Participatory Action Research on Alcoholism and Bonded Labor in Times of Prohibition in India

The research presented in this article examines whether participatory action research methods can transform violent, stigmatising approaches to alcohol consumption in marginalised communities into community-owned, evidence-informed, non-violent harm reduction approaches. In both locations’ alcohol consumption is a highly stigmatised public secret. Bihar has banned alcohol production and consumption. Tamil Nadu alcohol consumption is frowned upon while sales are an important source of revenue for the state.