Author Description

This book brings together thirteen contributors on the fundamental causes of poverty in Asia, showing the variety of ways in which poverty is generated, reproduced and deepened or reduced by the exercise of power. This central concept of power is not confined to the actions of the state but is also used to analyze the operations of market forces and institutions rooted in civil society. Contributions center on case studies from South and Southeast Asia, and touch upon the full range of activities from which poorer people can derive incomes. This wide-focus study, which touches on the development experience of many countries in South and Southeast Asia in a range of rural and urban employment activities, will be useful to all those interested in understanding the causes of poverty and in planning policies for its alleviation.