Unpacking the relational turn in sustainability science: mapping trends and networks

Relational perspectives are gaining prominence in sustainability science, prompting discussions about a possible “relational turn.” Because of this growing interest, we propose a systematic mapping of the current state and publishing patterns on relational thinking within the field. This article proposes a comprehensive bibliometric and network analysis of 262 publications from 2010 to 2024 that explicitly engage with relational approaches in sustainability science, offering a meta-perspective on the evolution of this literature. Using data from the OpenAlex database, we mapped coauthorship networks, keyword co-occurrence networks, and the co-citation networks, which we complemented with qualitative content analysis. Our results reveal a rapidly expanding and relatively globally distributed research community, with key hubs in Europe and North America. Two major thematic orientations emerge: one focused mainly on “relational values,” emphasizing the ethical and policy-relevant dimensions of human-nature relationships, and another on “relational ontology,” which challenges foundational assumptions of Western thought and advocates ontological and epistemic transformation. This study identifies key actors, concepts, and research clusters. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to engage with relational approaches in sustainability science. By highlighting both consolidated and emerging themes, the article encourages further exploration of underrepresented perspectives and fosters dialogue across epistemic communities.