The concept of development, by and large, has remained illusory. To understand it, one needs to look at it from economic, political, psychological, cultural, sociological and environmental perspectives. Thus, various theoretical perspectives on development have got evolved as no single perspective could provide its satisfactory understanding or explanation. 

A large proportion of the population, especially in the developing nations, are vulnerable to marginalization and exclusion. They are at the receiving end and are discriminated, exploited and oppressed. In order to bring this marginalized population in the mainstream, the idea of ‘inclusive development’ was put forth by the civil society. Government has also consistently taken up various affirmative measures for their empowerment. However, inclusive development cannot be achieved in a linear fashion of progress but its journey is mostly uneven for realizing social change. 

An attempt has been made in this study to analyse and describe the dynamics involved in its realization as it has to encounter a number of social challenges such as globalization and inequalities of various types and social stratification inherent in our social structure. The state also has the responsibility of tackling these challenges to make inclusive development a reality, failing which; it will remain only a fad. Offering insights into the politics of inclusive development, the book will equally interest policymakers and development practitioners.

• Introduction

• Planned Change Initiatives in the Post-Independence Indian Society

• Economic and Social Development Initiatives in the Era of Globalization

• Globalization, Inclusive Development and Socio-Economic Inequalities

• Social Aspects of Inclusive Development: Challenges Ahead

Rani Mehta is Chairperson and Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh. A gold medalist in Masters in Sociology, she obtained her PhD from Panjab University. She also had one semester teaching assignment at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mauritius, Mauritius. Her major areas of interest are Sociology of Development, Health and Population Studies, Environmental Studies and Sociology of Education. 

Besides several papers published in professional journals, her major publications include Crisis in Higher Education: Role Analysis of Teachers in a University System (2004), Social Transformation of an Island Nation: A Development Wonder in Mauritius (2010) (co-authored with S.R. Mehta) and Sociology and Environmental Sustainability: A Study of Fragile Ecology, Health Risks and Population Pangs (2014).