Towards a plural history of microfinance
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: This article reviews different ways of telling the history of microfinance. We first contrast a mainstream and mostly positive narrative with a radical critique, illustrating differences with reference to India. We then argue for a more inductive and plural account, drawing on a set of doctoral research studies to illustrate variation in microfinance experience according to social relations among users, organisational culture of suppliers and the political economy of regulation. A global narrative of movement towards total financial inclusion will not do justice to this diversity, nor should the history of microfinance be dominated by one overarching global perspective.
Authors: James Copestake, Susan Johnson, Mateo Cabello, Ruth Goodwin-Groen, Robin Gravesteijn, Julie Humberstone, Max Nino-Zarazua, Matthew Titus
Language: French
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2193017066