Globalization has pushed China and India to the centre of the stage but what has been the impact on workers in these countries? This book analyzes this question and demonstrates the complexity of the processes and responses at play. Bringing together expert analyzes of both rural and urban areas, the book highlights the ways in which local and national policies as well as global actors have an impact on labour. There are signs that the state in both countries is shifting its role in a 'counter movement from above' as shown by the National Employment Guarantee Act in India and the Labour Contract Law in China. But will this be enough to quell the social unrest caused by globalization's dislocating and inequalizing effects, especially after the global financial crisis? This book shows how state responses are unlikely to be up to the task and what role labour in other countries could play. -- Back cover.