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[Objective] The intensification of global change and human activities have increasingly exposed the complexity and vulnerability of grassland social-ecological systems (SES). Systematically analyzing the coupling and feedback mechanisms, driving mechanisms, and management strategies of grassland SES is crucial for enhancing its resilience and achieving synergies between socioeconomic and ecological benefits. [Methods] This article reviewed the current research theories, components, coupling and feedback mechanisms, driving mechanisms, and conservation management of grassland SES. [Results] The theories of grassland SES is evolving from single-discipline ecological research to complex interdisciplinary studies; soil, water, vegetation, livestock, and herders are the primary components of grassland SES; the research on coupling mechanism and feedback mechanism of grassland SES has evolved in terms of subjects, methods, and perspectives; human activities and climate change are the main drivers of grassland SES change; ecological restoration and rehabilitation, the establishment of protected areas, and enclosure for grazing prohibition are the primary measures for the conservation management of grassland SES. Innovation of socioeconomic systems plays a key role in grassland restoration. [Conclusion] In the context of increasingly complex human-environment relationships and global change uncertainties, future research should develop cross-scale and cross-regional comprehensive research theories; external policies should be incorporated into the components of grassland SES to better understand dynamic mechanisms; and future studies should also deepen the analysis of multi-factor interactions and policy applicability, optimizing management strategies to ensure the coordinated development of ecological, economic, and social benefits in pastoral regions.