Class and Inequality in China and India, 1950–2010

Review

"To study social class and inequality in China or India alone is a formidable task. Yet Vakulabharanam, who has been working on both countries for years, has produced a landmark book explaining and comparing the recent history of inequality in both countries. While social class has been a concern of Indian studies, Vakulabharanam is the first to focus on—and demonstrate—its importance in understanding the Chinese case. The book's hallmark is its analysis of the links between global patterns of capitalist organization and internal developments within individual countries, which helps explain remarkable similarities in their experiences. This is an invaluable book for anyone interested in the lives of over a third of humanity." - Carl Riskin, Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) of Economics, City University of New York (Queens College), and Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University

"This important book goes well beyond a mere comparison of inequality dynamics in China and India, providing insights on the changing configurations of class forces that powered different phases of growth. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand not just these two economies, but the evolution and nature of global capitalism." - Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst (and Former Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi)

"Dr. Vakulabharanam presents striking similarities of class and inequality between China and India in this book, despite their very different domestic institutions. His comparative study has challenged some of the received wisdoms about the process of economic development, as well as confirmed many of them. The book provides a reference point for future studies." - Yao Yang, Director, China Center for Economic Research, Liberal Arts Chair Professor, and Former Dean, National School of Development, Peking University