Conjoint Analysis Research Articles

Preferences and values for government policies on infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics for the Japanese population: a conjoint analysis

AimsTo investigate the preferences of the Japanese population for government policies expected to address infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics.MethodsWe performed a conjoint analysis based on survey data in December 2022 (registration number: UMIN000049665). The attributes for the conjoint analysis were policies: tests, vaccines, therapeutic drugs, behavior restrictions (e.g. self-restraint or restrictions on the gathering or travel of individuals and the hours of operation or serving of alcoholic beverages in food/beverage establishments), and entry restrictions (from abroad), and monetary attribute: an increase in the consumption tax from the current 10%, to estimate the monetary value of the policies. A logistic regression model was used for the analysis.ResultsData were collected from 2,185 respondents. The accessibility of tests, vaccines, and therapeutic drugs was preferred regardless of the accessibility level. The value for accessibility of drugs to anyone at any medical facility was estimated at 4.80% of a consumption tax rate, equivalent to JPY 10.5 trillion, which was the highest among the policies evaluated in this study. The values for implementing behavior or entry restrictions were negative or lower than those for tests, vaccines, and drugs.LimitationsRespondents chosen from an online panel were not necessarily representative of the Japanese population. Because the study was conducted in December 2022, a period during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the results may reflect the situation at that time and potentially be subject to rapid change.ConclusionsAmong the policy options evaluated in this study, the most preferred option was easily accessible therapeutic drugs and their monetary value was substantial. Wider accessibility of tests, vaccines, and drugs was preferred over behavior and entry restrictions. We believe that the results provide information for policymaking to prepare for future infectious disease epidemics and for assessing the response to COVID-19 in Japan.

The modern organizational environment: Communication, Networking and new technologies as driving forces for sustainability, progress & strategic alignment.

The current study presents the driving sources and the challenges of the modern organizational environments. The New forms of communication, networking, the multicultural environment, and the structural issues in organizations as well as ethics are some of the challenges that the modern organizational environment deals with. We ask employees of different demographic background to evaluate all these new changes and challenges and we assess how people react towards these new characteristics. We also investigate how people believe organizations can integrate these new trends in compliance with an effective organizational performance. The use of the Conjoint Analysis and the scenario technique allow us to investigate and understand the significance of different characteristics or factors that influence the modern organizational environment and the coexistence of different generations in organizations. The Conjoint Analysis is a multidimensional analysis that can also provide information in a group but also in an individual level. This can help us to create interesting metrics for people and segmentations that lead to an organizational strategic design and sustainability. The present study can have applications in the business, social science, and politics environment.
 
 EL Classifications: G34, G14, M41.
 Key words: Strategic Alignment, Sustainability, Communication, Networking, Conjoint Analysis.

Preferences for policy measures to regulate urban vehicle access for climate change mitigation

In cognisance of the urgent need to decarbonise the transport sector to limit its impact on climate change and to internalise other negative transport externalities, regulating vehicle access in urban areas is essential. However, urban areas often struggle to implement these regulations due to concerns relating to social acceptability, heterogeneity of citizen preferences, lack of information on preferred measure attributes, and other factors that can boost the acceptance of urban vehicle access regulations. This study explores the acceptability and willingness to support Urban Vehicle Access Regulations (UVAR) in Budapest, Hungary to reduce transportation emissions and promote sustainable urban mobility. Using a structured questionnaire, which includes a choice-based conjoint exercise, the study finds that 42% of respondents were willing to support a car-free policy measure. Results were analysed to elicit preferences for specific UVAR measure attributes, identify population subgroups, and assess factors influencing willingness to support UVAR implementation. Access fee and proportion of revenue earmarked for transport development were the most important attributes to respondents. The study also identified three distinct subgroups of respondents with differing preferences, which could be characterised based on access to passenger cars, age, and employment status. The findings suggest that for effective UVAR, access fees for non-compliant vehicles should be excluded from measure designs, and the attribute preference approach highlights the importance of considering the heterogeneity of residents’ preferences in UVAR measure planning.

Single-cell multi-omics analysis reveals dysfunctional Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in non-obstructive azoospermia.

