A Rawlsian Analysis of the Plight of Bihar

In: Studies in comparative international development, Band 39, Heft 4, S. 3-29

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the plight of Bihar, India's poorest state, based on Rawlsian microfoundations as contrasted with those underlying neoclassical economics & rational choice theory. While these two disciplines conceive of the individual as a rationally self-interested utility-maximizing agent, Rawls credits the individual with a reasonable as well as a rational capacity. A Rawlsian analysis, therefore, identifies & explains the principles upon which political action in Bjhar has been based. Rather than focus on the failure to establish conditions for competitive markets or the maximizing strategies of political actors, this article identifies conflicts between democratic principles of equality & hierarchical principles of caste as central causes for Bihar's stark conditions. 47 References. Adapted from the source document.