Turning the Prism to Expand the Spectrum: Literature Reviews in Contested Domains

Literature reviews in “contested domains” hold significant real-world implications, but little guidance exists currently on conducting such reviews. In this article, we argue that literature reviews in contested domains require shifting the focus from integration to contestation (i.e. addressing contesting views). To facilitate such a shift, we develop a guiding framework that encompasses three core elements of literature reviews: review topic , review methods , and review utility , and three values that can guide the review: leadership , inclusion , and impact . We use the prism metaphor to conceptualize reviews as prisms through which contested domains can be illuminated, with review elements (topic, methods, and utility) shaping the spectrum of knowledge that becomes visible and guiding values (leadership, inclusion, and impact) highlighting what is revealed, whose perspectives are represented, and why it matters. While our focus is on providing guidance for reviewing contested domains, it applies equally well to well-constructed review articles in less-contested domains that aim to make an impact. Overall, we encourage scholars to turn the prism on their review project to broaden the spectrum, build on both zones of integration and contestation, and advance and challenge existing knowledge.