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe type that leads to 1% of male infertility. Wnt signaling governs normal sperm maturation. However, the role of Wnt signaling in spermatogonia in NOA has incompletely been uncovered, and upstream molecules regulating Wnt signaling remain unclear. Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of NOA was used to identify the hub gene module in NOA utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNAs). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of NOA was employed to explore dysfunctional signaling pathways in the specific cell type with gene sets of signaling pathways. Single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (pySCENIC) for Python analysis was applied to speculate putative transcription factors in spermatogonia. Moreover, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) determined the regulated genes of these transcription factors. Finally, spatial transcriptomic data were used to analyze cell type and Wnt signaling spatial distribution. The Wnt signaling pathway was demonstrated to be enriched in the hub gene module of NOA by bulk RNA-seq. Then, scRNA-seq data revealed the downregulated activity and dysfunction of Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA samples. Conjoint analyses of the pySCENIC algorithm and scATAC-seq data indicated that three transcription factors (CTCF, AR, and ARNTL) were related to the activities of Wnt signaling in NOA. Eventually, spatial expression localization of Wnt signaling was identified to be in accordance with the distribution patterns of spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. In conclusion, we identified that downregulated Wnt signaling of spermatogonia in NOA and three transcription factors (CTCF, AR, and ARNTL) may be involved in this dysfunctional Wnt signaling. These findings provide new mechanisms for NOA and new therapeutic targets for NOA patients.

An empirical comparison of conjoint and best-worst scaling case III methods

The Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) case III method, also called the BWS ‘multi-profile case.’ has been widely used to characterize survey respondent preferences for market goods. The BWS method is similar to conjoint analysis methods in that respondents select from a set of hypothetical item profiles with different attribute levels. Unlike conjoint methods, which allow respondents to select their best/most preferred profile, the BWS case III method asks respondents to select ‘best’ and ‘worst’ profiles in each choice set. This study compares consumer willingness to pay (WTP) estimates from conjoint and BWS case III survey formats. Data on consumer preferences for single-use eating-ware products made from biobased materials were collected. Results suggest that for the most preferred attribute levels, WTPs estimates are similar in magnitude and consistent for signs across methods. For least-preferred attributes, WTP estimates from the conjoint method are higher than those of the BWS method. However, the BWS WTP estimates have smaller confidence intervals.

Bridging the brand volume/ brand value measurement divide: Towards a multidimensional understanding of brand strength

With inflation rising and wages shrinking in real terms, many consumers are forced to consider every penny they spend. To generate profitable revenue in this environment, it is more important than ever for marketers to understand not just the proportion of consumers to whom their brand appeals but also the extent to which those consumers view the brand as worth paying for. Armed with this vital part of the puzzle, meaningful strategic and tactical action plans can be devised to realise that all-important profit margin. The perceptions that drive brand choice are distinctly different from the drivers of brand premium, yet many marketers are still relying on brand trackers and measurement techniques that focus exclusively on a brand’s ability to generate sales volume through legacy measures of consideration and preference. GfK’s Brand Architect provides new metrics and insight for brand strength and performance, volume and value. It does this in three ways: by providing better predictors of volume through the use of realistic brand choice simulations; by capturing the value/premium equation of a brand; and by evaluating the propensity to brand switch by observing how consumers behave across multiple brand choice situations. The approach, in which lies embedded behavioural science and conjoint analysis, has been validated during our own extensive studies. In this paper, we explain the framework and use real brands to show how the technique can be used for effective brand management. We have provided a summary of the validation work we have carried out to show that this approach is rooted in commercial reality. It cannot only provide a highly strategic framework for brand management, but it also offers deeper insights into brand repertoires and richer diagnostics on how to drive volume, value or both according to the brand’s objectives.

Modeling behavioral economic strategies in social marketing messages to promote vegetable consumption to low-resource Louisiana residents: A conjoint analysis.

