Decentralized Industrialization and Urban Dynamics: The Case of Jetpur in West India

This study of a rapidly growing industrial town in India deals with a wide range of issues relating to the processes of urbanization and industrialization. Veronique Dupont shows how an ancient textile trade town was converted into an industrialized centre. The impact of this expansion is examined to understand the demographic mechanisms of the formation of an urban agglomeration.

Further topics explored include: the structure of the labour market; an analysis of the socio-economic background and investment strategies of the entrepreneurs; and labour migration. Finally the author highlights the implications of her research for urban and industrial policy.