<p>This study examines the evolving research landscape at the intersection of the circular economy (CE) and human development (HD), addressing a critical gap in the integration of social dimensions within CE scholarship. While CE has been widely promoted as a sustainable alternative to linear economic models, existing research remains predominantly focused on environmental and economic outcomes, with limited attention to human well-being, equity, and social inclusion. To address this gap, this study adopts the Capability Approach (CA) as a guiding analytical lens. Using a combination of PRISMA-based screening, bibliometric mapping, and thematic analysis, the study analyzes a dataset of 119 articles to systematically identify and interpret the key intellectual structures, thematic patterns, and geographical distributions shaping CE–HD research. The findings reveal that, although social themes such as employment, participation, and justice are increasingly acknowledged, they remain conceptually fragmented. From a capability perspective, CE research tends to emphasize observable outcomes while underexamining capability expansion, agency, and contextual conversion factors. In addition, the literature is strongly concentrated in high-income countries, limiting understanding of CE transitions in contexts characterized by informality and structural inequality. By applying the CA, this study moves beyond descriptive synthesis to provide theory-driven insights into the structural limitations of current CE research. It advances a human-centered and capability-based framework that redefines how circular economy transitions should be evaluated in relation to human development outcomes, particularly in terms of well-being, equity, inclusion, and real opportunities.</p>