Phase 2 Project Report. Social Networks and Norms: Sanitation in Bihar and Tamil Nadu, India

Open defecation persists in India, despite rigorous efforts from the government, NGOs, and international organizations to suppress it. Although coverage of sanitation facilities has increased, use remains poor, especially in rural areas. Previous studies have highlighted that the factors facilitating open defecation are based in tradition, socio-cultural norms, and preferences. These factors can vary across age, gender, and caste, making the adoption of sanitation facilities particularly complex.

The Longitudinal Egocentric Networks and Norms Study or LENNS was designed to elucidate the social determinants of toilet1 use and open defecation, with a focus on social norms and networks. This three-year study, designed by the Penn Social Norms Group (PennSoNG), is being conducted in Bihar and Tamil Nadu, India. Our investigation into social norms included the mapping of networks in communities and an assessment of a set of behaviors observed in the literature, which have been described as possible barriers or facilitators of toilet adoption. Respondents were sampled across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, and data were collected in collaboration with Kantar Public International. This study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.