De-Westernization in Journalism Research: A Content and Network Analysis of the BRICS Journals

De-Westernization in Journalism Research: A Content and Network Analysis of the BRICS Journals
Authors: Minwei Ai & Muhammad Masood
Journal: Scientometrics,
Volume: Volume 126
Published: 8 November 2021

This study examines the extent of de-Westernization in journalism research across the BRICS countries by analyzing 10,929 citations from 2010 to 2019 in five leading national journalism journals. Using a combination of content analysis and social network analysis, the authors assess how knowledge is produced, referenced and circulated within BRICS scholarship. The findings show that Anglosphere research—particularly from the US and UK—continues to dominate citation patterns, indicating a strong structural dependence on Western academic frameworks. Although BRICS scholars draw on domestic research to some extent, they remain largely disconnected from one another and from broader Global South scholarship.

The study categorizes citation practices into three types: closed citations, which rely heavily on national scholarship; dependent citations, tied predominantly to Western sources; and diversified citations, which reflect broader global engagement but remain limited. The concept of linguistic segregation is introduced to explain why English-language, Anglosphere publications hold disproportionate influence in shaping research agendas and citation networks.

The authors argue that stronger inter-regional referencing, cross-national collaboration and inclusive research networks are essential for promoting de-Westernization and enriching global journalism scholarship. They conclude by discussing methodological limitations and encouraging future studies to explore structural, linguistic and institutional constraints that continue to shape knowledge production in the BRICS academic environment.