Contradictions of Democracy, Development and Inequality

‘This fascinating volume addresses a central concern of our times: the complex relationship between economic processes, inequality, social identities, democracy and political outcomes. The wealth of informative, thought-provoking and insightful analyses from different perspectives by some of the most important social scientists in India makes this a must-read for anyone interested in these issues in India and anywhere in the world.’ —Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. ‘This volume comprises of a very rich collection of essays by scholars from varied disciplines examining the critical relationships between democracy, development and inequality in the Indian context. Each of these contributions engage with recent debates on the issue, and have conducted empirically based research. What is striking about this volume is that it has addressed the inter-connection between democracy and development with a special focus on minorities such as Muslims, women and dalits. This makes it a very unique volume and will help reader to make sense of the dark side of Indian democracy with greater clarity.’ —Dr Mujibur Rehman, author of Shikwa-e- Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims (2024), Jamia Millia Central University, New Delhi, India ‘This book is a fascinating collection of essays that interrogate one of the most enduring contradictions of the expansion of democratic recognition and rights: the inability to ensure democratic outcomes, in economic opportunities, incomes and sustenance, for the less privileged sections of society in India. The wide expanse of issues covered in looking at the relationship between the expansion of political recognition of marginalised social groups and the exacerbation of inter-group inequality on caste, class and gender lines, and the severe erosion of access to the fruits of development in the globalised phase in India makes this a very rich volume.’ —Prof. Sumangala Damodaran, Director, Gender and Economics, IDEAs ‘The authors and editors of this volume have provided an apt tribute to the intellectual thought and legacy of the late Caesar Basu. A scholar without a befitting degree, Caesar's commitment to values linked to democracy, social justice and development were reflected in his Socratic approach to learning and sharing knowledge with his peers, friends and even his teachers. By addressing the topics that were close to Caesar's heart and that piqued his intellectual curiosity, the authors have carried forward his mission that was cut short due to his death. At a time when large parts of the world, including India, have lurched to the Right, the need to sharpen the intellectualism of the Left-Liberal stream has never been more paramount and this collection of essays is a key addition in that direction.’ —Srinivasan Ramani, Deputy National Editor, The Hindu