Behavioral economic strategies implemented within social marketing campaigns improve eating behavior. To identify which behavioral economic (BE) strategies in social marketing messages, i.e., messengers, norms, and commitments, will promote low-income Louisiana (LA) residents to add more vegetables to meals. Full profile traditional conjoint analysis survey with single concept ratings. Purposive sample of low-resource LA residents (N = 213) SETTING: Online survey INTERVENTION: Participants rated randomized concepts that featured a messenger and a message. Ratings (1-9) of likelihood to add vegetables to meals. A model of ratings was generated using mixed-effects multiple regression, which accounted for repeated measurement of participants. Interactions of variables and covariates were modeled. There was significant variation in the main effect of the messenger variable (P = 0.02) and the main effect of the message variable (P = 0.008). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated differences between friend (mean = 6.80) and mother (mean = 7.06, P = 0.03) as well as friend and normal weight doctor (mean = 7.03, P = 0.04). Pairwise comparisons demonstrated differences between descriptive norm (mean = 6.79) and grocery list commitment (mean = 7.02, P = 0.05) along with descriptive norm and injunctive norm (mean = 6.98, P = 0.04). Covariate models demonstrated main effects of race (P = 0.006) and gender (P = 0.0001). There was significant variation in the message variable and frequency of vegetable intake interaction (P = 0.01). Both message and messenger variables predicted the likelihood to add vegetables to meals. Race and gender influenced ratings to add vegetables. As reported vegetable consumption increased, behavioral economic messages improved the likelihood to add vegetables to meals. Behavioral economic approaches are well-suited to social marketing messages that aim to promote healthy eating behavior in low-income LA residents.

PCR210 Adaptive Choice Based Conjoint Contribution to the Elicitation of Patients’ Preferences and Shared Decision-Making Process for the Pharmaceutical Treatment for Osteoarthritis

This study aimed to elicit patients’ preferences for the pharmaceutical treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), using an Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) method, and assess the contribution of the ACBC to facilitate the shared decision-making (SDM) process.

Factors Influencing Fan Acceptance or Rejection of a Sport Team’s Revolutionary Rebrand

Abstract: Using the context of the Washington Football Team, the current study examined the importance of six brand associations (team colors, community integration, culture/traditions, nickname, logo, uniform style) on fan attitudes toward a revolutionary rebrand. Data were collected from 669 Washington Football Team fans through an online questionnaire. A rating-based conjoint analysis was used to test for the relative influence of each brand association on brand desirability and rejection. Separate analyses were conducted based on respondent geographic location, existing attitudes toward the name change, and level of passion for the team. Across all analyses, team color scheme was at least three times more important than any other association. Findings suggest respondents are more likely to view the revolutionary rebrand favorably if the team keeps its existing color scheme. Conversely, brand friction is likely to occur should the color scheme change, as fans continue to wear merchandise associated with the brand prerevolution.

Nuclear lamina erosion-induced resurrection of endogenous retroviruses underlies neuronal aging

The primate frontal lobe (FL) is sensitive to aging-related neurocognitive decline. However, the aging-associated molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using physiologically aged non-human primates (NHPs), we depicted a comprehensive landscape of FL aging with multidimensional profiling encompassing bulk and single-nucleus transcriptomes, quantitative proteome, and DNA methylome. Conjoint analysis across these molecular and neuropathological layers underscores nuclear lamina and heterochromatin erosion, resurrection of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), activated pro-inflammatory cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) signaling, and cellular senescence in post-mitotic neurons ofaged NHP and human FL. Using human embryonic stem-cell-derived neurons recapitulating cellular aging invitro, we verified the loss of B-type lamins inducing resurrection of ERVs as an initiating eventof the aging-bound cascade in post-mitotic neurons. Of significance, these aging-related cellular and molecular changes can be alleviated by abacavir, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, either through direct treatment of senescent human neurons invitro or oral administration to aged mice.

Study of the competitiveness of industrial parks using conjoint analysis

In an environment of high competition, globalization, war and certain restrictions of the World Trade Organization, Ukraine is forced to look for new ways to revive its economy. Today, one of the tools for the future development of Ukraine’s economy is the creation, development and operation of industrial parks. The article analyzes the market of industrial parks in Ukraine: current state and development prospects. Using the PESTEL analysis, the author studies the factors influencing the strength of competition in this area. The analysis of scientific sources and the results of the authors’ research suggests that the level of competitiveness of industrial parks in Ukraine depends on the rental price of office and production space, the cost of labor in the region, the level of infrastructure development, the developer’s image and the distance to the border with the EU countries. Conjoint analysis is a popular and reliable statistical method for studying the preferences of future consumers of a product or service. With this tool’s help, the article deter-mines the importance of factors that affect the competitiveness of industrial parks in Ukraine. It should be noted that this method also makes it possible to assess the level of competitiveness at given values of each factor, which will allow concentrating the efforts and resources of the en-terprise (industrial park) on increasing the level of the most important ones.

