Energy poverty from a Oaxacan context: Towards an inclusive, pertinent and resilient characterization seen from the solidarity economy and the capabilities approach

Abstract

This article aims to redesign the concept of energy poverty through an inclusive and relevant characterization of the biosocial context of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, since none of the existing concepts in the literature understand its particularities. Based on solidarity economy and the capabilities approach, we discuss the relevance of reflecting on the areas of energy needs and their satisfiers by integrating quantitative and qualitative aspects, as well as the desired outcomes of the communities who suffer from this type of poverty. In addition, this article highlights the cultural methods and capacities that people have to intervene favorably in their energy satisfaction. The methodology for the research relies on a work breakdown structure, where students searched, selected and analyzed the so-called areas of energy needs in Oaxaca. In the final reflections, we define the concept of energy poverty as: lack self-management, access, and affordability of energetic resources impacting social development, collective growth, and health without compromising cultural values and worldview informing the right to personal decision making on what type of energy source is chosen to satisfy essential services in a household.