Topic modelling and thematic analysis of research gaps and methodological innovations in rural sociology: A systematic review

Rural sociology, shaped by enduring global forces such as globalisation, sustainability, and community resilience, continues to evolve as these themes remain central to understanding rural life. This study systematically reviews research from 2016 to 2024, employing bibliometric tools, topic modelling, and thematic analysis to assess current trends, influential works, and emerging themes in the field. Results indicate a significant reliance on case study methods, with Social Case Studies with Policy Implications showing an 82 % dominance. Meanwhile, Urban & Rural Comparative Studies reveal a growing adoption of machine learning methodologies (67 %), indicating an increasing integration of advanced analytical techniques. The use of case studies remained consistently high, ranging from 60 % to 85 % annually, while machine learning and regression techniques have shown a notable increase after 2020, reaching 15 % by 2024. This shift suggests a gradual adaptation to technological advances and improved data availability. International collaboration is also increasing, with 29.13 % of documents featuring co-authorships from multiple countries, though significant geographic disparities persist. The conclusions emphasise the importance of inclusive research practices, expanded mixed methods approaches, and greater attention to underrepresented regions. This study provides a foundation for future research by identifying existing methodological gaps and encouraging more diverse research collaborations to effectively address the complex dynamics of rural sociology.