Integrating an intrahousehold perspective into climate change adaptation research

Many survey-based studies on climate change adaptation behaviours have methodological inadequacies because of the mismatched scale of analysis between individual-level predictors and household-level adaptation behaviours; thus, addressing intrahousehold dynamics in climate change adaptation research is essential. Synthesising the findings of related literature, we identified seven key intrahousehold factors that are likely to influence household adaptation processes: (1) gendered division of labour, (2) disagreements, (3) conflicts and conflict resolution strategies, (4) decision-making stages, (5) types of decision-making, (6) interpersonal influence, and (7) household life cycle. We also specified three intrahousehold factors that are likely to influence household adaptation outcomes: (1) gendered adaptation behaviours, (2) relational adaptation behaviours, and (3) household life cycle and adaptation behaviours. Acknowledging the potential bias of approaching just one representative per household, we then detailed conceptual frameworks and pragmatic advice for applying a household-based approach in climate change adaptation studies. Future research will benefit from clear articulation of the level of analyses and more coherent and viable methodological solutions that involve consideration of intrahousehold dynamics.