Politics of Development in Pakistan: Living Village

Pakistan has not undergone systematic and effective land or agrarian reforms in sixty-three years, with 67% of its inhabitants living in rural areas and relying on agriculture for their livelihood. This book aims to show how the village in Pakistan is intercalated in the grid of national and international capitalism and the impact this has on how people work, conduct politics, look at and interact with the world, and the arrival of 'development specialists' in rural Pakistan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Pakistan, the sixth most populous country in the world, has undergone a lack of systematic and effective land or agrarian reforms in its sixty-three-year existence. Nearly 67 percent of its 167 million inhabitants reside in rural areas, directly or indirectly relying on agriculture for their livelihood. Despite the centrality of the village in the country's political-economy, there has been a scarcity of theory-informed rigorous village studies. Consequently, numerous myths about the economic, political, and cultural aspects of rural Pakistan persist.

The primary goal of this book is to demonstrate how the village in Pakistan is intricately interconnected within the framework of national and international capitalism, and the profound impact this feature has on the daily lives of its inhabitants. Contrary to the common perception that the village operates as a self-sufficient world, this book highlights the processes, manners, and manifestations through which the village is gradually entwined in the capillaries of capitalism and its associated offshoots, known as globalization and development.

The book explores various dimensions of this interconnection, including the economic implications of rural development initiatives, the role of local institutions in shaping rural society, and the impact of globalization on traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. It also examines the experiences of rural women and marginalized communities within the context of these transformations.

Through a comprehensive analysis of empirical data and case studies, the book aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shape rural Pakistan and its relationship with the broader global economy. It seeks to challenge prevailing narratives and provide a more empathetic and inclusive perspective on the lives and struggles of rural communities.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of rural studies by shedding light on the interconnections between the village and capitalism in Pakistan. It provides a rich empirical foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities and offers insights into the broader political, economic, and social dynamics of the country.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415665506