About the Book

The concept of social exclusion since its exposition by Rene Lenoir in 1974 drew the attention of both policy makers and academia. Though exclusion has been embedded in the socio-historical processes of most societies, its scientific study began recently. It is a ubiquitous phenomenon affecting individuals, groups and communities adversely and negating the spirit of democracy, equality and agency. Given the complex character of Indian society, the process of social exclusion is more systemic and intense with its far-reaching ramifications. Numerous voluntary and governmental initiatives sought to facilitate the integration of excluded groups into the larger social matrix. The process gained momentum since independence and the governance for the past six decades has been according primacy to formulating inclusive policies with social justice as their fulcrum.

Of late, exhaustive scientific and incisive research has been carried out to conceptualize and contextualize social exclusion and embark on cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research on disadvantaged groups like Dalits, backward classes, religious and ethnic minorities, women, disabled and displaced.

This volume contains research papers presented at a workshop on ‘Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy with Special Reference to Weaker Sections of India’, organized by the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Andhra University. These contributions by researchers/academics are analytical and informative and relate to a range of themes concerning social exclusion, inclusive policies and integration. This book would not only serve in adding vital inputs to the existing corpus of knowledge in the area but also help formulate a policy characterized by equity and affirmative action. It, hopefully, would throw light on areas hitherto untouched and cater to the requirements of researchers and policy makers.

---

Contents

---

About the Author / Editor

V. Subramanyam is presently Professor of Anthropology and Director, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. During his long tenure of teaching and research, he has published numerous research papers and articles in several Indian and international journals. He has also executed many research projects, the findings of which had contributed to the enrichment of anthropological research as well as policy formulation substantially. Credited with publishing three books and guiding M.Phil and PhD students, he is on various boards and academic bodies. His research interests lie in the fields of tribal development, Islamic studies, mass media, environmental concerns, health, sustainable development, indigenous knowledge systems, displacement and marginalized communities.

K. Sekhar is Reader-cum-Deputy Director in the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. His areas of interests are youth issues, social exclusion and development. He has published on a range of issues like media, family studies, exclusion, corporate social responsibility, regional movements and civic affairs.

---