• ISBN13: 9781032880921
• Binding: Hardcover
• Subject: Sociology and Anthropology
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
• Publisher Imprint: Rout India
• Publication Date: May 6, 2024
• Pages: 224
• Original Price: INR 1295.0
• Language: English
• Edition: South Asia Edition
• Item Weight: 500 grams

This book examines sanitation and toilet access across rural India, focusing on psychological, socio-cultural, infrastructural, and normative barriers to the initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). While sketching the evolution of sanitation policies in India, it assesses their impact on sanitation behaviour. It also studies the implications of variations in caste, religion, and geography on toilet usage across Indian states. By analysing data from various states and intensive micro-level studies of three states, i.e., rural Bihar, Gujarat, and Telangana, this volume: Suggests that socio-cultural factors are as significant as economic factors in shaping sanitation behaviour Argues that the concepts of cleanliness and pollution are often determined by the social-cultural context, rooted in historical events that have shaped traditional beliefs and ideas about space Explores gendered perspectives on the usage of and access to toilets Highlights the limited effectiveness of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programs in encouraging toilet adoption and emphasizes the need for information dissemination at the ground level Gives recommendations for enhancing the adoption of toilets in rural India, including provision for more than one toilet per household, uninterrupted access to water, and behavioural change to combat open defecation