Analysis of Consumer Market Preferences of Electronic Products In 8 Sub-Districts of South Bogor to Predict Demand In PT. Ruma

Understanding the factors that influence preference is an opportunity for companies to understand market segments. With market segmentation, marketers can identify potential group and predict customer demand. Understanding the market segment can also make marketers develop strategies of differentiation and positioning formation on the right target market. This study aims to determine the market preference for electronic products based on psychographic segments to predict demand of member PT. RUMA. Methods of data collection using questionnaires distributed to 100 customers by using conjoint and cluster analysis.

How suitable are discrete choice experiments based on landscape indicators for estimating landscape preferences?

Appealing landscapes contribute to human well-being, but landscape changes require the attention of management and planning. Although aesthetic landscape values are increasingly addressed in the context of cultural ecosystem services, their assessment is particularly challenging due to the subjectivity of landscape preferences. To map aesthetic landscape values across landscapes, discrete choice experiments in combination with landscape indicators may be a powerful tool. However, it is still not sufficiently understood (1) whether there are time effects on landscape preferences and (2) how much the stated landscape preferences depend on the selection of landscape pictures that are used as stimuli. To address these open questions, we used an experimental approach involving 252 respondents. Based on photo-based questionnaires with 98 landscapes photographs from the Central Alps, we conducted two survey rounds with one month difference. The visual properties of the photographs were quantified through 11 landscape indicators describing spatial patterns and features. We applied conjoint analysis to derive importances of the attributs and part-worth utilities of the corresponding levels for evaluating the stability of landscape preferences. Our results indicate that landscape preferences remain sufficiently stable over a short period (correlation of 0.890 for mean importances), while the results are more sensitive to the selection of the pictures. This suggests that the methodological approach can provide meaningful insights into landscape preferences if pictures are used that are representative of a specific landscape. Our findings contribute to identifying limitations and opportunities for assessing and mapping aesthetic landscape values to support management and decision-making.

Matching audio/video app features with young user preferences: An integrated approach

AbstractAudio/video mobile applications (apps) enable people to engage in leisure activities without time and space restrictions, which gradually changed human leisure behaviours. This study is one of the first to integrate means‐end chain theory, Kano and conjoint analyses to reveal young user preferences for entertainment audio/video mobile apps. A preliminary qualitative survey with 36 young interviewees established the questionnaire items in the subsequent survey of 389 young respondents. Results show that ‘subtitle choice’, ‘resolution selection’, ‘top ranking list’ and ‘advertising mode and format’ are key attributes that directly influence young user willingness to download apps. In particular, ‘flashing banner ads’, ‘resolution ≤ 480 ppi’, ‘5 seconds to skip ads’, providing ‘subtitle choice’ and without ‘top ranking list’ is the best combination of attribute levels of audio/video apps that meet young users' desires. That is, young users prefer mobile apps with ‘resolution ≤ 480 ppi’ and ‘subtitle’ choices and expect that they can skip flashing banner ads in 5 s. Providing a top audio/video ranking list, however, is unnecessary for young app users. The findings can help marketers and app designers develop effective app designs and advertising strategies for young users to expedite the adoption of entertainment audio/video apps.

Expression pattern analysis of m6A regulators reveals IGF2BP3 as a key modulator in osteoarthritis synovial macrophages

