Addressing Inequality in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : World Bank Publications
ISBN 13 : 1464800235
Total Pages : 197 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (648 download)

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Book Synopsis Addressing Inequality in South Asia by : The World Bank

Download or read book Addressing Inequality in South Asia written by The World Bank and published by World Bank Publications. This book was released on 2014-10-08 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inequality in South Asia appears to be moderate when looking at standard indicators such as the Gini index, which are based on consumption expenditures per capita. But other pieces of evidence reveal enormous gaps, from extravagant wealth at one end to lack of access to the most basic services at the other. Which prompts the question: How bad is inequality in South Asia? And why would that matter? This book takes a comprehensive look at the extent, nature, and drivers of inequality in this very dynamic region of the world. It discusses how some dimensions of inequality, such as high returns to investments in human capital, contribute to economic growth while others, such as high payoffs to rent-seeking or broken aspirations, undermine it. Drawing upon a variety of data sources, it disentangles the contribution that opportunity in young age, mobility in adult years, and support throughout life make to inequality at any point in time. Equally important, the book sheds light on the prospects of escaping disadvantage over time. The analysis shows that South Asia performs poorly in terms of opportunity. Access to basic services is partial at best, and can be traced to characteristics at birth, including gender, location, and caste. Conversely, the region has had a robust performance in terms of geographical and occupational mobility despite its cluttered urbanization and widespread informality. Migration and jobs have served disadvantaged groups better than the rest, highlighting the importance of the urbanization and private sector development agendas. Support falls somewhere in between. Poverty alleviation programs are pervasive. But the mobilization of public resources is limited and much of it is wasted in regressive subsidies, while inter-government transfers do not do enough to mitigate spatial inequalities.

Inequality and Exclusion in Southeast Asia

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Author :
Publisher : ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute
ISBN 13 : 9814951218
Total Pages : 344 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (149 download)

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Book Synopsis Inequality and Exclusion in Southeast Asia by : Lee Hwok Aun

Download or read book Inequality and Exclusion in Southeast Asia written by Lee Hwok Aun and published by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. This book was released on 2021-10-11 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inequality is a defining global issue of our times. Southeast Asia stands out in some ways; the 2010s have seen most countries in the region reduce income gaps. Nonetheless, inequality levels remain high, especially in the middle-income to high-income countries, and popular disaffection and economic anxiety prevail, even while official statistics may paint more buoyant scenarios. The age-old problem of group-based exclusion in the development process manifests in new ways. This book provides up-to-date overviews of inequality levels and trends, primarily related to income, but also wealth and other socio-economic variables pertaining to education and health. The country chapters also examine salient themes of inequality, especially structural changes and public policies to redress inequality and exclusion, labour market developments, population groups, regional dynamics, and informal economies. We gain an appreciation for the unique conditions and diverse experiences of each country, and draw comparative insights across the region. “This is an impressive collection of papers written by scholars from Southeast Asia and addressing an important set of issues which deserve serious attention from policymakers. Inequality and social exclusion are problems which never seem to go away, even in the high-income countries, and this collection will be valuable for all those seeking to understand how serious the situation is in eight Southeast Asian states. The editors are to be congratulated on bringing together such a timely book.” Anne Booth, Emeritus Professor of Economics, School of Oriental and African Studies “This compilation of recent research on Southeast Asian economic inequalities by Lee and Choong underscores the rapid progress being made. The authors from the region underscore the global shift in research and policy attention in this century. Reflecting data and methodological diversity, the book variedly captures some ‘intersectionality’ of inequalities beyond the old focus on interpersonal and household income distribution.” Jomo KS, Fellow, Academy of Science, Malaysia “In societies across the world, rising inequality has become a critical issue over the past generation. Besides basic issues of justice, inequality between people obstructs the collective decision-making needed for societies to progress. This book is the most comprehensive study of inequality in Southeast Asia. It stresses that each society is different, but the solutions are common—good data, proper understanding, multidimensional approaches, strong institutions and popular agency.” Pasuk Phongpaichit, Emeritus Professor, Chulalongkorn University

Caste, COVID-19, and Inequalities of Care

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Author :
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 9811669171
Total Pages : 401 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (116 download)

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Book Synopsis Caste, COVID-19, and Inequalities of Care by : Sanghmitra S. Acharya

