Analysis of research on disability and diversity indexed in Web of Science in communication

Abstract

As with disability and diversity in real life, relegated and barely visible, research on these issues has not been a priority in the field of communication. However, and given their social relevance, academic outputs addressing these topics are worthy of observation. This study therefore aims to detect the most widely used keywords and bibliographic references in the field, as well as to analyse the output context and theoretical-methodological instrumentalisation of this kind of research. Two closely linked studies were carried out: first, a bibliometric analysis of 316 articles published from 2012 to 2022 in journals indexed in Web of Science and, second, a content analysis of a probabilistic sample of 174 papers. The main findings describe a growing area driven by female authors affiliated with not only Anglo-Saxon, but also Spanish universities, who publish their work in English and in journals mainly from the USA. Output is empirical, focused on the analysis (quantitative and qualitative) of information disclosed on social networks and television regarding aspects such as accessibility, Paralympics, digital divide or mental health.