Mapping inequalities in the academic research ecosystem: A systematic literature review

Abstract Inequalities in the academic research ecosystem are ubiquitous, persistent phenomena, and recent tendencies indicate they are rising. There is, however, no clear overview on how inequalities are conceptualized and studied. In this systematic literature review, I provide a novel framework and approach that maps inequalities across the academic research ecosystem, excluding gender and intersectional inequalities due to the large and extensive existing literature on these topics. Based on an initial screening of 4,890 articles, I identify 224 studies published between 1982 and early 2025, representing all disciplines of academia. I identify 22 conceptual themes of inequality which are highly interconnected, emphasizing the multidimensionality and complexity of the concept. I analyze temporal trends, revealing a recent increase in publications. Further examination shows a strong dominance of Global North authorship and focus, and a widespread use of quantitative methods—especially bibliometrics. Additionally, the literature’s use of theoretical frameworks and explanatory models is examined, and I find that theoretical engagement is generally sparse. Similarly, the literature only to a limited degree addresses structural drivers and the effects of inequality on the research ecosystem. I end the review with a discussion that synthesizes the findings and proposes a consolidated framework to support future research.