Mapping Global Research on Self-Help Groups (SHGs): A Bibliometric Analysis of trends, collaborations, and emerging themes

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have become an essential mechanism in development research, particularly in the areas of poverty alleviation, women empowerment and financial inclusion, to name a few. Keeping this in mind, an attempt has been made to explore the advancement of work done by researchers all around the globe on different aspects of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the help of a Bibliometric Analysis. Bibliometric Analysis facilitates a systematic understanding of the growth of literature, key contributors, organisational linkages, and shifting research priorities. It also offers valuable insights for future research and policy, highlighting gaps and opportunities in the global and regional SHG discourse.The present study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global SHG research from 1990 to 2023, based on research publications indexed in the Scopus database. Using the VOS viewer for knowledge mapping, the study identifies the prominent countries, authors, institutions, and research themes that shape the SHG discourse. The analysis reveals two distinct phases of research evolution: a preparatory phase (1990–2007) focused on conceptual foundations, and a rapid development phase (2007–2023) emphasising impact assessment, digital integration, and policy linkages. India and the United States are identified as the leading contributors, while empowerment, microfinance, and women's development emerge as dominant research themes. The study highlights the need for stronger cross-country and interdisciplinary collaboration and offers directions for future research to enhance the role of SHGs in achieving inclusive and sustainable development.