Includes bibliographical references and index

Introduction -- Social exclusion and the methodological dichotomies -- Economic reforms and the socially excluded groups in India -- Emergence of caste as property under liberalization -- Impact of reforms on scheduled castes -- Liberalization and the Adivasi development -- Marginalization of rural artisans and Muslims -- Handloom weavers under liberalization: a case study -- Exit policy and the welfare of the working classes -- Inequity in the development of human capital and alienation in higher education -- Public health services and the poor -- Civil society responses to economic reforms: a case study of temperance movement -- In lieu of conclusion.