Microfinance and the business of poverty reduction : critical perspectives from rural Bangladesh

Bobby Banerjee, Laurel Jackson

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

In this paper we provide a critical analysis of the role of market-based approaches to poverty reduction in developing countries. In particular we analyze the role of microfinance in poverty alleviation by conducting an ethnographic study of three villages in Bangladesh. Microfinance has become a popular 'base of pyramid' approach that aims to alleviate poverty by providing poor segments new opportunities for entrepreneurship. It also aims to promote empowerment (especially among women) while enhancing social capital in poor communities. Our findings, however, provide a different narrative. We found microfinance led to increasing levels of indebtedness among already impoverished communities and exacerbated economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCapital in Question: Proceedings of the 2013 Academy of Management Annual Meeting: August 9-13, Orlando, Florida
PublisherAcademy of Management
Number of pages40
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
EventAcademy of Management. Meeting -
Duration: 9 Aug 2013 → …

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Print)2151-6561

Conference

ConferenceAcademy of Management. Meeting
Period9/08/13 → …

Keywords

  • microfinance
  • poverty
  • marketing
  • Bangladesh

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