Current Perspectives on Social Sustainability in Global Agrifood Systems: An Integrative Framework and Future Research Agenda

ABSTRACT

Social sustainability (SS) in global agrifood systems (GAS)—which encompass the activities and stakeholders involved along the entire agrifood chain, from production to consumption and waste management—is increasingly recognized as vital to achieving equity, inclusion, and resilience. However, a deeper understanding of how SS is articulated and explored within GAS remains critical. Despite growing academic interest, the field still lacks a shared conceptualization and coherent theoretical and methodological approaches, leading to persistent fragmentation. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic literature review of 189 peer‐reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2025, sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. By applying inductive thematic analysis, the study identifies five macro‐areas and nine sub‐topics. The most prominent area of research is “strategic and operational management of social sustainability in global agrifood systems,” while two emerging themes—“alternative food networks and community‐based food systems” and “stakeholder engagement and social processes”—are gaining relevance. Based on these insights, the study proposes an integrative framework for understanding SS in GAS, alongside a structured research agenda to guide future research and support scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing more socially sustainable agrifood systems.