How Solidarity Works for Welfare: Subnationalism and Social Development in India

Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics

by Prerna Singh

Why are some places in the world characterized by better social service provision and welfare outcomes than others? In a world in which millions of people, particularly in developing countries, continue to lead lives plagued by illiteracy and ill-health, understanding the conditions that promote social welfare is of critical importance to political scientists and policy makers alike. Drawing on a multi-method study, from the late nineteenth century to the present of the stark variations in educational and health outcomes within a large, federal, multiethnic developing country – India, this book develops an argument for the power of collective identity as an impetus for state prioritization of social welfare. Such an argument not only marks an important break from the dominant negative perceptions of identity politics but also presents a novel theoretical framework to understand welfare provision.

Genres: India, Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology, History, Economics

332 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2015

Reviews

[Agney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book tries to decipher the relationship between the level of social development, with respect to health and education outcomes, achieved by Indian states in general and Kerala, TN, Rajasthan and UP in particular, with that of the level of regional patriotism or sub nationalism. The argument though seems to be rational is written from the perspective of elites and fails to address the subaltern question.

[Samantha Zarate · Rating 4 out of 5]

really cool and uniquely way to approach a study! don’t necessarily think she should have dumbed down the stats for me but i was confused (my fault tho tbh)

[Hashim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well documented how subnationalism leads to developed. Great narration of Kerala and Tamilnadu for their respective subnational ideas and how they formed

[Caden McIlhenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minus one star out of obstinance and circumstance