This book explores the nature and type of prevalent collective behavior that influences women empowerment, women workforce participation and behavior change in sanitation. The influence of collective norms and customs have been investigated through a series of studies throughout India. There are very few research works on understanding social norms that distinguishes it from a range of other collective behaviors. This understanding would not only improve analytical clarity on collective behavior in general and social norms in particular, in the context of gender and sanitation, but also improve development practice in these areas. This book is also novel as it would expound the social network in the context of sanitation behavior in India. The tools and techniques discussed in the book are replicable and hence would be helpful for other researchers and development practitioners to analyse other collective behaviours.

The volume brings together readings describing a range of less-traversed aspects and transferences of women’s rights and struggles in India and develops a comprehensive understanding of the interface between women’s activism and politics. The book documents and discusses diverse ways in which Indian women have struggled for empowerment, political voice and representation, and rallied against injustice and discrimination. Against the backdrop of women’s assertion of rights and negotiations for empowerment, the chapters in this volume explore diverse facets of collective agency, and emanations of women’s politico-legal struggles against stereotypes of gender and class in post-independence India. While the donor-driven international community has been eager to celebrate the successes of its global normative agenda-setting and ‘best practices’ approach, this book - based primarily on field research by the contributors - showcases authentic local ownership and women’s own agency, taking seriously the need to understand the cultural context and pay attention to intersectionality. It presents various examples of women’s activism for change, reflecting on the quotidian struggles and dynamic assertions of voice and political power, within and outside of formal political institutions. The book is a contribution to the debate about agency and ownership as key aspects of empowerment, highlighting women who defy dominant narratives. It will be an essential read for students and academics of political science, gender studies, sociology and social sciences, and cultural studies. It will also be of interest to readers interested in the history of women’s movements and their participation in national and local politics in India.

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 This book will be useful to students studying sociology, psychology, social work, and development studies. It will also be an invaluable companion to NGOs, social workers and activists actively involved in water, sanitation, and hygiene. Moreover, this book holds immense value as a pivotal resource and point of reference for policymakers engaged in rural development with a specific focus on Sustainable Development Goals.

Working women everywhere face discrimination. Inequality and lack of inclusion is reinforced through regulation, policy, behaviors and attitudes. Although there has been progress in some countries, gender equality at work has yet to be achieved by any nation.This in-depth study examines the challenges faced by working women, their families and communities in ten countries throughout Asia and the Pacific: New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Pakistan and the Philippines. Informed by the work of senior academics, policy-makers and community grouprepresentatives, and with a foreword by Elizabeth Broderick, independent expert for the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls, United Nations Human Rights Council, working women' s experiences are described and analyzed within a framework of four themes: demography, globalization, technological development and sustainability.Drawing on this wide range of qualitative and quantitative evidence, the authors set out recommendations for coordinated and context-sensitive responses specific to each country to improve the working lives of women and girls.

This book looks at the institutional and governance issues faced by India during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse impact on the vulnerable sectors and groups. The book is split into four parts, with preceding chapters informing later ones. Part One outlines the approach of the study, in particular their examination of policy responses and the effect of the pandemic. Part Two delves into the governance challenges in containing the pandemic while giving the theoretical rationale for institutional responses. Part Three looks at how the pandemic affected economically vulnerable households, workers, and small industries. The effect of pandemic on the informal sector is also detailed. Lastly, Part Four examines the impacts and responses of Indian public infrastructure and services to the pandemic, in particular the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care and schooling. It also explores the challenges caused by infrastructure inadequacies in Indian cities. The book closes by looking at how businesses in the private sector have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. The book will be a useful reference to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who are interested in institutions and development, especially in the context of India.

Gender-sensitive policy and programming have an integral role to play in fostering inclusive agricultural growth to meet the commitments of African countries to the Malabo Declaration goals. The 2019 Annual Trends and Outlook Report from ReSAKSS applies a gender lens to key issues that must be addressed to fully achieve these goals. Chapters examine the intersections between gender and (1) the context and institutions within which rural people operate; (2) the natural resources that men and women depend on for agriculture, sources of vulnerability, and resilience to shocks; (3) assets and income; and (4) livelihood strategies and well-being. The report serves as the official M&E report for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), tracking progress on over 30 CAADP indicators.

With coverage of both traditional and critical theories and approaches to European integration and their application, this is the most comprehensive textbook on European integration theory and an essential guide for all students and scholars interested in the subject. Throughout the text, a team of leading international scholars demonstrate the current relevance of integration theory as they apply these approaches to real-world developments and crises in the contemporary European Union.

This book contains the most comprehensive question bank and model answers for ZIMSEC A-Level exam questions. It also includes syllabus review notes and exercises. Examiners provide observations and tips and point out common errors that students make when answering questions. If you use this book faithfully, you can't fail, and the Grade "A" is very much within your reach.

Building upon the body of existing literature that has established the importance of norms in understanding why genders interact with social phenomena differently, and how gender plays a role in most aspects of corruption, this cutting-edge book expands the fields to explore the nexus between norms, gender and corruption.

Moreover, economic structures have direct implications on the labor market, which subsequently affects individual decision-making related to employment, career pathways, and lifestyle choices. In an economy with high unemployment rates or limited job opportunities, individuals may confront challenges in pursuing their preferred career trajectories. To mitigate these challenges, they may adjust their expectations or settle for roles that do not align with their aspirations. Decreased economic mobility often results in a host of behavioral adjustments, including risk aversion, which diminishes the willingness to invest in education or entrepreneurial ventures. Another salient aspect is the role of socio-economic status, which is deeply intertwined with economic structures. Individuals from disadvantaged economic backgrounds may not only face constraints in accessing educational and professional opportunities but may also adopt behavioral patterns that reflect their economic realities. For instance, people in lower socio-economic strata may prioritize immediate financial needs over long-term investments, such as saving or education. Thus, decision-making becomes a reflection of their situational constraints rather than an outcome of purely rational choice. In understanding the relationship between economic structures and individual decision-making, it is crucial to consider the impact of government policies and regulations. Economic policy decisions, including taxation, welfare provisions, and labor regulations, create a framework that defines the choices available to individuals. For instance, policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovation can enhance individual agency by providing the necessary resources and support. Conversely, restrictive policies may hinder individuals from pursuing certain opportunities or ambitions.