NATIONAL VALUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD PATRIOTIC EDUCATION: A BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY OF GLOBAL RESEARCH TRENDS

Abstract

This study aims to systematically map and analyze global research trends on the integration of national values in early childhood patriotic education through a bibliometric approach. The data were retrieved from the Scopus database and selected using the PRISMA framework, resulting in a final sample of 290 publications published between 2005 and 2025. The analysis employed a combination of bibliometric techniques, including temporal dynamics, keyword co-occurrence, thematic clustering, and citation analysis, supported by visualization tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. The findings indicate that the most influential theoretical and empirical contributions were concentrated between 2006 and 2018, with research primarily focused on national identity in relation to migration, ethnicity, and social belonging. The results further demonstrate that children’s national identity is shaped by a complex interaction of family, educational institutions, and broader socio-cultural environments. At the same time, the bibliometric mapping reveals a significant gap in research specifically addressing preschool-aged children, despite the recognized importance of early childhood as a critical period for identity formation.

The study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive and systematic overview of the intellectual structure and thematic evolution of this research field. It also highlights the need for developing a coherent conceptual framework and evidence-based educational strategies for integrating national values into early childhood education. The findings are particularly relevant for countries such as Kazakhstan, where national values are embedded in educational policy, offering a foundation for curriculum development and future empirical research.