Who Benefits and How? A Capabilities Perspective on Solar Micro-grids in India

Sushil Rajagopalan

Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 2021, vol. 22, issue 2, 316-335

Abstract: Off-grids such as solar micro-grids offer a sustainable solution in providing universal energy access. However, the literature points out that services gained rather than energy access through any technology matter to people. Using capability approach, this study focuses on understanding the role of solar micro-grids in improving the well-being of rural communities in India. The findings indicate that solar micro-grids play an important part in expanding people’s choices and opportunities. Women appear to have benefited through assistance in household chores and reduced drudgery, while men seem to value entertainment and socialisation aspects. However, these energy-related capabilities are, to an extent, defined by socio-economic identities such as gender roles, and certain biases can get reinforced due to the social norms and traditions of the society. The study thus recommends that energy interventions need to be designed keeping in touch with local values and realities, thus, helping policies to be more effective.

Date: 2021
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
http://hdl.handle.net/10.1080/19452829.2021.1901671 (text/html)
Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:taf:jhudca:v:22:y:2021:i:2:p:316-335

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.tandfonline.com/pricing/journal/CJHD20

DOI: 10.1080/19452829.2021.1901671

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Human Development and Capabilities is currently edited by Kathryn Rosenblum

More articles in Journal of Human Development and Capabilities from Taylor & Francis Journals
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Chris Longhurst ().