Interrogating Development : Discourses on Development in India Today

The present volume brings together a collection of writings by eminent scholars that seek to interrogate the processes of development from theoretical and practical points of view. The treatment of development as a discourse in this book can be helpful to cross-examine possibilities as well as consequences of development from multiple, contextual and synoptic points of view and also to locate changes in the meaning of development over time and space. The sixteen essays in the volume focus on five vital areas: (a) the discourse of development; (b) state, market and civil society; (c) gender and development; (d) science, environment and development; and (e) society, community and development. The discussion not only raises certain critical issues on the subject today with particular reference to the Indian experience, it also suggests certain viable alternatives to resolve the impasse. Thought-provoking and comprehensive, this volume will appeal to a vast readership, ranging from students of development studies, sociology, gender studies, political science, social work, social anthropology and cultural studies to professionals like development planners, policy makers, politicians and activists. (jacket).…