Microcredit and Women's Outward Mobility in Rural Bangladesh: A Study of the Grameen Bank

ABSTRACT MICROCREDIT AND WOMEN’S OUTWARD MOBILITY IN RURAL BANGLADESH: A STUDY OF THE GRAMEEN BANK by Alaina Jane Fernandez Master of Arts in Social Science California State University, Chico Fall 2009 The Grameen Bank claims to empower women by utilizing microenterprise for the purpose of income generation. Proponents of the microenterprise movement report that microcredit institutions such as the Grameen Bank do in fact improve the lives of women both within families and in the broader society through increased incomes. Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, states that women as microloan recipients have lessened their dependence on husbands, and have also increased their mobility outside the home. This thesis examines women’s potential for power and mobility both within the family and in public social structures through their microcredit membership and increased incomes. Existing and original data are used to analyze the Grameen Bank’s claim of empowering women. Much of this research focuses on married women since power relationships within marriages and families are a main concern. Findings suggest that despite the opportunities provided by microlending, unintended and less desirable outcomes have at times reinforced and legitimized patriarchal dynamics structures that are unfavorable to women. Consequently, while loans have the potential to give women leverage in the family, that influence also may be challenged and even lead to violent retribution against them.