Civil Society and Water Management Technologies in India

1
Civil Society and Water Management Technologies
in India

• A PhD Project at the Faculty of Arts and Social
  Sciences, Maastricht University
• by Johanna Höffken
• Presentation for Graduate School, March 12, 2008

2
Content

• Setting the stage
• Zooming in
• Research topic
• Research questions
• Empirical case study
• Methods
• Motivation

3
Some observations

• Changes in the field of science, technology and
  policy
• Civil society engages with science and technology
• e.g. nanotechnologies
• e.g. medical sector

4
some assumptions

• Civic engagement establishes an additional,
  societal dimension in the production of knowledge
  
• impact on how knowledge is produced
• implications for the policy making context
• I would like to learn more about the
• impact of civic engagement
• on science, technology and its governance.

5
Zooming in

• Looking at civil society
• Engaging with water management technologies
• In India

Symmetrical approach mutual learning rather than
preconceived categories
High grade of civil society organisation and
mobilization
Water management technologies are thick
6
Research Questions

• What are the forms modalities and consequences of
  the engagement of civil society with water
  management technologies in India?
• What does the engagement of civil society imply
  for policy approaches governing science and
  technology?

7
Empiric case study methods

• Looking at existing water management technologies
  along the river Krishna
• Collaboration with Chitra Krishnan, Indian
  researcher
• Empirically researching cultures of water
  management technologies in India
• Qualitative interviews
• Field research
• Public policy documents
• Social constructivist approaches informed by
  democracy theories from political sciences

8
Motivation

• Doing academic research
• STS and political sciences
• Fascination India
• Getting engaged in topical, pressing societal
  issues
• Symmetrical approach

9
Thank you for your attention.
10
Picture credits

• Civil society marching IRN (International
  Rivers Network, extract from dams fighters guide
  2006)
• India map www.globalsecurity .org
• (via google, pictures)
• Dam on Krishna river maddss123.sulekha.com (via
  google, pictures)