5. Social Finance: A Strategic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

This chapter offers a comprehensive examination of the research landscape in social finance through a strategic literature review and bibliometric analysis. It identifies four primary research themes: environmental finance and ESG performance, investor behavior and socially responsible investment (SRI), performance measurement and ratings in social finance, and green bonds and sustainable investment strategies. The analysis reveals that research on social finance has increased markedly since 2014, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and China leading in the number of publications. Key influential articles and institutions are highlighted, along with high-frequency keywords such as “socially responsible investment,” “ESG investment,” and “sustainable development.” The chapter also maps the evolution of themes over four periods, revealing how initial themes diverge and converge into more specialized research areas. Future research directions include exploring resilient financial mechanisms, standardization of ESG ratings, and the role of consumer behavior and social enterprises in driving sustainable finance. This chapter provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners in the field, offering a structured framework for understanding the complex landscape of social finance.