Kerala: Radical Reform as Development in an Indian State

Kerala is more than a tiny, exotic subtropical segment of the world's second most populous country. Over the last several decades, it has undergone an experiment in the use of radical reform as a development strategy. As a result Kerala now has some of the Third World's highest levels of health, education, and social justice.

This comprehensive analysis of Kerala experience focuses on the role that movements for social justice played in the successful struggle to redistribute wealth and power. While it does not idealize the achievements of Kerala, this book underlines some of the positive lessons it offers to other Third World countries struggling for equitable development.

"This able, incisive book provides evidence against doom-sayers who argue that government policies cannot improve the lot of the poor." -- Economic and Political Weekly