Embedding context within text in urban research discourse: Steps and considerations for early-career researchers in writing literature reviews

This review article proposes a transformative approach for early-career researchers in urban studies to rethink the role of “context” in their literature reviews. Instead of simply summarizing existing research, it calls for a deeper investigation into the intricate relationship between context and text. Drawing on insights from a brainstorming session with 15 early-career researchers, bibliometric analysis, and directed content analysis of foundational social science works, the study highlights the hidden dynamics of this context-text interaction. It identifies four interconnected themes and four overarching contextual forces shaping this interplay, offering five key insights into the impact of context on textual analysis.

Furthermore, the article presents a five-step methodological framework and practical guidelines designed to help researchers integrate context into their literature reviews, enhancing the analytical depth and significance of their work. By bridging broader academic discussions with applied fields such as architecture, urban planning, and urban design—fields that heavily rely on contextual analysis and socio-spatial theory—the study equips early-career researchers with the tools to use context as a methodological asset in academic writing. This approach encourages researchers to incorporate historical and contextual analysis effectively, enriching their work's depth and relevance. In doing so, it enhances their chances of publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals indexed in major academic databases, ultimately elevating the quality and scholarly impact of their research.