for valuable elements of analysis for future research.

Figure 9. Research agenda.

Own elaboration from Scopus and Web of Science.

In this sense, the key concepts in women’s studies in Latin America are gender, feminism and empowerment. At present, a greater awareness has been generated about the need to understand and analyze the power structures and gender inequalities in our society. For future research, it is crucial to explore how gender roles and power dynamics influence the lives of women in the region. In addition, it is possible to investigate the way in which women face and challenge established gender norms, and examine the impact of feminism in promoting gender equality and social transformation, it is also important to analyze how the empowerment of women is related to their participation in political, social and economic decision-making, and how this can contribute to development and gender justice in Latin America.

On the other hand, violence, resistance, neoliberalism, Covid-19 and the empowerment of women are emerging terms of great importance in the field of women’s studies in Latin America. For future research, it is crucial to investigate the various forms of violence faced by women in the region, from gender violence to structural and symbolic violence. Likewise, the resistance of women and feminist movements against these forms of violence and oppression must be analyzed. Regarding the current context, it must be analyzed how neoliberalism and the Covid-19 pandemic affect the lives of women in Latin America, in terms of socioeconomic inequality, access to health services, precarious work and gender violence. In addition, it is necessary to examine how the empowerment of women can be a strategy to face and overcome these challenges, promoting their autonomy, leadership and participation in the transformation of unequal power structures.

Finally, development, women’s movements, and gender stereotypes are highly relevant concepts in women’s studies in Latin America. Currently, it is essential to understand how development processes affect men and women differently, and how gender inequalities are perpetuated and reproduced in various areas of life. Future research can explore how women’s movements in the region challenge hegemonic development policies and practices, seeking more inclusive and equitable alternatives. Likewise, it should be investigated how gender stereotypes influence the lives of Latin American women, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating inequalities. Also, it is necessary to analyze how these stereotypes manifest themselves in different contexts, such as the workplace, education, politics and the media, and how they can be challenged and transformed to promote gender equality, as well as the empowerment of women in the region.

5.1 Theoretical implications

From a theoretical perspective, this bibliometric analysis contributes to the understanding of the intellectual structure and evolution of women’s studies in Latin America. The identification of thematic trends and emerging concepts helps refine existing theoretical frameworks related to gender studies, feminism, and social inclusion. In particular, the recognition of conceptual clusters such as the intersection between gender and political participation highlights the need for integrative approaches that combine elements of political science, sociology, and feminist theory.

The thematic evolution observed in the literature reveals a shift from home-centered approaches to broader discussions on gender equality, violence against women, and feminism. This change suggests a conceptual transformation that reflects a more complex and nuanced understanding of women’s rights and their challenges in Latin American contexts.

Furthermore, the growing presence of topics such as neoliberalism, empowerment, femicide, and gender-based violence indicates a shift in academic discourse toward the structural analysis of the problems women face. This underscores the need to develop renewed theoretical models that more accurately explain the systemic challenges affecting women in the region.

5.2 Practical implications

On a practical level, this study highlights the importance of strengthening scientific production and applied research in the field of women’s studies in Latin America. The identification of emerging areas and thematic gaps provides a roadmap for designing more inclusive, evidence-based public policies that address the most pressing social issues.

Additionally, the bibliometric results can be integrated into national and regional political agendas as strategic inputs to identify priority areas for intervention. This is useful for resource allocation, the design of gender-focused programs, and the reduction of inequalities in representation and access to opportunities, particularly in areas such as politics and social justice.

The evidence gathered underscores the urgent need to promote legislative and institutional reforms that support gender equity and protect women’s rights. Issues such as women’s political participation and gender-based violence emerge as areas requiring immediate and sustained action from decision-makers.

Finally, this study emphasizes the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia and policymakers. The creation of research-policy networks, open access to knowledge, and the promotion of interdisciplinary initiatives that link bibliometric analysis with fieldwork and policy evaluation can maximize the social impact of gender studies. Ensuring that academic findings are translated into concrete actions is essential for advancing toward lasting gender equality in Latin America.