Download or read book Caste, COVID-19, and Inequalities of Care written by Sanghmitra S. Acharya and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-03-01 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores how social discrimination in South Asia contributes to health disparities and impedes well-being. Specifically, it addresses how marginalization shapes health outcomes, both under normal circumstances and specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coming from diverse backgrounds and representing different academic disciplines, the authors have contributed a range of chapters drawing from quantitative and ethnographic material across South Asia. Chapters address reservation politics, tribal lifeways, Dalit exclusions from governmental institutions, Muslim ghettoization, gendered domestic violence, social determinants of health among migrant workers, and the pandemic fallout across South Asian society, among other subjects. Scholars draw on decades of experience and firsthand ethnographic fieldwork among affected communities. The chapters provide an innovative analysis, often in real time, of the human toll of casteism, classism, patriarchy, and religious intolerance—many set against the spectre of COVID-19. Many authors not only present social critiques but also offer specific policy recommendations. The book is of great interest to social scientists, public health practitioners, and policy advocates interested in addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that future pandemics are not disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable.

Manufacturing and Jobs in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9811083819
Total Pages : 239 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (11 download)

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Book Synopsis Manufacturing and Jobs in South Asia by : Sachin Chaturvedi

Download or read book Manufacturing and Jobs in South Asia written by Sachin Chaturvedi and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-08-01 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book analyzes the structural factors that underlie the persistent mass poverty and extreme inequality in South Asian countries. It highlights the fact that the supposed trade-off between output growth and job creation is a false dilemma. Growth can create jobs, and jobs can drive growth, mutually reinforcing one another. Increased employment and better jobs would mitigate the problems arising from a widening inequality gap. The book argues that policies focused on employment generation, mostly through industrialization, are the way forward in terms of providing livelihoods, sustaining growth and reducing inequality. The book is divided into two main parts. Part A explores cases in selected countries in South Asia in detail, primarily focusing on the opportunities and challenges of job creation in the manufacturing sector, as well as related issues, including constraints on manufacturing-sector growth in South Asia, exports and trade linkages, participation in value chains and the role of investment. In turn, Part B addresses a number of aspects that can promote a deeper understanding of strategies for industrialization and employment creation in the South Asian context, including regional cooperation, skill development, and industrial competitiveness. Gathering contributions from some of the region’s top minds, this book is of interest to scholars, researchers, policymakers and industry analysts alike.

Social Development and the Sustainable Development Goals in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 135103524X
Total Pages : 220 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (51 download)

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Book Synopsis Social Development and the Sustainable Development Goals in South Asia by : Nitya Mohan Khemka

Download or read book Social Development and the Sustainable Development Goals in South Asia written by Nitya Mohan Khemka and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-09-02 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book assesses the roadmap for the implementation of the SDGs in South Asia, focusing in particular on the areas of poverty reduction, inequality, health/well-being and water and sanitation. South Asia is amongst the fastest growing regions in the world, with an aggregate GDP in excess of two trillion US dollars, but at the same time it has significant deficits in human development, with 37 per cent of the world's poor and nearly half of the world's malnourished children. For South Asia, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a constructive opportunity to end many of the region's deprivations in a time-bound and systematic manner. Starting with the legacy of the Millennium Development Goals, the book goes on to provide a country-by-country overview of strategies for addressing the problems of poverty, health, water and sanitation. South-South Cooperation and in particular the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are discussed and, finally, the editors present a summary of policy priorities for social development. This book aims to be a useful resource for researchers, policy influencers, planners, implementers, students, and activists aiming to push to achieve the SDGs.

