Aspiration Paradox in Indian Micro-Finance: A Difficulty and an Opportunity for Debate

26 Pages Posted: 10 Sep 2008

Date Written: June 2008

Abstract

This paper examines the paradox that a borrower's status aspirations may contribute to a situation in which their borrowings exceed their capacity to repay. This paradox was first described by Thorstein Veblen, and has been fleshed out by Pierre Bourdieu. Thus in the theory of consumer culture there are strands which may be of use in planning and managing micro-finance and rural banking. Field visits in southern Andhra Pradesh suggest that one example might be the use of microfinance to purchase a cow. In this paper I flesh out a theory of micro-finance users' strategic thinking. Both individual-level and social aspects of the situation are considered carefully. The epistemology and ethics of micro-finance are thus a matter of continual re-negotiation and deliberation. The policy situation is one in which micro-finance users and providers need to discuss the situation. The aspiration paradox could lead to default and suffering.

Keywords: India, banking, micro-finance, social status, aspirations, strategies

Suggested Citation

Olsen, Wendy K., Aspiration Paradox in Indian Micro-Finance: A Difficulty and an Opportunity for Debate (June 2008). Brooks World Poverty Institute Working Paper No. 42, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1265628 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1265628

Wendy K. Olsen (Contact Author)

The University of Manchester ( email )

Manchester, M13 9PL
United Kingdom

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