Sustainability and Social Justice

Microfinance: Perils and Prospects

Document Type

Book

Abstract

Microfinance is defined as the financial services offered to the poor for the purpose of promoting small-scale enterprises, and as such it is one of the most important topics in development studies and a burgeoning area in economics. This volume provides a much-needed historical, political and economic dimension to the current knowledge on microfinance. Collectively, the contributors chart the relationship between the prevailing popularity of microfinance and the consolidation of neoliberal economic ideology worldwide. They demonstrate how microfinance, as a market-friendly approach to development, coincides with the global trend towards diminishing the role of the state in economic development, basic healthcare, education and welfare. The articles in the volume focus on the empirical analyses of the experience of microfinance in women's everyday lives, but rejects the connection between microfinance and women's empowerment so often imputed in literature. © 2006 editorial matter and selection, Jude L.Fernando. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Microfinance: Perils and Prospects

Publication Date

11-24-2005

First Page

1

Last Page

213

ISBN

9780415650120

DOI

10.4324/9780203329245

Keywords

microfinance

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