In the Context of Globalization

In the last two decades, it has been observed that the rise in wealth and trade at the global level has been accompanied by increase in poverty and lack of access to resources and opportunities for the majority. Developments in science and technology as well as intensified use of natural resources have led to a lopsided global order. A small number of nations and individuals have become extremely wealthy while the majority of the nations and people continue to live in abject poverty and deprivation. The quality of life achieved by the developed countries appears to be an impossible goal for the poor countries. In fact, it is this realization that has made the concept of sustainable development (SD) relevant not only for economic reasons but also for social reasons. It is argued that the process of development should be such that it benefits all segments of population – this is particularly crucial for India where caste, class and gender have led to divisions in society over a long period. It is in this context that the present volume is a useful addition to the literature on sustainable development, which takes note of various dimensions like trade, environment, gender and political and social institutions.