Dynamics of Social Inclusion in a Plural Society: a Study of Social Inclusion in Select Districts of Bihar, India

Exclusion may be the outcome of an entrenched, complex socio-economic and political process. In a plural society marked by differentiation, a hierarchical structure and stereotypes, it is all the more complex. Exclusion is dysfunctional and blocks potential for development. Societies eager to further democratic values and ethos of inclusive development should be able to deal proactively with exclusion and the dominance of certain sections over others. The book is based on an in-depth study of the dynamics of exclusion and social assessment in India's Bihar state. Bihar's is a plural society with a hierarchical structure and marginalization of certain sections. The government has initiated several initiatives to mainstream the marginalized. The study was carried out as a precursor to World Bank funded livelihoods project in six districts of Bihar. The book would be of interest to the donors, policy makers, development professionals, government functionaries and civil society. The findings can be used as reference while examining and analysing the dynamics of exclusion, and planning interventions for inclusive development in plural societies.