This book depicts the emergence of knowledge society across rural and urban spaces and among cross sections of social collectivities in India. It analyses the new economic momentum and socio-cultural milieu as set in motion with the emergence of this society. The ensuing impact on the pre-existing facets of social identity and marginality, and the processes of construction of new social identities therein are studied. This book delineates both the hope and despair, as produced with the arrival of the knowledge society, and identifies the scope and conditions of alternative choice and liberation for the people within the emerging socio-economic order of this society. Rich in empirical data, this monograph will interest students, researchers, teachers, policy planners and social activists.

‘Professor Debal K. SinghaRoy writes in a way that is both lucid and analytically profound … This work will leave a lasting impact on the sociology of knowledge and in the study of the history of ideas.'

Dipankar Gupta - former Professor, Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

‘This is a detailed, subtle and fascinating account of the transformation of India toward a fully realised ‘Knowledge Society' … To quote the Planning Commission (2001), ‘we missed the industrial revolution but we should not miss the information and knowledge revolution' … The Knowledge Society may offer greater possibilities for freedom, dignity and social security. Amen to that.'

Ellie Chambers - Professor Emeritus, Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University

‘This rich and ambitious study makes clear that India will be a major player in the brave new world of digital networks and 'smart' work … Towards a Knowledge Society is an important addition to knowledge and understanding for commentators who have yet to appreciate the need to 'reorient' away from the West.'

Frank Webster - City University London

‘Debal SinghaRoy shows the dark side of India's transformation to a knowledge society … India's transformation becomes a story of despair for the millions who are excluded and marginalized, but also hope for liberation from oppression and for the formation of new identities.'

Stephen Castles - Research Chair in Sociology, University of Sydney