Rural-Urban Dynamics: Perspectives and Experiences - Softcover

Rajagopalan MBA, S

Softcover

ISBN 10: 8131405966 ISBN 13: 9788131405963

Publisher: ICFAI Books, 2009

Synopsis

Rural-urban disparities, especially in developing countries, have for long been a major concern for policymakers. The disparities can be seen in all spheres of human life -- economic and social. The income inequalities, lack of employment opportunities, lack of infrastructure and civic amenities, inadequate access to education, healthcare and other basic services are some of the major areas, where rural areas lag behind urban. Globalisation and the spread of the consumerism culture has further deepened these disparities, visible in the affluence and glitz of urban areas, which stand in stark contrast to the poverty, deprivation and squalor that characterises the rural landscape in developing countries. The burgeoning slums in urban areas populated largely by migrants from rural areas are an outcome of these disparities. Seen in the context of countries like China and India, which together account for close to two fifths of the world''s populations, and where 70% of the people still live in rural areas, the rural-urban divide assumes great significance. The rural-urban ''divides'' is however, not the only perspective on the rural-urban equation; increasingly, experts and analysts point to the linkage that exists between rural and urban areas that mutually strengthens the rural and urban sectors. Seen from the ''linkage'' perspective, the rural and the urban areas form a continuum, rather than exist as discrete geographical territories with boundaries. This book explores the rural-urban dynamics from both the ''divide'' and the ''linkage'' perspectives, and looks at ways in which the rural-urban gap can be bridged.

About this title

About the Author

S Rajagopalan holds an MBA in Finance from Gujarat University, and professional experience of twelve years. He has worked for five years in the development sector in the areas of micro finance and livelihood promotion, both with governmental and non governmental organisations. Prior to this, he had worked as a researcher with the Indian affiliate of the Center for International Financial Analysis and Research, Inc. (USA), for five years, Currently, he is a faculty member at ICFAI Business School, Ahmedabad. His areas of interest include sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, and micro finance. He has edited several books and written articles on development themes.

Edition details

• Publisher: ICFAI Books
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8131405966
• ISBN 13: 9788131405963
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250