Former student presents paper
at sociology conference in Brazil

A Boston architect who earned a Master of Architecture degree from Texas A&M in 2002 presented a paper addressing India’s urban problems at a sociology conference this summer in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Leeta Mohanty presented her paper, “Urban Theories and Their Effects on Inequality and Inclusion in India Under Globalization,” August 25 at the 2009 International Sociological Association’s Research Committee 21 conference, “Inequality, Inclusion and the Sense of Belonging.”

“The paper discusses the framework of the intersection of the global economy with the local and how it has affected structural changes in the society,” said Mohanty in the paper’s synopsis. “It discusses policies that have served India well in the global economy, including positive impacts, like empowerment of the previously disadvantaged, the poor, female or other vulnerable groups, as a result of globalization.”

It also tries, she wrote, to interpret philosophical reflections that can enhance or hinder the success of globalization in making a positive impact on ordinary citizens.

Research Committee 21 was established in 1970 to promote theory and research in the sociology of urban and regional development and, in so doing, create an international community of scholars who will advance the field.

- Posted: Sept. 22, 2009-

- the end -