Development and Welfare Policy in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1136731059
Total Pages : 275 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (367 download)

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Book Synopsis Development and Welfare Policy in South Asia by : Gabriele Koehler

Download or read book Development and Welfare Policy in South Asia written by Gabriele Koehler and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-03-05 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book sheds light on social policies in six South Asian countries introduced between 2003 and 2013, examining the ways in which these policies have come about, and what this reflects about the nature of the state in each of these countries. It offers a detailed analysis of the nature of these policies introduced in recent years in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and illustrates the similarities and differences in policy approaches amongst the six countries. Through this analysis, the book explores the thesis of whether there is a particular type of ‘developmental welfare state’ that can be observed across South Asia. The focus is on social policies or policies designed to address poverty and deliver welfare at the level of programming and design, i.e. the stated intent of these policies. The book also presents an analysis of the fiscal space available in each of the six countries, thereby drawing conclusions about the financial feasibility of a ‘developmental welfare state’ model in the region. This comprehensive book uniquely explores critical aspects of policy debates on a possible move from welfare to ‘rights’. It introduces students and researchers in development studies, social policy and South Asian studies to innovative welfare programmes in South Asia and gives a new perspective on the nature and patterns of welfare in South Asia with the view of tackling inequality and promoting well-being.

The Political Economy of Education in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : University of Toronto Press
ISBN 13 : 1487517580
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (875 download)

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Book Synopsis The Political Economy of Education in South Asia by : John Richards

Download or read book The Political Economy of Education in South Asia written by John Richards and published by University of Toronto Press. This book was released on 2021-12-17 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the exception of Sri Lanka, South Asian countries have not achieved quality basic education – an essential measure for escaping poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. In The Political Economy of Education in South Asia, John Richards, Manzoor Ahmed, and Shahidul Islam emphasize the importance of a dynamic system for education policy. The Political Economy of Education in South Asia documents the weak core competency (reading and math) outcomes in government primary schools in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and the consequent rapid growth of non-government schools over the last two decades. It compares the training, hiring, and management of teachers in South Asian schools to successful national systems ranging from Singapore to Finland. Discussing reform options, it makes the case public good and public priorities are better served when both public and non-government providers come under a strong public policy and accountability framework. The Political Economy of Education in South Asia draws on the authors' broad engagement in education research and practice in South Asia, as well as analysis by prominent professors of education and NGO leaders, to place basic education in a broad context and make the case that universal literacy and numeracy are necessary foundations for economic growth.

Poverty, Inequality, and Inclusive Growth in Asia

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Author :
Publisher : Anthem Press
ISBN 13 : 0857288385
Total Pages : 492 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (572 download)

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Book Synopsis Poverty, Inequality, and Inclusive Growth in Asia by : Juzhong Zhuang

Download or read book Poverty, Inequality, and Inclusive Growth in Asia written by Juzhong Zhuang and published by Anthem Press. This book was released on 2011-10-01 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While Asia’s growth record in recent decades is remarkable, it has been marred by rising inequalities. This book looks at recent trends of income and non-income inequalities in developing Asian countries, discusses their underlying driving forces, and examines key policy issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the benefits of growth will be more equitably shared in Asia. The book also presents a set of country studies that provide rich information on growth, poverty and inequality dynamics and the policy challenges that arise in marching toward inclusive growth.

Challenges of Economic Growth, Inequality and Conflict in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9814293342
Total Pages : 190 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (142 download)

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Book Synopsis Challenges of Economic Growth, Inequality and Conflict in South Asia by : Tai Yong Tan

Download or read book Challenges of Economic Growth, Inequality and Conflict in South Asia written by Tai Yong Tan and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2010 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: South Asia''s growing political and economic influence, as well as the dynamism of this rapidly changing region, demands careful examination. Drawing on many areas of expertise and a wide range of perspectives, this book analyses how recent developments in the economic, political and social landscapes of South Asia have affected the region itself as well as its relations with the rest of Asia and the world at large. The book gathers together the papers presented at the 4th International Conference on South Asia held in Singapore in November 2008. It represents the expert knowledge and opinions of prominent academics and world leaders. Whether be it dealing with issues of trade and investment, soft power and cultural influence, or the reduction of poverty, the chapters in this book are both in-depth and rich in broader implications for the South Asian region and beyond. Foreword(s). Foreword (45 KB). Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: Bal Howa Bandhan Kate... India and Its Neighbours (117 KB). Contents: India and Its Neighbours (A Shourie); South Asia: Economic Outlook in the Next Few Decades (S J Burki); Integrating with the World: South Asia Rising OCo Enhancing Trade and Investment (S Kelegama); Reducing Poverty: How Much? How Soon? (P C Patel); Managing Inflation: Key to South Asia''s Economic Progress (S Ahmed); OCyGoing PlacesOCO? Emerging Issues on the Diaspora and Indian International Economic Activity (P Reeves); India''s Soft Power and Cultural Influence (B Debroy); Infrastructure Challenges in South Asia (S Jones & R Attah). Readership: Students and academicians studying and teaching Asian Studies and South Asia in particular; general public interested in South Asia.