BackgroundDisruption of N6 methyl adenosine (m6A) modulation hampers gene expression and cellular functions, leading to various illnesses. However, the role of m6A modification in osteoarthritis (OA) synovitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the expression patterns of m6A regulators in OA synovial cell clusters and identify key m6A regulators that mediate synovial macrophage phenotypes.MethodsThe expression patterns of m6A regulators in the OA synovium were illustrated by analyzing bulk RNA-seq data. Next, we built an OA LASSO-Cox regression prediction model to identify the core m6A regulators. Potential target genes of these m6A regulators were identified by analyzing data from the RM2target database. A molecular functional network based on core m6A regulators and their target genes was constructed using the STRING database. Single-cell RNA-seq data were collected to verify the effects of m6A regulators on synovial cell clusters. Conjoint analyses of bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data were performed to validate the correlation between m6A regulators, synovial clusters, and disease conditions. After IGF2BP3 was screened as a potential modulator in OA macrophages, the IGF2BP3 expression level was tested in OA synovium and macrophages, and its functions were further tested by overexpression and knockdown in vitro.ResultsOA synovium showed aberrant expression patterns of m6A regulators. Based on these regulators, we constructed a well-fitting OA prediction model comprising six factors (FTO, YTHDC1, METTL5, IGF2BP3, ZC3H13, and HNRNPC). The functional network indicated that these factors were closely associated with OA synovial phenotypic alterations. Among these regulators, the m6A reader IGF2BP3 was identified as a potential macrophage mediator. Finally, IGF2BP3 upregulation was verified in the OA synovium, which promoted macrophage M1 polarization and inflammation.ConclusionsOur findings revealed the functions of m6A regulators in OA synovium and highlighted the association between IGF2BP3 and enhanced M1 polarization and inflammation in OA macrophages, providing novel molecular targets for OA diagnosis and treatment.

Analysis of Attitude and Consumer Preferences to Purchase Decisions of Banana Fruit in Traditional Markets Pangkalpinang City

This study examines consumer perceptions of the qualities considered in purchasing decisions and consumer preferences for purchasing bananas in traditional markets in Pangkalpinang. This research was carried out in a predetermined traditional market in Pangkalpinang City. This study used a survey method as its primary research design. Purposive sampling was used, and the sample size was 100 respondents. The attributes of bananas analyzed were tasted, fruit skin color, fruit size, and number of fruit per comb. The analytical method used is Fishbein Multiattribute analysis and Conjoint analysis. The results showed that consumer attitudes toward the attributes that were most considered in purchasing bananas were attributes of fruit skin color (21.57) which was very positive—taste (16.27), which was a positive value. Fruit size (15, 87) is a positive value, and the number of fruit per comb (6,41) is negative. Consumer preferences in purchasing bananas at the traditional Pangkalpinang City market are bananas with a yellow-green skin color, a sweet banana taste, a length of > 14 cm, and many pieces per comb with> 16 details. The sequence of importance values explains the attributes of bananas that the consumer pays the most attention to when buying bananas: the color of the banana peel, the taste of the banana, the size of the banana, and the number of bananas per comb.

Parental perception of children's school lunch milk

School lunch programs are mandated by the US Code of Federal Regulations to serve pasteurized milk that is skim or 1% fat and fortified with vitamins A and D. In recent years, proposals have been made to alter nutritional requirements for school lunches and school lunch milk, including changes to the milk fat and flavor options available. The objective of this study was to evaluate parental understanding and perception of school lunch milk to better understand how changes to school lunch milk are perceived by parents. Four focus groups (n = 34) were conducted with parents of school-aged children (5-13 yr) who purchased milk as part of a lunch at school. Participants were asked about school lunch milk, including nutritional content, packaging, and flavoring. Focus groups included a build-your-own milk activity and discussion of children's milk products currently available on the market. Two subsequent online surveys were conducted with parents of school-aged children (survey 1, n = 216; survey 2, n = 133). Maximum difference scaling was used to evaluate what beverages parents would prefer their child to drink at school (survey 1) and which attributes of chocolate milk for children were most important to parents (survey 2). An adaptive choice-based conjoint activity (survey 1) included flavor, milk fat, heat treatment, label claims, and packaging type. Both surveys included questions to evaluate knowledge of milk nutrition and attitudes regarding milk and flavored milk. Agree/disagree questions were used in both surveys to assess parental opinions of school lunch milk. Survey 2 also included semantic differential (sliding scale) questions to assess parental opinions of chocolate milk and their acceptance of sugar alternatives in chocolate milk served in schools. Parents were familiar with the flavor options and packaging of school lunch milk, but expressed limited familiarity with school lunch milk fat content. Parents perceived milk to be healthy and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. From survey results, parents placed the highest importance on school lunch milk packaging, followed by milk fat percentage and flavoring over label claims and heat treatment. The ideal school lunch milk for parents was unflavored (white milk) or chocolate, 2% fat, and packaged in a cardboard gabletop carton. For school lunch chocolate milk, 3 distinct clusters of parents with differing opinions for children's chocolate milk were identified. Parents are largely unfamiliar with the specific attributes and nutritional profile of milk served in schools but believe that schools should offer milk to their children as part of breakfast and lunch. Parents in both surveys also displayed a preference for 2% fat milk over low-fat options, which provides actionable insight for both governmental bodies determining educational and nutritional policies for school meals and fluid milk producers seeking to optimize their products intended for schools.

