Behavioral foundations of microcredit: Experimental and survey evidence from rural India

Type Working Paper - The American Economic Review
Title Behavioral foundations of microcredit: Experimental and survey evidence from rural India
Author(s)
Volume 102
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 1118-1139
URL http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aea/aer/2012/00000102/00000002/art00018
Abstract
We use experimental measures of time discounting and risk aversion for villagers in south India to highlight behavioral features of microcredit, a financial tool designed to reduce poverty and fix credit market imperfections. The evidence suggests that microcredit contracts may do more than reduce moral hazard and adverse selection by imposing new forms of discipline on borrowers. We find that, conditional on borrowing from any source, women with present-biased preferences are more likely than others to borrow through microcredit institutions. Another particular contribution of microcredit may thus be to provide helpful structure for borrowers seeking self-discipline.

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