Introduction

The uniqueness of this study lies in its attempt to correlate macro- and micro-level issues and concerns to understand social exclusion and inclusion and the level of participation at the grassroots-level democratic institutions, in the unfolding context of globalization and changing perspectives of development models and institutions. The volume consists of six chapters. The first chapter serves as the backdrop for the more specific study on exclusion and inclusion of marginalized communities at the grassroots-level political institutions. It discusses the concept, causes, and consequences of marginalization of social groups, and approaches to understand social exclusion and inclusion.