Governing waste and producing environmental subjects
A sociological analysis of decentralised solid waste management model in Kerala, India
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23312106 |
|---|---|
| Authors | A S Arya (0009-0009-8770-7079, Vellore Institute of Technology University), Rahul Shukla (0000-0001-9612-4208, Vellore Institute of Technology University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Pages | 1840755-1840755 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-24 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Sociology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2297-7775 • E-ISSN: 2297-7775 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fsoc.2026.1840755 |
| PMID | 42568652 |
| OpenAlex | W7170828483 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 24 |
This study examines decentralized solid waste governance in Kerala through the institutional framework of the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS). While existing research on waste management primarily focuses on technical and policy implementation aspects, limited attention has been given to its sociological dimensions. Using qualitative document analysis of policy documents, institutional reports, and operational guidelines, the study analyzes how decentralized governance is structured and represented within official discourse. Drawing on governmentality, structuration theory, and social capital, the paper interprets how policy frameworks are designed to promote environmental responsibility, institutional participation, and social inclusion. The analysis suggests that the HKS model constructs conditions that may enable shifts in social relations, visibility of women workers, and the potential for community engagement. However, the study does not empirically verify these outcomes and highlights the need for future field-based research to examine lived experiences and implementation dynamics.
Corporate governance · Decentralization · Environmental governance · Environmental sociology · Institutional analysis · Qualitative research · Sociological research · Soft Systems Methodology · Structuration theory · Healthcare and Environmental Waste Management · Municipal Solid Waste Management · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques
Governing the Commons
What a Waste 2.0
Solid waste management challenges for cities in developing countries
Between paternalism and illegality
Ambedkar, Radical Interdependence and Dignity
Waste, Social Order, and Physical Disorder in Small-Town India
Defining Environmental Justice
Powers of Freedom
Gender Mainstreaming in Waste Education Programs
The quantified self
Document Analysis as a Qualitative Research Method
Challenging invisibilities
Government action, social capital and development
Role of informal sector recycling in waste management in developing countries
The Afterlives of “Waste”
Power and politics in climate change adaptation efforts
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Local Democracy and Development
The Strength of Weak Ties
Governmentality, criticism, politics
| Highly cited | No |
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