Dire Consequences: Examining the Social Impacts of Poor Sanitation and Polluted Water on Community and Institutional Dynamics
Keywords:
Social Institutions, Polluted Water, Poor Sanitation, Public Health, Sustainable DevelopmentAbstract
This study looks into the often overlooked effects that water pollution and inadequate sanitation have on local social institutions. This research takes a novel approach by looking at the ripple effects of environmental challenges on social structures, norms, and community cohesion, whereas previous research has primarily focused on the health implications of these kinds of challenges. The research was conducted in a rural area called Chak 141 Jahanian, located near Khanewal District in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were gathered by using convenience sampling technique and a mixed-methods approach, which included surveys, interviews, and on-site observations of communities with poor sanitation and unhygienic water sources. The results showed a complicated web of relationships between community social fabric and environmental stressors. It has been discovered that poor sanitation and water pollution have profound, diverse impacts on a range of social institutions, such as political behavior, religion, family dynamics, educational systems, and the economy. Important findings show that pitiable sanitation and water quality aggravate social injustices, upset established roles and responsibilities, obstruct educational attainment, and weaken community cohesion. The findings also sheds light on potential areas for intervention and support by highlighting the resilience and coping strategies used by communities to mitigate these negative effects. This study highlights the significance of taking the social aspects of environmental challenges into account, which adds to the larger conversation on sustainable development and public health. It recognizes the significant impact that inadequate sanitation and water pollution have on the social institutions that support community well-being and advocates for a more comprehensive approach to addressing these issues. Understanding these intricate dynamics is crucial for policymakers, public health officials, and community leaders when designing effective interventions to mitigate the impact of poor sanitation and polluted water on communities and their social institutions.
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