Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 March 2011
Several studies of health and population dynamics in India are reviewed. The perspectives of the various authors include anthropology, public health, demography, and economics. The review focuses on how the studies contribute to the understanding of two areas of inquiry: the major social factors leading to continued ill health and high rates of population growth in India, and the major social factors constraining the use of available health and population programs. The argument presented in the conclusion is that, without simultaneous attention to social and gender inequality in relation to population and health, neither full understanding of their dynamics nor workable policies will eventuate.