A Bibliometric Review of the Literature on the Relationship between Confucianism and Sustainability

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis (2006–2024) employs the PRISMA guidelines and the Biblioshiny database to examine 81 studies addressing the nexus between Confucianism and sustainability. The primary research findings indicate a consistent growth in Confucian-related studies (annual growth rate: 9.35%), with accelerated expansion after 2015, coinciding with the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. China emerges as the leading contributor (208 citations), demonstrating extensive collaboration with Western institutions. The journal Sustainability dominates publication output, while Baoyu Li and Ingo Eilks stand as primary contributors. Thematic clusters highlight “sustainable development,” “harmony,” and “climate change,” underscoring Confucianism’s relevance to environmental challenges. The literature frequently addresses such domains as ecotourism, traditional architecture, urban planning, and corporate social responsibility, demonstrating their global applicability beyond Asian contexts. Although the field remains nascent, it suggests a culturally grounded alternative to Western sustainability paradigms, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. Future research directions include comparative studies in non-Chinese contexts and integration with indigenous philosophies such as Daoism and Buddhism. This study advocates for incorporating Confucian principles into policy and education, proposing interdisciplinary and cross-regional collaboration to address ecological crises.