Sustainable consumption in India: Bicycling practices

What is it about?

This article studies emerging green or sustainable consumption practices in Bangalore, India, specifically bicycling, to look at how class relations and identities are being renegotiated. Simply put, when an adult who considers themselves middle or upper class starts riding the lowly bicycle, a transportation option reserved for those who have no other options in India, how does this affect their class position and social status?

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Why is it important?

This is one of the first empirical studies looking at any green or sustainable consumption practices in India. It is also one of the first studies to critically examine bicycling practices. I also extend the social practice theory framework to incorporate a more robust analysis of class politics within the framework itself.