This powerful and meticulously researched study explores the role of rural industry and entrepreneurship in the Chinese economic miracle. Linda Grove focuses on one weaving district in North China, exploring the ways in which small industrial firms have accumulated capital, organized their firms, developed nationwide marketing networks, and promoted brands over the last century. Cutting across the conventional divide between studies of "history" and "contemporary economy," the author persuasively shows the links between traditional Chinese business practices and modern economic growth. Based on several decades of archival research, surveys, and fieldwork, A Chinese Economic Revolution provides the first English-language exploration of the business history of small Chinese firms.

The wide variety of ethnic groups in Indonesia is reflected in the ethnic diversity among Indonesian villages. Until now, descriptive studies of village life have been virtually nonexistent except in the Dutch language. This collection of comprehensive surveys of thirteen villages in Indonesia provides the first major study of this fundamental level of Indonesian society in the post-colonial period. The studies are based on first-hand field experience by outstanding Indonesian, Dutch, and American scholars. The villages included are representative of the variety of social, political, economic, and religious systems in the major island regions: Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sumbawa, Timor, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Ambon, and West Irian. Most of the contributors are anthropologists, but a sociologist, an agronomist, and an authority on adat law are also represented. Although the articles reflect the particular interests of the individual authors, certain general anthropological topics - such as demography, settlement patterns, subsistence economy, land tenure, and social and political structures - are covered in each to allow for comparisons among the studies. The editor has added a history of Indonesian village studies, and in a concluding chapter he makes general observations about village life in Indonesia. In addition to illustrating the range of Indonesia's ethnic diversity, these village surveys provide greater understanding of the social phenomena and processes that form a basic part of contemporary life in a rapidly changing country. KOENTJARANINGRAT (1923-1999) was a professor and head of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Indonesia. He was the author of numerous scholarly books and articles in both the Indonesian and English languages.

Come along on an exciting bus ride from a Guatemalan village to a market town with this fresh take on a favourite song. Features Latin-inspired singalong and endnotes about life in Guatemala. Enhanced CD includes audio singalong and video animation.

This book brings together technical expertise, best practices, case studies and ground-level application of the ideas for empowering the rural population of the world to live economically prosperous, environmentally sustainable, and socially progressive lives, on par or comparable with the quality of life enjoyed by the global urban population. The idea of Smart Villages takes on greater urgency in light of the investments made in this millennium on “Smart Cities”, taking advantage of the technological advances, particularly in digital connectivity. These investments have and will continue to expand the urban-rural divide, unless similar investments are made in the villages as well. The book provides a much-needed guide for a holistic development of a Smart Village, by defining the need, developing the framework, and describing the delivery, complete with successful case studies. Contributors to the book, from Canada, USA, Africa and India bring years of academic, industry and governmental experience, including organization of several Smart Village conferences. The knowledge base in the book will be of great value to anyone interested in or active in rural planning, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, industrial solution providers, public healthcare professionals, public policy professionals and students, as well as rural communities around the world. Consolidates all the aspects of creating/developing a Smart Village; Delivers an effective tool-kit for practitioners in the area of Smart Villages; Provides a policy-based framework for the development of an ideal Smart Village; Illustrates, through case studies, the fulfillment of key requirements of a Smart Village; Brings together experts from around the world to share their vision of a Smart Village; Highlights the importance of balancing development with social/gender equity and cultural traditions.

This study explores historical understandings of Christian communities, cultures, and institutions within the Indian world from their beginnings to the present time. Frykenberg focuses on trans-cultural interactions within Hindu and Muslim environments, uncovering complexities as Christianity intermingled with indigenous cultures.