The Challenge in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : United Nations University Press
ISBN 13 : 9780803996038
Total Pages : 368 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (96 download)

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Book Synopsis The Challenge in South Asia by : Ponna Wignaraja

Download or read book The Challenge in South Asia written by Ponna Wignaraja and published by United Nations University Press. This book was released on 1989-08-31 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reflects the crisis of development, the associated crises of state and its impact on regional cooperation in South Asia. The resulting political and social unrest, violence and militarisation of state structures are considered in detail. The contributors to this volume focus on the depth of the crises and articulate alternatives available and sustainable in the South Asian context -- the common heritage, the renewable resource base and the available stock of knowledge which enlarges the range of technological options.

Human Capital Development in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : Asian Development Bank
ISBN 13 : 9292610392
Total Pages : 302 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (926 download)

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Book Synopsis Human Capital Development in South Asia by : Asian Development Bank

Download or read book Human Capital Development in South Asia written by Asian Development Bank and published by Asian Development Bank. This book was released on 2017-12-01 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human capital is an important factor for economic growth in South Asia. Between 1981 and 2010, human capital contributed about 22% of annual gross domestic product per worker growth in India. During the same period, it contributed around 21% in Bangladesh, and 16% in Sri Lanka. However, education and skills remain the binding constraint. Raising the quality of education and skills in South Asia's workforce can play a critical role in catching up to the level of development of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and other successful Southeast Asian economies. This study reviews the development of human capital in South Asia and analyzes contributing factors to human development including policies and strategies that countries in South Asia follow.

South Asian Economic Development

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Author :
Publisher : Psychology Press
ISBN 13 : 9780415122870
Total Pages : 296 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (228 download)

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Book Synopsis South Asian Economic Development by : Moazzem Hossain

Download or read book South Asian Economic Development written by Moazzem Hossain and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The notion that South Asian economies have tended to be less successful than those of East Asia is critically examined and the reasons why discussed. Countries covered include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Key issues examined: * agriculture and rural development * labour market and human resource development * trade and industry policies * foreign investment and technological capabilities * foreign aid and economic development * financial development and economic performance * poverty, inequality and economic development * regional economic co-operation * 'green' development.

Humanity Divided

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Author :
Publisher : UN
ISBN 13 : 9789211263671
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (636 download)

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Book Synopsis Humanity Divided by :

Download or read book Humanity Divided written by and published by UN. This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report revisits the theoretical concepts of inequalities including their measurements, analyzes their global trends, presents the policy makers' perception of inequalities in 15 countries and identifies various policy options in combating this major development challenge of our time. The report makes the basic point that in spite of the impressive progress humanity has made on many fronts over the decades, it still remains deeply divided. In that context, it is intended to help development actors, citizens, and policy makers contribute to global dialogues and initiate conversations in their own countries about the drivers and extent of inequalities, their impact, and the ways in which they can be curbed.

Getting Even

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Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN 13 : 9389165717
Total Pages : 228 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (891 download)

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Book Synopsis Getting Even by : Mustafa Talpur

Download or read book Getting Even written by Mustafa Talpur and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2019-12-16 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Asia's phenomenal economic growth during last few decades is a remarkable success story in the fight against poverty. Between 2005 and 2012 alone, the number of people living in extreme poverty in Asia-Pacific was reduced by 1.1 billion-accounting for more than 90 per cent of the total poverty reduction achieved worldwide. However, these achievements have been overshadowed by the sharp rise in income and wealth inequality. The concentration of private wealth is of a greater concern. In several countries in Asia, the richest top 5% control close to 70% of the nation's total private wealth; the top 1% control more than 50%. This level of disparity has pervasive consequences for everyone. It stifles social mobility, undermines social cohesion, hurts long-term growth and reinforces inequality of opportunities. It encourages crime, sparks corruption and can lead to violent conflict. Left unchecked, growing inequality undermines the fight to end poverty and more people living with little hope. Such stark inequality is not inevitable – it is the consequence of political and economic choices. Deliberate policy choices have fostered the extremes of income, wealth seen across Asia today. It is against this context that book brings together a select group of academics across Asia to examine and bring forth positive stories about public policies introduced in last decade to address economic inequality. Scholarly written papers scrutinize the extent to which these policies have been successful. The book seeks to generate evidence across a range of contexts to demonstrate- what kind of governments programmes and policies have positive impact to reduce inequality and how these could be designed. These inspirational stories will fill the vital knowledge gap in Asia to foster peace and shared prosperity.

