Hydrosocial cycles, territories, and scarcity: shaping inequalities and exclusion in water access - an integrative systematic review

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an integrative systematic review conducted in the field of political ecology, employing the concepts of cycles, territories, and hydrosocial scarcity to analyze water access inequalities and precarious ness. Through a systematic search across four scientific databases, a total of 24 articles published between 2009 and 2020 were identified. These articles employed the hydrosocial approach to explore asymmetries and exclusion in water access. The results reveal that most studies are focused on case studies conducted in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on Latin America. These studies investigate the implementation of market logics with intensive water use for rural export or examine significant social inequalities within urban settings. Furthermore, the strategies employed for water control and exclusion encompass a wide range of actions. These actions include disrupting traditional practices and cultural meanings associated with water among social groups, as well as manipulating hydraulic infrastructure and managing water supply services. Overall, this systematic review provides valuable insights into the understanding of hydrosocial dynamics and their implications for water access, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced in various socio-environmental contexts.