A Claims-based Approach to Microfinance: Reframing the For-Profit vs. Poverty-Lending Debate through the Application of Human Rights Based Development Principles

Wiersma, Anna Elyse (2015) A Claims-based Approach to Microfinance: Reframing the For-Profit vs. Poverty-Lending Debate through the Application of Human Rights Based Development Principles. Masters thesis, The American University of Paris.

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Abstract

While microfinance was once widely identified as a new “silver bullet” for poverty alleviation, the practice has faced increasing criticism in the 21st century concerning its actual impact as a development tool.Using results from fieldwork with microfinance self-help groups in South India, the results of this dissertation first defend the useful, but limited role that microfinance can play in poverty-reduction. The dissertation then proposes a way to transcend the current debate over the proper provision of microfinance services, as the two major approaches (poverty-lending and financial systems) are both found lacking in terms of utilizing microfinance as a tool for socio-economic empowerment.Building on Peter Uvin’s conceptualization of “human rights-based development” (HRDBP), and its political and structural definition of poverty, this dissertation argues that a rights-based approach (RBA) to microfinance is the essential re-defining lens the industry needs in order to truly operate as a mechanism for socio-economic empowerment of the poor. This approach calls for a clear shift in both the way that microfinance’s role in poverty-reduction is viewed, and in the implementation of microfinance itself; overall, a claims-based approach would apply microfinance as a tool, where appropriate, to address gaps in rights-enjoyment, while also intentionally creating the space for its implementation within broader community development programming and rights-based advocacy activities.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Additional Information:	Search for "AVAG" in the document for coverage of Auroville Village Action Group's work
Subjects:	Rural Development > Rural Development (General) Rural Development > Auroville Bioregion
Depositing User:	Admin User
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2020 06:55
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2020 06:57
URI:	http://aurorepo.in/id/eprint/67

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