EDITORIAL

I am happy that we are bringing out the second volume of Social Trends, The Journal of the Department of Sociology of North Bengal University. While the first volume, which was published in March 2014, contained articles exclusively on gender related issues the present volume includes papers dealing with various issues of social importance and contemporary relevance. The present volume is perfectly in line with our declared objective, which was spelt in the first volume out as thus: ‘We see Social Trends as a good platform for the young scholars where they can try their hands in scholarly writing and gain experience and confidence, which would help them in growing as mature scholars in future’. We have articles written mostly by the young scholars who represent social science disciplines like sociology, political science, economics and history. Alongside the articles by young scholars we have included two articles by two senior faculty of our Department and one senior anthropologist. We have one article by a friend from Chittagong University which has added an international flavor to the journal. Some encouraging signs are noteworthy. First, we have received a very good response from the contributors; second, we have received a book from a Delhi - based publisher for review; and third, we are on schedule in bringing out this volume. I acknowledge with deep sense of gratitude the cooperation that I have received from the contributors and my colleagues, the associate editors, in bringing out this volume. I, on behalf of the editorial team, would thank the members of the Advisory Committee of the journal for their encouragement and suggestions on matters relating to publication of the present volume of the journal.

Sanjay K. Roy

ARTICLES

BOOK REVIEW