- Report
BeScights: Experience from three years of applied behavioral science in India
Krittika Gorur, Aditya Jagati and Mareike Schomerus
- June 11, 2023
- 11:12 pm
SECTOR
PROJECT TYPE
DOI
Location
BEHAVIORAL THEME
OVERVIEW
Understanding Behavioral Science
BeScIGHTS is a compilation of the experiences we have had in over 3 years of applied behavioral science work in India. The book covers work across 15 projects in ten states of India, exploring mainstream assumptions and accepting the possibility of imperfect paths.
THEMATIC AREAS
Perspectives in Behavioral Science
We learned that understanding behavioral science in India requires different perspectives, represented by the five lenses below:
-
The Binoculars – They bring power dynamics into focus, emphasizing the influence of power in interactions and the challenges researchers face when imposing power in the research process.
-
The Microscope – This examines the nuances of human behavior, highlighting the need to consider broader family dynamics and the influence of power on data analysis.
-
The Wide-angle lens – It looks at the ecosystem in which behavior change programs are implemented, questioning the effectiveness of interventions designed to empower women and redefining success.
-
The Bifocals – They enable a simultaneous understanding of near and distant issues, recognizing the variability in geography, social identities, and historical contexts in India.
-
The Reactions – These acknowledge the changing context and constraints faced by policymakers and practitioners in implementing behavioral interventions.