Mapping the Intellectual Structure of Youth Financial Literacy Research: A Bibliographic Coupling Analysis (2005–2025)

This paper analyses the evolution of research in the field of youth financial literacy within the last 20 years through the use of bibliographic coupling analysis. The research uses bibliographic coupling to trace key themes, research foundations, and future directions based on 432 articles included in the Scopus database (2005-August 2025). Findings indicate that publications and citations have been steadily increasing, with more and more people interested in youth financial capability all over the world. The bibliographic coupling revealed five research themes, including measurement, education and socialization, debt management, early financial experiences, and vulnerability and inclusion. These trends attest to the fact that youth financial literacy is a multidimensional concept depending on knowledge, behavior, and demographic elements as well as life-stage factors and overall economic conditions. The research offers both theoretical and practical guidelines to educators, policymakers, and financial institutions to develop specific interventions, solve inequalities, and empower youth financial capacity both online and offline.

financial literacy, youth, bibliographic coupling, financial behavior

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