Despite the apparent success and popularity of microfinance, no clear evidence yet exists that microfinance programmes have positive impacts on the borrowers' lives. Furthermore, prior studies have assessed effects of access to credit on traditional economic outcomes for poor borrowers, but effects on psychological well-being have been largely ignored. Therefore, this chapter reports a systematic review of studies published from 1990 to 2011 made by expert researchers on microfinance impact evaluation. I selected and discussed empirical studies focused on psychological issues as empowerment, domestic violence, physical & mental health, and group dynamics. For each investigation area I presented the most frequently used techniques to measure the impact (qualitative and quantitative approaches), research methods and results.
Psychological effects of Microfinance: a sistematic literature review.
BONAGA, GIORGIA
2013
Abstract
Despite the apparent success and popularity of microfinance, no clear evidence yet exists that microfinance programmes have positive impacts on the borrowers' lives. Furthermore, prior studies have assessed effects of access to credit on traditional economic outcomes for poor borrowers, but effects on psychological well-being have been largely ignored. Therefore, this chapter reports a systematic review of studies published from 1990 to 2011 made by expert researchers on microfinance impact evaluation. I selected and discussed empirical studies focused on psychological issues as empowerment, domestic violence, physical & mental health, and group dynamics. For each investigation area I presented the most frequently used techniques to measure the impact (qualitative and quantitative approaches), research methods and results.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
