Reflecting the Development of Market Mechanisms in China in Sociological Research: Formation of Subject Matter and Evolution of Methodological Approaches

The article examines the evolution of research topics and methodological developments in the field of market sociology based on an analysis of 486 articles by Chinese sociologists published in the Chinese journal of Sociological Research from 1986 to 2025. Empirical research is conducted using word frequency analysis and content analysis. The study shows that Chinese market sociology has undergone a gradual evolution from initial (primary) research, a period of transformation and focus on the main problems of the market, then to a period of diversified expansion and development, and finally to the modern stage of deep integration of research methods and topics under consideration. It can be stated that the research topic has gradually shifted from a theoretical vision to an in-depth analysis of real-world problems, such as the characteristics of individualistic economic action and activity, enterprise transformation, consumer culture, and platform management. Methodologically, the research paradigm has evolved from early theoretical speculation and borrowings and empirical description to a balance between quantitative and qualitative research, and now to integration and innovation in the fields of big data analysis, digital ethnography, and interdisciplinary methods. This step-by-step development not only corresponds to the specifics of market reforms in China, but also reflects the theoretical understanding of sociology of new market forms in the era of the digital economy. This article reveals the key role of sociological research in the development of market sociology, offers an academic map for understanding the mechanism of interaction between the market and society, and provides guidance for future research directions and methodological innovations.