Trends and Patterns in Global Research on Social Sustainability in Third Places: A Bibliometric Review

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Spatial Planning, International Universityof Chabahar, Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran

3 Department of Human Geography andPlanning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/gp.2026.71268.3510

Abstract

Third places—public arenas mediating between the private sphere of home and the formal environment of work—play a vital role in shaping urban social dynamics, fostering collective capital, and operationalizing social sustainability goals. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive structural analysis and precisely delineate the intellectual landscape of the emerging interdisciplinary intersection of "third places" and "social sustainability" in international scholarship. The methodology employs a bibliometric approach and scientific mapping techniques. Data from 186 scholarly documents indexed in Scopus (1987–2026) were processed using VOSviewer 1.6.20, followed by network analysis and scientometric visualization generation. The findings reveal multiple patterns: exponential growth in publications, particularly accelerating after 2019; pronounced geographical concentration of knowledge production in specific developed countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia) alongside a deep participation gap from developing nations; identification of six distinct thematic clusters centered on urban social sustainability, spatial justice, collective well-being, social capital, local governance, and resilience; and a low-density, project-oriented structure in the international co-authorship network. Temporal trend analysis also indicates a cognitive shift from purely theoretical discourses toward contemporary applied areas, including urban resilience in crises and the role of hybrid digital-physical spaces. In conclusion, this research redefines third places as essential "soft" social infrastructures for achieving resilient and equitable cities. Accordingly, it emphasizes that formulating and implementing integrated urban policies to support these spaces—particularly in recognizing their role in enhancing social health and neighborhood cohesion—is imperative. Furthermore, directing future research toward context-sensitive and comparative studies in underrepresented geographies is essential to fill knowledge gaps and ensure more equitable outcomes in urban social sustainability. These constitute additional key findings of this investigation.

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Journal of Geography and Planning

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 July 2026

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