The Cultural Basis of Economic Growth in India

This book explores the cultural foundations of economic growth in India through interdisciplinary discussions, including cultural anthropology and economics. It presents new insights into India's economic growth and social change and findings on happiness obtained through a large-scale survey.

Format: Hardback
Length: 173 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book, the result of a three-year joint research project, delves into the intricate cultural underpinnings of India's economic growth. Unlike previous studies that have approached India's economic development from solely economic perspectives, this book offers a multidisciplinary exploration of India's economic growth. The project's participants include a cultural anthropologist with extensive expertise in the social and historical study of India, as well as a diverse group of researchers specializing in various fields of economics, including growth theory, public finance, income distribution, family economics, and economics of education. Through their collaborative efforts, this project yields groundbreaking insights into India's economic development and social transformation. Furthermore, this book presents novel findings on happiness in India, derived from a large-scale survey conducted by the project. The survey encompassed a wide range of individuals across different regions and socioeconomic backgrounds, providing a rich data set for analyzing happiness levels and its drivers in India.

Introduction:
India has experienced remarkable economic growth in recent decades, transforming it from a developing nation to a global economic powerhouse. However, the cultural factors that have influenced this growth have received less attention in the academic literature. This book aims to bridge that gap by bringing together experts from various fields to explore the cultural foundations of India's economic success.

Theoretical Framework:
The book adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from cultural anthropology, economics, and other social sciences. It examines the interplay between cultural values, institutions, and economic policies and how they have shaped India's economic development. The authors argue that India's unique cultural heritage, including its emphasis on social harmony, collective responsibility, and respect for tradition, has contributed to its economic resilience and adaptability.

Case Studies:
The book includes a series of case studies that illustrate the cultural dimensions of India's economic growth. These case studies cover various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and services, and highlight the role of cultural practices, beliefs, and values in shaping economic outcomes. For example, the book explores how traditional agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and soil conservation, have contributed to India's agricultural productivity and food security. Similarly, it examines how cultural values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and innovation have driven the growth of India's industrial sector.

Happiness and Well-being:
In addition to its focus on economic growth, the book also explores the relationship between happiness and well-being in India. The authors argue that economic development alone is not sufficient for achieving sustainable happiness and that cultural factors, such as social cohesion, community engagement, and personal fulfillment, play a crucial role in promoting well-being. The book presents new findings from a large-scale survey that assesses happiness levels and its drivers in India.

Conclusion:
This book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of India's economic growth and its cultural foundations. By integrating insights from diverse fields, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that have contributed to India's economic success and offers insights into how cultural values and practices can be leveraged to promote sustainable development in other countries. The book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of economics, cultural studies, and development studies.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811593048
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022