Household debt and social reproduction are fundamentally interconnected topics. The existence of household debt allows households to engage in activities that are essential for fundamental subsistence, education and household care; therefore, gradually establishing a dependence on credit for families. Research continues to be fragmented across domestic practices, family dynamics and institutional structures. This systematic review used the PRISMA methodology to investigate the influence of indebtedness on social reproduction, utilizing 30 peer-reviewed articles. The findings reveal three central themes: (1) Household Debt, Financialization and Social Reproduction; (2) Family, Gender and Changing Dynamics of Reproduction; and (3) Financial Systems, Sustainability and Broader Societal Implications. This study contributes an integrated framework connecting the economic, social and gender dimensions of indebtedness, viewing household debt as a social process shaped by institutions rather than only a financial issue. It also provides policy recommendations to strengthen welfare systems, encourage responsible lending and improve household financial resilience.
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