Author: Andre Beteille
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 326
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0195697332
Description
Marxism has played a crucial role—directly and indirectly—in the development of social analysis in India. This collection of essays addresses the contemporary significance of Marxism in the study of society, polity, and economy.
The problems of inequality, class, and conflict in India are discussed with reference to its agrarian social structure. The analysis brings out the diverse and changing meanings of class within the Marxist tradition itself.
It also provides an overview of the changes that have taken place in the concept of and approaches to the study of class since the time of Marx.
REVIEWS & COMMENTS:
‘…a deeply interesting evaluation of Marxist thought, and a prescient analysis of its possibilities and limits as a tool for empirical analysis…an extraordinary achievement.’ —Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi
‘…seminal essays on Marxism and class analysis…[where] Beteille elucidates the complex relation between Marxism and sociology…an anthology that [will] find a place in the personal collection of every sociologist.’ —N. Jayaram, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore
‘This book is…in the fresh and open spirit of sociological enquiry…Beteille has…single-handedly kept alive a comparative sociological style within India…[it] is a model of clarity.’ —Nandini Sundar, University of Delhi