Reviews the literature on gender discrimination: describes the difference between theories and practices of equality of rights for women who lag behind in literacy, life expectancy, and nutritional status; shows how different aspects of exclusion reinforce each other, such as in health care, education, and labour census; and analyses the different impact of modernization on women from the impact on men.

This book analyses and discusses the multiple dimensions of social exclusion/inclusion seen in South Asia. It not only captures how ‘social exclusion’ is intrinsic to deprivation or deprivation in itself, but also the processes of political engagement and social interactions that the socially excluded develop as strategies and networks for their advancement. Consequently, the book goes beyond structures or agency, and examines the question of a more dynamic approach to provide spaces for the ‘socially excluded’ to self-manage exclusion, thereby raising discussions around the contested positions that underlie development discourse on social inequality. While social exclusion linked to identities is studied, the book argues that hierarchies and inequalities based on social identities cut across and affect various groups of excluded. Consequently, these phenomena create or lead to various processes of exclusion. The book illustrates that social exclusion should not be limited to privileging the differences that characterize the exclusionary processes, but should also comprise underpinning strategies of ‘inclusion’, emphasizing the need to focus on imperatives ‘to include’. As a result, the book acknowledges that social exclusion is not limited to analyzing the different identities that face exclusion, but also understanding the systems and processes that create social exclusion, or create opportunities for inclusion of the excluded.The book addresses readership across academic disciplines (including in the growing field of state capacity and governance), and practitioners (administrators and policy-making communities). Conclusively, the book, provides a platform to intensively exchange the multifaceted and critical issue of social exclusion/inclusion, and thus contributes to inclusive sustainable development discourse.

This paper is being issued to promote discussion of social development issues that influence development and poverty reduction. It is generally recognized that poverty has both material and non-material dimensions. Because of their obvious tangibility, many development practitioners find it easier to understand and address the material dimensions of poverty.

The early years of 1990s economic reform and change has neglected social sectors both in India and Central Asia. As a result, poverty has also increased in India and Central Asian countries. The economic, political, and social situation has worsened in all Central Asian states due to transition from command economy to market economy. The early 1990s political decision has been dominated by a narrowly conceived version of economic policy for both India and Central Asia. As a result, the quality and the structure of social protection changed in a negative way. Indeed, in some cases, the pursuit of a strict economic orthodoxy has left various sections of the community marginalized and alienated. Both the societies confront a number of challenges that is as profound as the economic changes of the past. The process of globalization and technical change has influenced economy and society in complex ways, including raising expectations of consumption and remuneration for skilled knowledge workers, creating greater demand for some information skills and services, causing unemployment amongst those with few qualifications, and destabilizing some traditional ways of life and increasing social exclusion. It detaches groups and individuals from social relations and institutions and prevents them from full participation in the normal activities of the society. In India and Central Asia, communities face social exclusion on the basis of their identity as ethnic groups, socio-economic groups, religious community, and gender. Inclusive development, therefore, is essential, and it should be the top priority in development programs of India and Central Asia. Research in this area has not been touched upon so far. Since Central Asian countries are relatively new and trying to establish their democratic institutions, this piece of work will be helpful for their nation-building processes. So far as the mutual benefit for both the regions is concerned, India is an old democracy, and its inclusive policy can be lessons for Central Asian countries. On the other hand, the experience of Central Asias policy implementation can be a lesson for India. This piece of work has potential impulses to policy makers, academicians, and researchers of these five Central Asian countries and India. This work can make a distinction than the conventional researcher in India by focusing on development studies, social exclusion, inclusive policies, and comparative studies in international developments. Key words: social exclusion, poverty, deprivation, development, diversity, India, Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan

This book brings together cross-cultural perspectives on political economy of social exclusion and a critical view of policies of inclusion. The themes covered are political economy of social exclusion; inclusionary policy outcomes; persistent challenges to social exclusion and rethinking social exclusion and inclusion. The contexts are located in varied geographies including India, South East Asia, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and Papua New Guinea. The book throws light on how, historically, social inclusion of various excluded communities has always been a part of nation building with varying results. Furthermore, it highlights how the terrain of social exclusion is becoming increasingly complex today. It provides the space to reimagine issues of inclusion and exclusion within the social policy landscape of a country. It provides ways to rethink policies of inclusion such that dialogue between the excluded and the state is enhanced, and the systems of seeking justice for a dignified life, peace and freedom are improved. It appeals to policy makers, academicians and practitioners of development and social policy studies, planning and governance in both developing and developed countries.

This timely book examines current policy responses to social exclusion. Each contribution addresses a different area of policy, describing the context for the intervention, examining key themes and issues and assessing the likely effectiveness of policies.