Date of Graduation
Spring 5-17-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Economics
First Advisor
Dr. Elizabeth Katz
Abstract
Microfinance is an economic policy complimentary to advancing female empowerment. Empowerment is particularly relevant in patriarchic Islamic contexts in the Middle East, however little research exists. Due to counterfactual creation and inconsistent empowerment measurement, the true impact is debated. This research proposes intra-spousal decision-making outcomes as the appropriate proxy to empowerment and uses a nuanced approach of counterfactual creation by utilizing responses from previous microfinance borrowers. Survey data from a Jordanian MFI is used to examine the endogeneity story and cash-in-hand effects on intra-spousal decision-making outcomes. An instrumental variable estimation technique finds a weak link between microfinance and empowerment.
Recommended Citation
Pugh, Lauren, "Cash-in-Hand, Wives-in-Power: An Exploratory Analysis of Microfinance in Jordan" (2013). Master's Theses. 59.
https://repository.usfca.edu/thes/59
