Professor and Provost (fmr.)
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Mumbai, India http://www.tiss.edu/
Usha
Nayar received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from University of Allahabad, India in 1973.
She is the former Provost of Tata
Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, India.
Her areas of specialization are developmental social psychology, social
research with a special focus on qualitative methodologies, social
issues related to vulnerable and marginalized groups, media,
information, and communication technology for the social sciences, capacity building of organizations and self-help groups, and building
social capital in communities.
Dr. Nayar has served as an expert for World Health Organization in the area of Mental Health and Social Change. Besides this, she has worked closely with United Nations' bodies as well as international networks in building and sustaining child friendly policies and research.
Among other international board and consultancy roles, Dr. Nayar has
contributed to the formulation of many policies in India, such as the
National Youth Policy, National Policy for Population and Family
Welfare, and the National Child Labor Policy.
Dr. Nayar’s most recent research studies include:
“Empowering Slum
Communities in Mumbai: Understanding Participation of Children from
Children’s Perspective” (An Asia Pacific Region study that includes
India, Thailand, Australia, China and Sri Lanka)
“The Influence of
Information and Communication Technologies on Children and Adolescents’
Life”
“New Information Technology and the Young Generation: Evolving
Identities and Values in Mediated Environments”
“Building and Bridging
Social Capital in Urban Slums Settings;” “Health Status of Adolescents
and Youth in Greater Mumbai”
“Social Development of Adolescents.”
For recent presentations at conferences, please visit www.usnayar.com's homepage for links, information and downloadable work.
Areas of Specialization
International perspectives on Childhood & Adolescents
International Social Policy, Research & Advocacy
Social research with special focus on qualitative methodologies
Social issues related to vulnerable and marginalized groups
Media, information and communication technology and young people
Capacity building of organizations, self-help groups and communities towards enhancement of social capital.
