Social Development in Asia: Diversity and Implications

Book Details

• Author: Murli Desai

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition/Publication Year: 2015

• ISBN: 9788131607008

• Pages: 351

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.0 inches

About the Book

Asia, the most populous continent in the world, is a region known for its ancient civilizations, the birthplaces of major religions, and its significant history of colonization. While Asia’s rapid economic development has garnered attention, it also remains home to the largest number of poor people globally. This book provides a comprehensive comparative study of social development across Asian sub-regions, addressing crucial questions about its progress, gaps, contradictions, and the factors influencing it.

The book examines whether social development across Asia is homogenous or diverse, investigating the various approaches and values that cut across sub-regions. It explores what explains the diversity in development progress, including the role of state policies, civil society, and regional institutions. Additionally, the book evaluates the factors contributing to Asia’s rise, questioning if it is a "miracle" and analyzing what Asia and its sub-regions must do to ensure better social development in the future.

With an emphasis on areas such as poverty eradication, food security, health, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, this book offers insights that can be valuable for policymakers, scholars, and those interested in the social development systems of Asia. It encourages a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Asia's development, providing a foundation for future policy and academic efforts.