Smoke and Society: The Culture, Consumption, and Control of Tobacco in Mizoram - Gyan Books
About The Book: Smoke and Society: The Culture, Consumption, and Control of Tobacco in Mizoram is a comprehensive exploration of one of India’s most pressing public health challenges, viewed through the unique lens of a state shaped by its culture, traditions, and socio-economic realities. Drawing from extensive research, this book uncovers the complex dynamics of tobacco use among young people—their initiation, experimentation, and progression into habitual consumption. It situates these behavioral patterns within wider socio-cultural and economic contexts, showing how family, community, and cultural practices influence tobacco use. Moving beyond data, the book traces the historical trajectory of tobacco in Mizoram, examines the state’s struggle with persistently high prevalence rates, and highlights the collective responses of international bodies, government agencies, and civil society organizations. It offers a critical evaluation of the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in Mizoram, while placing special emphasis on the pivotal role of the Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society (MSTCS) in shaping and driving tobacco control initiatives. A distinctive contribution of this work is its proposal of a context-sensitive social marketing framework tailored to Mizoram’s cultural fabric. By integrating consumer behavior insights with social marketing strategies, the book offers practical pathways for designing more effective and sustainable public health interventions. Engaging and insightful, Smoke and Society is a valuable resource for researchers, academicians, policymakers, health professionals, and anyone interested in the intersections of culture, society, and addiction. It advances the vision of a healthier, tobacco-free Mizoram, while enriching the broader global conversation on tobacco control.
Author: Shamim Akhtar
Pages: 172
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