Communities in Action

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Author :
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309452961
Total Pages : 583 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Communities in Action by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Communities in Action written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-04-27 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the United States, some populations suffer from far greater disparities in health than others. Those disparities are caused not only by fundamental differences in health status across segments of the population, but also because of inequities in factors that impact health status, so-called determinants of health. Only part of an individual's health status depends on his or her behavior and choice; community-wide problems like poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate housing, poor public transportation, interpersonal violence, and decaying neighborhoods also contribute to health inequities, as well as the historic and ongoing interplay of structures, policies, and norms that shape lives. When these factors are not optimal in a community, it does not mean they are intractable: such inequities can be mitigated by social policies that can shape health in powerful ways. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity seeks to delineate the causes of and the solutions to health inequities in the United States. This report focuses on what communities can do to promote health equity, what actions are needed by the many and varied stakeholders that are part of communities or support them, as well as the root causes and structural barriers that need to be overcome.

Including the Excluded in South Asia

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Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9789813297616
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (976 download)

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Book Synopsis Including the Excluded in South Asia by : Madhushree Sekher

Download or read book Including the Excluded in South Asia written by Madhushree Sekher and published by Springer. This book was released on 2020-10-30 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book analyses and discusses the multiple dimensions of social exclusion/inclusion seen in South Asia. It not only captures how ‘social exclusion’ is intrinsic to deprivation or deprivation in itself, but also the processes of political engagement and social interactions that the socially excluded develop as strategies and networks for their advancement. Consequently, the book goes beyond structures or agency, and examines the question of a more dynamic approach to provide spaces for the ‘socially excluded’ to self-manage exclusion, thereby raising discussions around the contested positions that underlie development discourse on social inequality. While social exclusion linked to identities is studied, the book argues that hierarchies and inequalities based on social identities cut across and affect various groups of excluded. Consequently, these phenomena create or lead to various processes of exclusion. The book illustrates that social exclusion should not be limited to privileging the differences that characterize the exclusionary processes, but should also comprise underpinning strategies of ‘inclusion’, emphasizing the need to focus on imperatives ‘to include’. As a result, the book acknowledges that social exclusion is not limited to analyzing the different identities that face exclusion, but also understanding the systems and processes that create social exclusion, or create opportunities for inclusion of the excluded.The book addresses readership across academic disciplines (including in the growing field of state capacity and governance), and practitioners (administrators and policy-making communities). Conclusively, the book, provides a platform to intensively exchange the multifaceted and critical issue of social exclusion/inclusion, and thus contributes to inclusive sustainable development discourse.

Societies, Social Inequalities and Marginalization

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Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319509985
Total Pages : 315 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (195 download)

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Book Synopsis Societies, Social Inequalities and Marginalization by : Raghubir Chand

Download or read book Societies, Social Inequalities and Marginalization written by Raghubir Chand and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-04-04 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an overview of marginality or marginalization, as a concept, characterizing a situation of impediments – social, political, economic, physical, and environmental – that impact the abilities of many people and societies to improve their human condition. It examines a wide range of examples and viewpoints of societies struggling with poverty, social inequality and marginalization. Though the book will be especially interesting for those looking for insights into the situation and position of ethnic groups living in harsh mountainous conditions in the Himalayan region, examples from other parts of the world such as Kyrgyzstan, Israel, Switzerland and Finland provide an opportunity for comparison of marginality and marginalization from around the world. Also addressed are issues such as livelihood, outmigration and environmental threats, taking into account the conditions, scale and perspective of observation. Throughout the text, particular attention is given to the context and concept of ‘marginalization’, which sadly remains a persistent reality of human life. It is in this context that this book seeks to advance our global understanding of what marginalization is, how it is manifested and what causes it, while also proposing remedial strategies.