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Water-flushing toilets: Systemic development and path-dependent characteristics and their bearing on technological alternatives

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  • Quitzau, Maj-Britt

Abstract

In this study, I analyse the historical process that led to embedding water-flushing toilets in the Western world, then I explore innovative developments connected to alternative toilet solutions that use less water. The core argument is that path-dependent characteristics are found at both the systemic level and the level of daily practices. Systemic development and its embedding into daily practice are described based on existing studies of water supply and sewage systems, with a discussion of how daily practices changed and contributed to a lock-in. Then current attempts to introduce alternative toilet solutions are analysed. I conclude by suggesting that established water-flushing routines impede the distribution of alternative toilet solutions, although some potential remains.

Suggested Citation

  • Quitzau, Maj-Britt, 2007. "Water-flushing toilets: Systemic development and path-dependent characteristics and their bearing on technological alternatives," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 351-360.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:29:y:2007:i:3:p:351-360
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2007.04.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David, Paul A, 1985. "Clio and the Economics of QWERTY," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 75(2), pages 332-337, May.
    2. Geels, Frank, 2005. "Co-evolution of technology and society: The transition in water supply and personal hygiene in the Netherlands (1850–1930)—a case study in multi-level perspective," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 27(3), pages 363-397.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Jedelhauser & Jonas Mehr & Claudia R. Binder, 2018. "Transition of the Swiss Phosphorus System towards a Circular Economy—Part 2: Socio-Technical Scenarios," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-19, June.
    2. Zhonghua Zhang & Lingjie Zeng & Huixian Shi & Gukun Yang & Zhenjiang Yu & Wenjun Yin & Jun Gao & Lina Wang & Yalei Zhang & Xuefei Zhou, 2021. "Dynamics and Numerical Simulation of Contaminant Diffusion for a Non-Flushing Ecological Toilet," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-22, November.
    3. Kokko, Suvi & Fischer, Klara, 2021. "A practice approach to understanding the multilevel dynamics of sanitation innovation," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).

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