Synopsis The volumes Development Studies cover an extensive range of critical areas that have one common theme of questioning the accepted parameters of development. An attempt has been made to accommodate conflicting points of view that would facilitate the readers to arrive at their own understanding of the problem under focus of study. Contributors to the volumes have tried to argue the different choices of development that are necessarily context-bound and issue-driven in approach. Choices entail alternatives from among a range of viable options that tend to determine and influence various development paradigms--from microfinance in Bangladesh -- to communication development in Indian context. Other key development issues taken up include vocation, profession and community development; social capital and institutional setting in the context of low trust situation; potential and application of nanotechnology in diverse fields; regional dimension of human development; women's empowerment through Self Help Groups; competitive advantage of family owned enterprises; and civil society and democratization in India. The volumes will be of interest to social and natural scientists, civil servants, policymakers, environmentalists, economists, ecologists, civil society organizations, think tanks, non-government organizations and development consultants.