COVID-19 and Civil Society: Exploring the Global Research Trend

Abstract

How can we characterize the global pandemic of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the context of civil society? This paper explores this question through a review of research trends among journal articles published in English language. The study identified 1,834 articles published between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2022 using the following seven keywords in Web of Science: nonprofit, NPO, volunteer, social movement, civil society, charity, and activism. From text analyses of article titles, keywords, and abstracts emerged the following topics studied around civil society and the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) emerging activisms and impact on existing ones, 2) status of volunteering and factors underlying volunteer participation, 3) assistance in communities and community resilience, 4) impact on management of nonprofit organizations, and 5) diverse relationships between nonprofits and the government.