XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology (July 15-21, 2018)

JS-23

Microfinance and Its Implication on Empowerment

RC26 Sociotechnics, Sociological Practice (host committee)
RC10 Participation, Organizational Democracy and Self-Management

Language: English

The aim of this session is to explore microfinance and its impact on business development.
Microfinance refers to a financial innovation adapted first in poor developing countries but
emerging also in rich developed countries. Microcredit means giving people access to
financial resources to borrow a small amount of money to invest in income generating context
related business activities. Microfinance can contribute to development of sustainable
enterprises, employment and enhancing peoples´ ability out of poverty by generating income
to their households and the society. Research on microfinance can enrich and expand
mainstream theories on business financial management contributing in poverty alleviation and
empowering of people. This session invites authors to present research aiming to identify: The
impact of microfinance on economic growth, what methodologies and programs are used in
the organising of microfinance, which institutions are involved in offering access to finances,
the impact of microfinance on women empowerment in the rural areas, alternative forms of
financing and microfinance in the developed countries. Comparative studies between different
countries can also be an interesting research issue.