Unequal: Why India Lags Behind Its Neighbors

Unequal

Unequal is a thought-provoking exploration of social development and inequality in South Asia. Drawing on five years of immersive research across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, author Swati Narayan examines why some of India's less affluent neighbours outperform it on key indicators such as health, education, nutrition, sanitation, and gender equality. Combining compelling human stories with rigorous research, the book offers valuable insights into the policies and social reforms that shape people's lives.

📖 About the Book

With a foreword by renowned economist Jean Drèze, Unequal explores how sustained investments in public healthcare, education, land reforms, and social justice have enabled neighbouring countries to make significant progress in human development. The book also examines the persistent inequalities within India, highlighting disparities across regions, gender, caste, and income. Through a balanced blend of field reporting, comparative analysis, and data-driven research, Swati Narayan presents an engaging narrative that encourages readers to rethink development, public policy, and inclusive growth.

✨ Key Highlights

• Based on five years of extensive research across four South Asian countries.
• Examines health, education, nutrition, sanitation, gender equality, and social development.
• Combines compelling real-life stories with in-depth policy analysis and research.
• Explores the impact of social reforms, public investment, and inequality on human development.
• Features a foreword by economist Jean Drèze.
• Highly recommended by leading economists, policymakers, academics, and development experts.
• An essential read for readers interested in public policy, economics, governance, and social justice.

✍️ About the Author

Swati Narayan is an academic, researcher, and activist whose work focuses on development, public policy, and social justice. An alumna of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the School of Oriental and African Studies, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, she has written extensively for leading national and international publications. Her research combines academic depth with on-the-ground reporting, making complex policy issues accessible to a wide audience.

📚 Why Read This Book?

Unequal offers a compelling perspective on one of the most important questions of our time: how can societies achieve equitable and sustainable development? Rich in evidence, deeply human, and thoughtfully argued, this book is essential reading for students, policymakers, researchers, and anyone seeking to better understand inequality and the future of South Asia.