In recent years issues like caste discrimination and social exclusion have been discussed extensively in India. However, while the linkages between caste and society have been studied widely, the interface between caste and economy or economic development remains an under-researched terrain. Blocked by Caste explores contemporary patterns of economic discrimination faced by Dalits and religious minorities like Muslims and the underlying attitudinal orientations that contribute to inequality in various spheres of life.

This volume investigates empirical evidence of discrimination by focusing on the urban labour market as well as other markets in rural markets. It also analyses discrimination in non-market transactions like access to education, primary healthcare services, and fair price shops. Through detailed case studies, the essays examine the consequences of exclusion on unequal access to business, wage-earning, health status, and educational attainments and suggest possible remedies.

The introduction provides a conceptual framework and the foreword by Kaushik Basu underscores the importance of developing an interface between economics and social sciences in order to give greater visibility to research on discrimination.

This inter-disciplinary volume will be indispensable for scholars and students of Dalit and exclusion studies, politics, sociology, and economics. It will be an invaluable resource for policymakers and social activists.