Overview
Development and Social Justice deals with an unusual phenomenon of poor tribal youth forming their own small organisations in some of the most backward areas of Gujarat to work towards their socio-economic development and taking up small local issues of exploitation, domination and corruption, fight against vested interests and the government for social justice and developmental benefits.
The book studies their formation and organisation, their economic development, social reform and social action activities and their relationship with the outside world of politics, bureaucracy and established voluntary organisations. It examines their acheivements, limitations and impact and also analyses the role and approach of the funding agency. The study raises some basic issues about the role and limitations of micro-action groups of weaker sections in the macro perspective of the change towards a more just and egalitarian social order. This analysis is rich in documentary and quantitative data; in depth interviewing; observation; close interaction with the your leaders and detailed case studies.
Editorials
From the Publisher
'One could cite many an interesting anthropological and developmental insight that the book provides, but the fun is in details.... The strength of Professor Bhatt's book lies precisely here - in the insight and details of practice... the book remains a welcome addition to the slowly growing literature on the development practice in the country. - Seminar'... this is one of the most readable, lucid, jargonfree, brilliant and welcome books in recent times on the development debate. SAGE Publications too deserve admiration for flawless production.' - Indian Book Chronicle
'Bhatt's empirical details of the micro action groups will serve as a useful source material for researchers and planners interested in this field.' - Sociological Bulletin
'In connection with certain findings, interesting or even important questions are raised by the author, or triggered off in the mind of the reader.' - Development and Change