| ID | 133721 |
| Title Proper | Microfinance and the politics of empowerment |
| Other Title Information | a critical cultural perspective |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Geleta, Esayas Bekele |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article challenges the widely accepted assumption that the provision of microfinance to poor women through organizing them in groups empowers them. The current popular thinking in development studies considers microfinance as the best remedy not only for poverty, but also for social disintegration and women's subordination. This article argues that such analysis ignores the cultural roots of inequality, subordination and destitution. Drawing on Bourdieu's sociological frameworks, the article constructs a critical cultural model and elucidates the complexity of gender relations in microfinance process. The article explores gendered cultural norms and expectations that control and influence microfinance practices and contributes towards a more adequate and critical theoretical understanding of its empowerment potential. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol.49, No.4; Aug.2014: p.413-425 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol.49, No.4; Aug.2014: p.413-425 |
| Key Words | Microfinance ; Empowerment ; Culture Capital ; Discrimination ; Subordination ; Economic System ; Power Politics ; Sociological Frameworks ; Socio-Economic Agenda ; Cultural Roots |