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Human development as social transformation
The School of Human Development (SHD) at the IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University is focused on questions of social transformation. The SHD reflects on social transformation as a set of processes that are rooted in and address: (a) inequality in social status and substantive rights based on identity; (b) the absence of material and economic dignity for the urban majority; and (c) inequities in political presence, recognition and participation.
In defining human development as social transformation, the SHD makes several departures from other articulations of this field. It emphasises inequality, rather than just multidimensional poverty or human capabilities, as well as a more relational and structural view of what produces and sustains vulnerability.
It takes social inequality, based on caste, gender, religion, ethnicity, tribe, or sexuality, as seriously as economic inequality, as the latter often follows the former. It argues that the task of human development is not just the critical provision of basic needs and capabilities, but also to value equally substantial citizenship, political agency, and freedom, as well as fraternity, solidarity, and belonging.
The SHD will anchor the University’s upcoming Master’s in Human Development Policy and Practice programme, support the Doctoral Programme, as well as the University’s other Master’s programmes through Core Courses and a range of Elective Courses.
The SHD has contributed to teaching in the IIHS Urban Fellows Programme. In the Commons, it offered courses on identity, planning and economics. The Elective Courses (Activism in the City; Affordable Housing Policy and Practice; Digital Economy; Southern Urban Theory; Urban Health; Urban Social Protection; and Work, Labour, Informality) explored critical issues shaping urban life, policy, and practice. The SHD also led several Methods courses, including Ethnographic Methods, Framing the Inquiry, and Survey Design, equipping students with essential research and analytical skills for engaging with urban contexts.
The SHD’s research connects themes across decent work, housing, health, social protection, social inequality, and community development.
For any inquiries or further information, please write to contactus@iihs.ac.in.
