In-depth analysis to develop a social marketing model to promote women's participation in waste segregation behaviour: A qualitative study

Abstract

Waste separation is one of the key factors in managing solid waste and creating a healthy environment. Waste separation at source has always been associated with challenges. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the perceptions of housewives and related parties regarding the factors that influence waste separation behaviour and to identify approaches to improve behaviour based on the social marketing framework. This study was conducted as a qualitative content analysis in Amol City in 2022. The data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews. A total of 25 housewives were selected as main participants and 5 stakeholders through purposive selection. The results of the study included lack of awareness of recyclable materials (product), personal, family and environmental barriers (price), lack of doorstep collection of dry waste (place), and lack of use of appropriate technology (promotion). The lack of financial resources, inappropriate political measures and the coronavirus pandemic were also the causes of this challenge. Most participants cited environmental and educational deficits as the main reason for not separating waste. It is possible to improve waste sorting behaviour at source through appropriate behavioural interventions at the individual, social and environmental levels. Researchers can use the results of this study to design, implement and evaluate waste segregation intervention programmes for housewives.