Bourdieu’s sociological lens: unveiling the dynamics of household carbon footprint in the Kalyani sub-division of Nadia district, West Bengal, India

This study employs anthropological and sociological frameworks, particularly Pierre Bourdieu's habitus and structural constraint concepts, to dissect the intricate nexus between energy consumption, carbon footprint, and sociocultural dynamics. The research unfolded in the Kalyani Sub-division of West Bengal, India, encompassing both urban and rural landscapes. Data collection entailed comprehensive interviews with 610 households during the period spanning December 2021–May 2022. Statistical analysis was rigorously executed through SPSS, while carbon footprint computations drew upon the well-regarded Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emission accounting methodology. Analysing global carbon dioxide emissions spanning 1850–2011, the study underscores the alarming surge in emissions driven by industrialization and non-renewable energy consumption. The ensuing disparities in emissions across nations and regions are attributed to socioeconomic factors, urbanization, and individual lifestyle choices. It becomes evident that socioeconomic status, education, and gender roles exert significant influence over energy consumption behaviour, with higher educational attainment correlating with heightened environmental awareness. Simultaneously, income inequality acts as a structural constraint, limiting sustainable behaviour adoption. Education emerges as a potent tool in mitigating structural limitations, challenging traditional gender norms, and addressing income disparities are deemed essential for universal access to sustainable practices. This research urges the formulation of context-specific interventions and policies to tackle the multifaceted drivers of carbon emissions, providing policymakers and practitioners with valuable insights into promoting environmental sustainability. Future research should delve into diverse sociocultural contexts and rigorously assess intervention efficacy, enriching our understanding of the complex interplay between habits, structural constraints, and carbon emissions, and guiding us towards a more sustainable and equitable future.