Women’s Empowerment and Microcredit Programmes in India: The Possibilities and Limitations of Self-Help...

— —

Annabel Dulhunty (Australian National University, Australia)

Women’s Empowerment and Microcredit Programmes in India

The Possibilities and Limitations of Self-Help Groups

Annabel Dulhunty (Australian National University, Australia)

$83.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Routledge
18 December 2024

Regional studies; Development studies; Gender studies, gender groups; Development economics

Series: Routledge/Asian Studies Association of Australia ASAA South Asian Series

Women’s Empowerment and Microcredit Programs in India examines the value of microcredit-based self-help groups (SHGs) for women in India and provides an alternative model for women’s empowerment programming.

The microcredit sector continues to boom globally - with private investors, governments and multilateral financial institutions all investing substantial amounts in self-help group programming. Nowhere is this more evident than in India, where the industry has further been deregulated in recent years. Much of the rationale for increased investment in microcredit is based on the idea that it improves ‘women’s empowerment’. But is this true? Researchers have fiercely debated the value of microcredit programs for women, with some arguing that it is exploitative, and others contending that it is empowering. This book provides new insights into women’s empowerment and microcredit programming, elaborating on the themes of power, dignity, mobility and solidarity. It takes a nuanced view of the complexities surrounding self-help group programming and women’s empowerment and argues that the model of microcredit self-help group programming is key to whether it helps or harms women.

By focusing on the experiences and voices of microcredit self-help group members in West Bengal, India, this book elaborates on the idea of microcredit models existing on a continuum, from ‘smart economics’ to more holistic feminist versions of programming. It will be of interest to scholars in development studies, anthropology, sociology, gender studies and public policy and Asian Studies.

By: Annabel Dulhunty (Australian National University Australia)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781032411309
ISBN 10: 1032411309
Series: Routledge/Asian Studies Association of Australia ASAA South Asian Series
Pages: 152
Publication Date: 18 December 2024
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Chapter 1. Introduction; Chapter 2. Women’s Empowerment and Feminist Movements; Chapter 3. Feminist Movements in India; Chapter 4. The Microcredit Debate; Chapter 5. Contrasting Models of Microcredit Programming: From Credit Plus to ‘Smart Economics’; Chapter 6. Community Development Frameworks; Chapter 7. The Role of Dignity; Chapter 8. Mobility and the Maintenance of Patriarchy; Chapter 9. Solidarity and Connection; Chapter 10. Conclusions and Recommendations

Annabel Dulhunty is a Lecturer at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University.