The Impact of Product-Dependent Policyholder Risk Sensitivities in Life Insurance: Insights from Experiments and Model-Based Simulation Analyses

Abstract In contrast to previous work, this paper studies the product-dependent risk sensitivities of policyholders toward the reported safety levels of a life insurer in a long-term multi-period setting. With this aim, we first conduct two choice-based conjoint analyses using a German survey panel to investigate the effect of an insurer’s reported default probability on individuals’ willingness to pay for annuities and term life insurances. Our experimental results suggest that individuals (sharply) reduce their willingness to pay for probabilistic life insurance products, with (strong) product-specific differences. In light of these observations, the paper then revisits the impact of these differing risk sensitivities on a life insurer’s risk situation in a simulation study based on an asset-liability model with a specific focus on a life insurer offering annuities and term life insurances. The results reveal the potentially strong impact of such product-dependent risk sensitivities on risk-reducing portfolio compositions. One main driver is the deviation between risk sensitivities depending on the respective product (annuities vs. term life).

Strategic Visual Merchandising of New and Open-Box Products: Evidence from Experiment and Retail Data

Retailers are increasingly selling returned products as open-box along with their new product offerings. Whereas some retailers position open-box products side-by-side with their new counterparts in the assortment (i.e., side-by-side strategy), other retailers position them separately in a different part of the retail space/website (i.e., separate strategy). We conduct multimethodology research to investigate the effectiveness of these two visual merchandising strategies. First, using a choice-based conjoint design in a controlled behavioral experiment, we identify how the two strategies affect the perceived value of new products. Next, using proprietary data from a retailer that has implemented both strategies across different stores, we empirically test the impact of each strategy on new product sales and returns under real market conditions. Finally, we extend our empirical analysis to prescribe how retailers can identify the right visual merchandising strategy for a given product profile. Overall, our results reveal a novel trade-off between the two visual merchandising strategies. With respect to retail revenue, the separate strategy outperforms the side-by-side strategy as we find that new product sales are higher with the separate strategy. However, with respect to retail cost, the side-by-side strategy outperforms the separate strategy as we find that new product returns are lower with the side-by-side strategy. Our extended analysis reveals that this tradeoff varies by product profile. Using counterfactual analysis, we further demonstrate that customizing the visual merchandising strategy by product mix could increase profit by 3.2% at the focal retailer. This paper was accepted by Jeannette Song, operations management. Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4786 .

The Human Dignity Argument against Manual Scavenging in India

In this article, we argue that manual scavenging and the 2013 Act which prohibits it are unconstitutional as they violate human dignity, the prohibition against untouchability, and the right to life enshrined in the Constitution of India. We bring out contradictions and limitations in the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence on manual scavenging and show that it misses out on deploying its own strong anti-untouchability and human dignity-based jurisprudence in the judicial treatment of manual scavenging. This progressive jurisprudence outlaws all forms of social exclusion and does not allow for any exceptions to the right to human dignity. We then propose a framework which outlines the unconstitutionality of the very practice of manual scavenging through an in-depth and conjoint analysis of the Indian constitutional jurisprudence on prohibition untouchability, right to human dignity and right to life. A conjoint reading of the three principles brings out the real potential of the Indian Constitution in safeguarding the rights of manual scavengers, a feat which must begin with a complete abolition of all forms of scavenging work without exception. Arguing against the acceptability of allegedly “safe” sanitation work, we propose an alternative framework to understand and critique manual scavenging, without which a complete eradication of manual scavenging is impossible.