Building reflexivity in the age of risk society: Bibliometric analysis of women's participation in realizing food sovereignty

Abstract

Background: The global food crisis has placed modern food systems within the framework of a “risk society.” Women's participation in food sovereignty is a critical response to this risk. However, specific bibliometric mapping on this topic as a form of collective reflexivity is still lacking. This study aims to map literature trends (2009-2025) and interpret them using Beck's risk society theory. Methods: This study applied bibliometric analysis to 25 documents from Scopus (2009–2025). Data were analyzed using Biblioshiny to map scientific performance and structure. The findings were then interpreted qualitatively through Beck's theoretical framework of risk society and reflexivity. Findings: This field is highly specialized and stagnant (0% growth rate), but highly collaborative (nol single authors-publication). There has been a shift in discourse from “food security” (a mature theme) to the dominant “food sovereignty” after 2020. The thematic map shows “gender,” “collective rights,” and “participatory action research” as the main driving themes. Theoretically, this is interpreted as “reflexive modernization,” where women's participation is a "subpolitical" practice that actively challenges food system risks. Conclusion: Women's participation in food sovereignty is a concrete manifestation of “reflexive modernization” and “subpolitics” that shifts from a technocratic focus to participatory justice in addressing food risks. Novelty/Originality of this article: The originality of this research lies in the use of Beck's risk society theory to interpret bibliometric data on women's participation in food sovereignty, proving a shift in discourse as a reflexive response to risk.