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Creating social capital for the poorest women – evidence from BRAC’s Ultra Poor Graduation program

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Social capital is critical in facilitating access to social resources; this is particularly the case for extremely poor and vulnerable women. However, whether we can intentionally create social capital, for such vulnerable groups through external interventions remains a fundamental and largely unanswered question. Using quasi-experimental data from BRAC’s Ultra Poor Graduation (UPG) program, we analyse the impact of a multifaceted program approach that links personal and livelihood development, and access to finance interventions, in the creation of social capital for women in extreme poverty. Overall, we find evidence that program interventions have a positive impact on creating social capital. We find that interventions can create more heterophyllous interactions, resulting in the creation of weaker social ties. However, the ability to form social ties decreases as women age, with differences in individuals’ capital skills and life aspirations proving to be crucial in explaining variance.

Source: Development in Practice

DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2025.2495967

Authors: Md Moslah Uddin, David Lawson

Institution: University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Microfinance and Financial Inclusion

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: University of Manchester