Globalization and the Indian Urban Middle Class : The Emerging Trend

Contents: Preface. 1. Form liberty to liberalisation a conceptual study in the Indian context. 2. Conspicuous consumerism: a growing trend. 3. The middle class in Patna and Nagpur: a profile. 4. Changing life world of the urban middle class in the new economic setting. 5. Gender family and marriage. 6. Market media and the middle class in the new economic era. 7. Summary and conclusion. Select bibliography. Index.

"The book gives a comprehensive overview and analysis of the concept of globalization the process which describes the political economic and cultural atmosphere of today. Social change in India particularly cultural change in the wake of liberalization and globalization is best reflected in the consumption pattern and lifestyle of the contemporary urban middle class. The urban middle class as consumers has been studied in terms of changes and continuity in their behaviours and patterns of spending triggered off by the growth and proliferation of national and multinational companies and impact of globalized media. The book draws on ethnographic research that includes observation conversations formal interviews case studies and focused group discussions. Globalization and the Indian Urban Middle Class an Emerging Trend will be essential reading for students researchers and academia of social sciences especially sociology international studies development globalization and media studies. It will be of interest for all those who are looking for a refreshing analytical approach to understand the process of social change among the burgeoning Indian urban middle class which is fall our of the process of globalization." (jacket)