Theory Visualization in the Social Sciences

Data visualization has become integral to scientific research, including sociology, where its role has been evolving. While empirical data visualization is increasingly established with clear guidelines, the use of visual tools for sociological theory—known as theory visualization—has not kept pace. Theory visualization is essential for conceptualizing and communicating sociological ideas but lacks formal methodologies and standards. Recent efforts have started to address this gap, highlighting the need for comprehensive guidelines and best practices. This proposed special issue aims to consolidate emerging research on theory visualization, focusing on themes such as the integration of visuals in theoretical arguments, methods for translating theory into visuals, the historical significance of iconic figures, and innovative visualization methods from other fields. The goal is to advance theory visualization practices and provide a framework for future research in this area.