ABSTRACT
In the 21st century, the global demand for freshwater for industry, agriculture, and domestic uses is increasing at the same time as climate change threatens to diminish this resource. Groundwater is often preferred over surface water because of expectations in terms of both quality and quantity. It is at present one of the most extracted resources in the world and is expected to play an important role in ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In contrast to surface water, groundwater's subterraneous existence and movement take place largely out of the human eye, which affects groundwater's perception, knowledgeability, use, and governance. The unsustainable use of aquifers risks creating more tension than cooperation between communities, regions, and nations. This chapter delves into the social sciences of groundwater with the aim of providing a comprehensive review of the field's state of the art. By focusing on the institutional, legal, political, social, and cultural aspects of groundwater research, we review key works and provide an insight of a burgeoning field. We also identify knowledge gaps and possible lines for future research to broaden our understanding of the relation between groundwater and development.
