Valuing diversity, from afar – A scientometric analysis of the Global North countries overrepresentation in top communication journals

Bibliographic Data

ID22260786
AuthorsGergely Ferenc Lendvai (0000-0003-3298-8087, Ludovika University of Public Service, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume4
Issue1
Pages82-108
Publication date2025-02-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOnline Media and Global Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2749-9049 • E-ISSN: 2749-9049
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1515/omgc-2024-0056
OpenAlexW4406913803
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited55

Purpose This paper investigates the geographic disparities in academic publishing within top communication journals, focusing on the overrepresentation of Global North researchers and the underrepresentation of Global South scholars. The goal is to evaluate the inclusivity of these journals and assess the diversity of their editorial boards. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-methods scientometric approach, data were collected from Scopus-indexed communication journals between 2014 and 2023. Methods included bibliometric analysis, network analyses and advanced statistical approaches such as chi-square test and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Findings The analysis revealed significant disparities: over 90 % of publications in top communication journals were authored by Global North scholars, while less than 10 % were by Global South scholars. Similarly, editorial boards were dominated by Global North scholars, with the United States alone accounting for 63 % of board members. Practical implications These findings highlight the exclusion of Global South scholars from top-tier journals. The results call for more inclusive editorial practices and equitable publication opportunities for underrepresented regions. Social implications The study highlights the need to decolonize and dewesternize academic publishing by promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in scholarly communication, ensuring all geographic regions have a voice in the global academic dialogue. Originality/value This study advances previous work by integrating editorial board dynamics, authorship trends, and collaboration networks to provide a holistic perspective on geographic disparities in communication journals. It highlights the structural mechanisms that reinforce the overrepresentation of Global North scholarship and offers actionable recommendations for fostering greater inclusivity

Economic geography · Geography · Political science · Regional science · Higher Education Governance and Development · scientometrics and bibliometrics research

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access