A Social Design Framework For The Sustainable Development Of Handlooms And Handicrafts In India

Abstract

India’s handlooms and handicrafts, representing one of the world’s richest repositories of cultural heritage and livelihoods, face systemic challenges of market decline, policy fragmentation, and weak sustainability integration. This study develops and validates a Social Design Framework (SDF) aimed at revitalizing the sector by embedding heritage preservation, co-creation, sustainability, and branding/IP as its core pillars. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from four stakeholder groups—artisans, designers/educators, craft experts, and funding organizations—through surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies. Statistical analysis, including percentage agreement and ANOVA, revealed strong consensus on heritage preservation and continuity but significant differences on sustainability priorities and branding/IP concerns. Case studies of Manipur’s loin loom weaving and Bhadohi’s sarpat basketry further validated the framework, demonstrating its adaptability across diverse regional and material contexts. The findings highlight both statistical significance and practical relevance, offering a roadmap for integrating design thinking with cultural continuity, sustainable practices, and policy reform. This research contributes to theory by operationalizing social design in craft contexts and to practice by providing a scalable, impact-driven model for artisans, policymakers, and educators.