Structure, agency and capabilities: Conceptualising inertia in solid fuel-based cooking practices. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malakar, Yuwan; Greig, Chris; van de Fliert, Elske
• Is Part Of: Energy research & social science. Volume 40(2018)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Energy poverty -- Developing countries -- Traditional cooking practice -- Capability approach -- Practice theory -- Solid fuels; Power resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2017.12.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-6296

Abstract

Abstract: Energy poverty is an alarming problem affecting nearly half of the global population who rely on solid fuels for cooking. Numerous interventions are in operation aiming to reduce the number of affected people, yet many have not achieved the desired level of change. This paper offers a novel perspective to conceptualise inertia towards entirely abandoning solid fuels. We explain that cooking with solid fuels is a traditional practice, and, using the Capability Approach, we argue that this practice, which is influenced by persistent social arrangements, could constrain people's capabilities to pursue a flourishing life. It is also argued, applying a practice lens, that the perpetuation of the practice is a product of human agency dominated by established knowledge and other social practices. We postulate that inertia that is holding people from giving up solid fuels is formed around people's perpetual tendency to take recursive actions and refrain from performing new acions, guided by firmly rooted social structure. The paper argues that replacing solid fuels cannot be achieved only by simply giving access to modern fuels and stoves. Instead, it is imperative to understand the social context within which the reproduction of social practices takes place in order to break the structural resistance and enable transformation.