Urban Family, Sanitation, and Public Health: A Sociological Review of Contemporary India

Authors

  • Dr. Onima Sharma Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun Author
  • Dr. Satyam Dwivedi Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjss.2023.v03.n01.009

Keywords:

Urban Family, Sanitation, Public Health, Urbanization, Sociology, Health Inequality, Family Behaviour, India

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has transformed the social structure, living conditions, and health profiles of families in India. Despite improvements in sanitation infrastructure and public health policies, disparities in access to hygienic living environments continue to affect urban households, particularly among economically and socially marginalized populations. This review paper examines the interrelationship between family structure, sanitation practices, and public health from a sociological perspective. Drawing upon national and international literature, the paper explores how family characteristics, socioeconomic status, gender relations, cultural norms, and urban governance shape sanitation behaviour and health outcomes. It also critically evaluates major government initiatives and identifies existing research gaps. The review concludes that sustainable urban health depends not only on infrastructure development but also on strengthening family-based behavioural change, community participation, and socially inclusive public policies.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Onima Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun

    Dr. Onima Sharma is Associate Professor of Sociology at D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun. With over 14 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration, she specializes in Sociology of Ageing, Leisure Studies, and Tribal Studies. She also serves as Coordinator of IQAC and IGNOU Study Centre 2705. A PhD from HNB Garhwal University, she has presented papers at the ISA World Congress of Sociology in Sweden (2010), and Japan (2014). She has published numerous research papers in reputed national and international journals. Dr. Sharma is also the founder of Mantrana Society, promoting student leadership and innovation.

  • Dr. Satyam Dwivedi, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun

    Dr. Satyam Dwivedi is an Associate Professor of Sociology at D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun, affiliated with HNB Garhwal Central University, Srinagar Garhwal (Uttarakhand). He holds a Postgraduate degree (2006) and a Ph.D. in Sociology (2014) from Lucknow University. With 17 years of teaching and research experience since 2008, Dr. Dwivedi has contributed significantly to the academic field through his dedication to sociological education and inquiry. He has published extensively in national and international journals and has presented papers at various academic conferences. His areas of interest include rural society, social change, and Sociology of health. He is actively engaged in mentoring students and contributing to the advancement of sociological discourse in higher education.

References

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Published

2023-06-30

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2023): Research Review Journal of Social Science

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sharma, O., & Dwivedi, S. (2023). Urban Family, Sanitation, and Public Health: A Sociological Review of Contemporary India . Research Review Journal of Social Science , 3(1), 62-69. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjss.2023.v03.n01.009