Pathology of water consumption behavior from the perspective of stakeholders (Case study: Yazd citizens)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Sociology, Hazrat Narjes (S) Faculty, Vali-e- Asr (AJ) University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran

2 Professor of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

10.22080/jsn.2025.5688

Abstract

Water scarcity is a global issue and our country is also facing a shortage of water resources due to its location in the arid and semi-arid belt. In the meantime, Yazd city has special conditions due to its hot and dry climate, high evaporation and direct sunlight. The aim of the present study is to pathologically analyze the consumption behavior of Yazd stakeholders in water consumption. In the theoretical sensitivity section, Durkheim's theory of anomie has been used in environmental discussions. Anomie is a condition in which there are no normative guidelines for the normative behavior of citizens. The research method is grounded theory and the statistical population consists of three groups of experts - managers, academic experts and experts and employers in the industrial and agricultural sectors. The sampling in this study was multiple purposive and the sample size was provided through theoretical saturation. The research data was collected using a semi-structured in-depth interview technique with 28 stakeholders and then the data were analyzed with open, axial and selective coding. The findings of the study showed that the form of water consumption behavior in Yazd, as a result of disconnection from nature and environmental norms, can lead to harmful behaviors towards the environment, which have resulted in: lack of attention to the development of conservation agriculture, water logging, loss of the historical-water identity of Yazd city, and hydraulic anomaly. It can be concluded that decision-makers and policymakers should provide the conditions for rethinking and reconstructing the historical-water identity of Yazd city through cultural activities along with technical measures, and through education, strengthen water-oriented conversations between people and officials. The present study attempted to open a door for this theory to enter environmental issues by expanding Durkheim's theory of anomie in the environmental field.

Keywords

Journal of Society and the Environment
Volume 2, Issue 2
August 2025
Pages 83-119

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