A Qualitative Analysis of the Consequences of Women's Behavioral Change from Passive Consumers to Active Agents in Water Consumption Management

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Planning, Management and HSE, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Educational Methods and Programs, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/jwsd.v13i1.2511-1468
Abstract
Given the water scarcity crisis and the influential role of women in shaping household and community consumption patterns, this study aimed to analyze the consequences of women’s behavioral change, shifting from passive consumers to active agents in managing water consumption. The research employed the Grounded Theory approach. Data were collected through 20 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of water and environmental studies, using purposive and snowball sampling within the framework of theoretical sampling. The consequences were extracted through open, axial, and selective coding, yielding 56 initial codes, 11 concepts, and three subcategories: (1) Empowering women to play an active role in society along the path of sustainable development, (2) Behavioral change and active participation of women for the realization of sustainable development, and (3) Sustainable management of water resources and responsible household consumption. Finally, by identifying the relationships among the categories, a theoretical model was developed. The findings show that the realization of sustainable development requires a shift in policy-making from a focus on physical and infrastructure-based solutions toward a socio-cultural approach based on the empowerment and agency of women. This shift creates the conditions for sustainable water resource management and consumption.

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Subjects

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Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 39
Water and Conflict of Interest
Spring 2026
Pages 21-32

  • Receive Date 11 November 2025
  • Revise Date 07 December 2025
  • Accept Date 26 February 2026